Bullet train corridor to get 28-seismometer earthquake alert system

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is building an earthquake detection system for the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, with 28 seismometers planned along the route and in nearby seismic zones.

Construction on the corridor is in full swing, covering stations, overhead electrical equipment, tunnels and other railway systems. The Ministry of Railways has set August 15, 2027, as the target for the first service, to run on the 97-km Surat-Vapi section using the B28 trainset. The line is designed for a top speed of 350 kmph and will operate at 320 kmph.

How the system responds

When an earthquake is detected, the system will automatically cut the power supply in the affected area. Trains will sense the outage and apply their emergency brakes, bringing services in that section to a halt. The mechanism, based on Japanese Shinkansen technology, is meant to give early warning and trigger protective action before stronger seismic waves reach the infrastructure.

Where the sensors go

Of the 28 seismometers, 22 will sit along the alignment at traction substations and switching posts. Eight of these are in Maharashtra, around Mumbai, Thane, Virar and Boisar. The other 14 are in Gujarat, around Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahemdabad and Ahmedabad.

The remaining six will be inland seismometers in earthquake-prone areas. Four are in Maharashtra at Kheda, Ratnagiri, Latur and Pangri, while two are in Gujarat at Adesar and Old Bhuj.

Why sensors sit away from the line

The six inland units are being placed in zones that have recorded earthquakes above magnitude 5.5 near the corridor over the past century. Japanese experts surveyed the sites before selection, and soil suitability was checked through micro-tremor tests. These sensors will help detect seismic activity in vulnerable areas and support the safety system for the high-speed rail corridor.