28 Seismometers To Be Installed At Mumbai-Ahmedabad ‘Bullet Train’ Corridor For Early Earthquake Warning

New Delhi: In a significant stride towards ensuring the safety of passengers and critical infrastructure, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) announced on Monday the installation of twenty-eight seismometers, a state-of-the-art ‘Early Earthquake Detection System’ for the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad ‘bullet train’ corridor. 

As per ANI, the system is based on Japanese Shinkansen technology.  The seismometers, strategically placed along the alignment, will detect earthquake-induced tremors through primary waves. Upon detection, an automatic power shutdown will be initiated, triggering emergency brakes on trains running in the affected area to ensure a swift and secure stoppage. 

Out of the 28 seismometers, 22 will be strategically installed along the alignment. Eight seismic monitoring devices will be installed in Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar in Maharashtra state, while 14 will be in Gujarat’s Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahembadad, and Ahmedabad, ANI cited the release as informing.

The release further stated that the seismometers will be integrated into Traction Sub-Stations and Switching Posts along the corridor. 

The remaining six inland seismometers will be installed in earthquake-prone areas, including Khed, Ratnagiri, Latur, Adesar, Old Bhuj, and Pangri. Japanese experts conducted a thorough survey in regions near the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail alignment, identifying the areas with a history of earthquakes exceeding 5.5 magnitudes in the past century, reported ANI.

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X and posted about the initiative. 

28 seismometers in Bharat’s #BulletTrain to detect earthquakes early.#RailInfra pic.twitter.com/P8Ff0UQS2f

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 29, 2024

According to the release, areas along the high-speed corridor, where earthquakes of magnitude greater than 5.5 have taken place in the past 100 years, were surveyed by Japanese experts. A detailed survey and soil suitability study through a microtremor test, the above sites were selected, the release further stated, reported ET.

Anjum Pervez, Managing Director, NHSRCL, said, “This Early Earthquake Detection System, strategically placed along the alignment and in earthquake-prone areas, will ensure swift response by initiating automatic power shutdown and activating emergency brakes. These seismometers showcase innovation and represent proactive steps to safeguard passengers and protect critical infrastructure”, as quoted by ANI.