Bullet train to install 28 seismometers for quake alerts

31 Jan 2024 CW Team

The National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) announced that they would be installing twenty-eight seismometers for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad 'bullet train' corridor. In a statement released that day, the NHSRCL mentioned that an 'Early Earthquake Detection System,' based on Japanese Shinkansen technology, would be put in place to guarantee the safety of passengers and critical infrastructure.

The NHSRCL explained that out of the 28 seismometers, 22 would be placed along the alignment. Among these, eight would be positioned in Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar in Maharashtra, while the remaining 14 would be in Gujarat's Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahembadad, and Ahmedabad.

The release further conveyed that the remaining six seismometers, labeled as inland seismometers, would be installed in earthquake-prone areas such as Khed, Ratnagiri, Latur, and Pangri in Maharashtra, as well as Adesar and Old Bhuj in Gujarat.

It was informed in the release that the seismometers would be placed in traction sub-stations and switching posts along the alignment. These devices would detect earthquake-induced tremors through primary waves, triggering an automatic power shutdown.

As per the release, emergency brakes would be activated when the power shutdown is detected, causing trains in the affected area to come to a halt, stated the NHSRCL.

The release also noted that Japanese experts had conducted a survey of areas along the high-speed corridor where earthquakes of magnitude greater than 5.5 had occurred in the past 100 years.

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..