The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, spanning 508 kilometers, is set to incorporate advanced wind speed monitoring systems at 14 strategic locations along its route, announced by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL). This initiative aims to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of the high-speed rail corridor, which is poised to traverse coastal and wind-prone regions of western India.
The chosen sites for the “anemometers” include nine in Gujarat and five in Maharashtra, particularly over river bridges and areas susceptible to sudden, strong wind gusts. These devices are critical for measuring wind speeds, which, in coastal areas, can significantly affect the viaduct-based train operations. Anemometers are designed to detect wind speeds ranging from 0 to 70 meters per second across a full 360-degree spectrum, providing vital data for disaster prevention and management.
Locations selected for these installations cover key rivers such as the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, the Mahi in Anand, the Narmada in Bharuch, the Tapi in Surat, as well as the Par and Daman Ganga rivers in Valsad. Maharashtra’s contributions to this monitoring network include the Vaitarna river in Palghar and the Ulhas river in Thane.
In response to varying wind speeds, train velocities will be dynamically adjusted or halted to ensure passenger safety. The NHSRCL elaborated that operations would adjust for wind speeds between 20 m/s and 35 m/s and suspend if winds exceed 35 m/s, with trains being directed to areas of relative safety like tunnels or protected valleys.
This extensive wind monitoring system will be under the continuous surveillance of the Operation Control Centre (OCC), ensuring real-time response capabilities to any wind-related challenges. The project, utilizing Japan’s esteemed Shinkansen technology and backed by a soft loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marks a significant advancement in India’s rail infrastructure, aiming for an initial launch between Surat and Bilimora by 2026. Despite initial delays, particularly in land acquisition, the NHSRCL reported full land acquisition for the project as of January, setting the stage for the next phase of development.