The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is seeing the installation of noise barriers to reduce the impact of noise generated during operations. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has already installed over 1.75 lakh noise barriers along a stretch of 87.5 km in Gujarat.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Noise Barriers
These barriers, made of concrete, are 2 metres high and 1 metre wide. Each barrier weighs between 830 and 840 kg. Their purpose is to reduce the aerodynamic noise produced by the train, as well as the noise created by the train’s wheels running along the tracks. In Gujarat alone, over 1,75,000 noise barriers have been installed.
For every 1 km of the corridor, around 2000 noise barriers are installed on both sides of the viaduct. To meet the demand, three precast factories have been set up in Surat, Anand, and Ahmedabad. These factories manufacture the modular noise barrier elements.
The design of these noise barriers ensures they do not block passengers’ views. While the barriers will be 2 metres high in most areas, they will be taller, at 3 metres, in densely populated and residential zones. In these areas, an additional 1-metre polycarbonate barrier will be used. This translucent material helps reduce noise without obstructing the view.
Minimising The Environmental Impact
NHSRCL’s plan to mitigate the noise from the bullet train reflects its commitment to minimising the environmental impact of this high-speed project. The design of the barriers reflects and distributes noise from the train’s lower part, especially from its wheels. This setup provides passengers with a quieter ride while reducing noise for people living close to the tracks.
The use of polycarbonate in urban areas is a significant step, as it allows natural light to pass through while still offering effective noise reduction. This choice of material balances functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that the bullet train corridor does not visually impact the surrounding landscapes.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives. It aims to provide high-speed travel between two major cities, significantly reducing travel time. The installation of these noise barriers is a crucial part of making the project environmentally sustainable, addressing concerns from local communities about noise pollution.
As the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project advances, more stretches of the corridor will receive similar noise reduction measures. This reflects NHSRCL’s focus on balancing technological innovation with community well-being.
Cover Image Courtesy: @RDSOLucknow/X (Formerly, Twitter)