Bullet train services during monsoons is unlikely
Sources says the speed of bullet trains will come down to 160 kmph if 40mm rainfall is received per hour or if there's 180 mm rainfall in 24 hours
A study conducted by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has revealed that it won't be possible for bullet trains to ply in the city during the monsoons. They have calculated natural disaster parameter that can bring bullet train services on Mumbai-Ahmedabad route to a halt.
Sources said 80 per cent of the design is ready and as per their study on the proposed 508 km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train — which will run at 320 kmph — services will be affected during heavy rains, cyclones, earthquakes, and extreme temperatures. During Mumbai monsoons, bullet train services will likely come to a halt if there is continuous rainfall at 50mm per hour or if there is 400 mm rainfall within 24 hours.
Sources said the speed of bullet trains will come down to 160 kmph if 40mm rainfall is received per hour or if there's 180 mm rainfall in 24 hours. At 45 mm rainfall per hour and 220 mm in 24 hours, the speed will drop to 70 kmph. "We will be placing 6 rain gauges at the mouth of tunnels at 6 locations between Mumbai and Vapi," said Achal Khare, Managing Director, NHSRCL.
Last year, on August 29, Mumbai saw torrential rains reaching 418 mm in 12 hours. The situation had worsened to an extent where local trains and vehicular traffic had come to a standstill.
This apart, for the first time, rail authorities will place machines to predict earthquakes, which would automatically stop the train within five minutes. They have placed seismic machines at various locations in Bhuj, Osmanabad, Latur, and Killari to monitor earthquakes. Rail officials said the moment a second tremor is detected, bullet trains will come to a halt as a precautionary measure.
The sensors will send a message to the train's system and ensure that brakes are applied. Once the bullet train crosses 70 kmph, an in-built technology will slow downthe speed. A loco pilot will man the controls when the speed drops below 70 kmph.
High winds can also obstruct the smooth operation of bullet trains, which can pick up a speed of 320 kmph within five and a half minutes. "If wind speed above 30 mps is recorded, then train will come to a halt. This, however, shouldn't be much of a concern as such high wind speed is recorded only during cyclones," added Khare.
If wind speed of 20 mps is recorded, the train's speed will be lowered to 160 kmph. Also, if temperature rises to 65 degrees Celsius or drops to - 40 degrees, bullet trains will stop plying.