Six Automated Rainfall Monitoring Systems To Be Installed Along Bullet Train Corridor

In a move to ensure the safe operations of bullet train services, an automated rainfall monitoring system will be deployed along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), overseeing the project, plans to install six instrumented rain gauge stations across the 508 km corridor, in Thane and Palghar districts. These stations will be placed near critical locations such as vulnerable earth structures, mountain tunnel entrances/exits, and tunnel portals.

The data collected, including hourly and 24-hour rainfall measurements, will be relayed to the traffic controller. Based on this information, necessary adjustments to train speeds will be implemented to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

"Specific regulations will be enforced based on the rainfall data and threshold values type of earth structure and natural slopes for each section duly validated by patrolling teams activated through Maintenance Centers,” NHSRCL said.

Additionally, the NHSRCL is installing anemometers at 14 locations along the corridor — nine in Gujarat and five in Maharashtra — to monitor wind speeds. These devices will specifically focus on areas such as river bridges and zones prone to gusts, which can affect train operations on elevated viaducts.

To further enhance the safety of passengers and critical infrastructure during earthquakes, the project will deploy 28 seismometers.

This early earthquake detection system, based on Japanese Shinkansen technology, will detect earthquake-induced tremors through primary waves and enable an automatic power shutdown. Emergency brakes will be activated when the power shutdown is detected and the trains running in the affected area shall stop.