Hyderabad: In case Hyderabad is hit by a high intensity earthquake the chances of the Metro Rail being affected is zero, as each pillar of the rail has been installed with seismic arresters.

These expensive devices are installed at the top of every pillar. Metro rail will be the first project in the state to have seismic arresters. Experts from Delhi, with vast experience in Indian Railways and Metro strongly suggested to the Hyderabad Metro Rail to install the seismic arresters though it adds to the cost of the project. The arresters are being installed along the three corridors to withstand earthquakes or tremors.

The seismic arresters are being presently installed on the following corridors, Corridor-1 from Miyapur-L.B. Nagar (29 km) and Corridor-II from Jubilee Bus Station to Falaknuma (15 km).

HMR managing director, N.V.S. Reddy said, “The name itself explains the device, these seismic arresters are installed on the top (centre) of the pillar and it arrests the via duct. Though each via duct looks independent, they are connected through a rod, which will not allow the via duct to be affected even in case of extreme earthquakes. Hyderabad does not fall under high intensity zone but to be on the safe side the arresters have been installed, as earthquakes are a phenomenon that cannot be predicted.”

According to experts, the twin cities that are Hyderabad and Secunderabad are located in a zone that can be hit by earthquake measuring 4.5 to 5.0 on the Richter Scale. This natural disaster can occur but any tremors measuring between 5.8 and 6 on the eastern side can affect the twin cities, particularly in areas like Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills (these areas are prone to minor tremors). But earthquake occurrences are rare in Hyderabad (low density). The city witnessed minor earthquakes in 1982 and 1983.