High-speed rail (HSR)

High-speed rail (HSR)

Subject: Science and technology

Section: MSc

Context: China launched its first high-speed rail line that will travel across several bays and skim along the coast of the southeastern province of Fujian near the Taiwan Strait, state media reported on Thursday.

Details:

It is China’s first cross-sea, rapid line with bullet trains that will travel over bridges across three coastal bays and hit top speeds of 350 km per hour (218 mph), state media said, citing China State Railway Group Co Ltd, the country’s railway operator.

What is high-speed rail (HSR)

A high-speed rail (HSR) is a type of passenger train service that operates at significantly higher speeds than traditional rail systems. The defining characteristic of HSR is its ability to consistently reach speeds well above those of conventional trains. While there is no universally agreed-upon speed threshold that categorizes a rail service as “high-speed,” HSR typically involves trains that can travel at speeds of 155 mph (250 km/h) or more.

Key features and characteristics of high-speed rail systems include:

High Operating Speeds: HSR trains are designed to operate at much higher speeds than regular trains, allowing for faster travel between cities and regions.

Dedicated Tracks: HSR often uses dedicated tracks that are separate from existing rail lines and are specially designed to accommodate high speeds. This minimizes interference from slower freight trains or other traffic.

Advanced Technology: HSR trains incorporate cutting-edge technology in areas like aerodynamics, propulsion, and braking systems to maximize efficiency and safety.

Electric Power: Most HSR systems are electrically powered, often using overhead catenary wires or a third rail, which reduces emissions and allows for rapid acceleration and deceleration.

Streamlined Design: High-speed trains typically have streamlined, aerodynamic shapes to reduce air resistance and improve fuel efficiency.

High Capacity: HSR trains are designed to carry large numbers of passengers, making them a competitive alternative to air travel for certain routes.

Reduced Travel Times: The primary goal of HSR is to reduce travel times between major cities and regions, making it an attractive option for commuters and long-distance travelers.

Safety Measures: HSR systems incorporate advanced safety features and signaling systems to ensure passenger safety at high speeds.

High-speed rail networks are most commonly found in countries like Japan, France, Germany, China, and Spain, where they have become integral parts of the transportation infrastructure. These systems offer a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

High speed rail in India

At present, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor is the only sanctioned High Speed Rail Project, which is under execution with technical and financial assistance from Govt. of Japan.

Further, Ministry of Railways has decided to undertake Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the following six High Speed Rail (HSR) corridors:

1. Delhi -Varanasi
2. Delhi – Ahmedabad
3. Mumbai– Nagpur
4. Mumbai – Hyderabad
5. Chennai – Mysore
6. Delhi –Amritsar.