The construction of high-speed railway stations on elevated platforms has become a common phenomenon, especially in countries with developed railway systems like China.
When we observe newly built high-speed railway stations, a frequent occurrence is that these stations are often situated on very high platforms, particularly the high-speed stations in China.
This raises the question of whether such construction is beneficial or problematic. Many opinions suggest that this is to avoid flooding or to enhance passenger flow. However, the reasons behind this are more complex than that.
High-speed railway stations are often built on very high platforms, particularly the high-speed stations in China.
Reasons for Building High-Speed Railway Stations on Elevated Platforms
In the past, many old railway lines were built on flat land, without the need for elevated foundations. However, new railway lines often require dredging, expanding, and raising the platform due to the larger terrain area. High-speed railway stations are constructed on elevated platforms to avoid flooding during the rainy season and facilitate drainage, such as placing platforms and drainage channels at higher positions.
Another significant advantage of elevated platforms is that they not only allow for the expansion of the platform but also accommodate longer train cars. This increases the number of passengers that can be handled at each platform and reduces the number of trains departing simultaneously, thereby minimizing resource waste and passenger travel time. Furthermore, as travel time increases with the number of passengers and train length, elevated platforms can enhance train capacity, leading to reduced travel times.
High-speed railway stations are built on elevated platforms to avoid flooding during the rainy season.
Drawbacks of Building High-Speed Railway Stations on Elevated Platforms
Constructing high-speed railway stations on elevated platforms requires substantial manpower and financial resources. Particularly, if the local geographical environment is harsh, construction becomes more complex and costly. Additionally, safety measures during the construction process also demand significant resources.
Another drawback is the risk of train derailment. Although high-speed railway lines are built with high precision, this risk cannot be entirely eliminated. If a train derails, it poses a threat to the safety of the train and passengers on the elevated platform.
Building high-speed railway stations on elevated platforms requires substantial manpower and financial resources.
Benefits of Building High-Speed Railway Stations on Elevated Platforms
Elevated platforms effectively prevent the impact of rainfall and reduce the extent of flooding. This is particularly important in areas with high rainfall, where flooding can disrupt transportation and pose risks to high-speed railway lines.
The climate in the mountainous regions of China is often unstable and can experience storms. Buildings affected by storms can suffer extensive damage; therefore, constructing stations on elevated platforms helps ensure the safety of high-speed trains and passengers.
High-speed railways require regular inspection and maintenance. Building stations on elevated platforms facilitates easier access to equipment that needs to be inspected and repaired, ensuring that services operate efficiently and safely.
High-speed railways require regular inspection and maintenance.
High-Speed Rail Technology in China
China has made remarkable advancements in high-speed rail technology. After decades of construction, the country’s high-speed rail technology has reached a world-class level. Not only is the high-speed rail technology impressive, but China’s highway technology has also astonished many foreigners. Numerous countries are eager to acquire high-speed rail technology from China, demonstrating the superiority and global competitiveness of this technology.
High-speed rail technology is not just a simple technology but has become part of the culture. Many foreign media refer to it as “Chinese-style technology”, asserting that while the world may surpass China in many aspects, in the realm of high-speed rail technology, China has become a leading nation.
Disadvantages and Challenges of Building on Elevated Platforms
Repairing trains after they stop on elevated platforms also takes a lot of time.
Although building high-speed railway stations on elevated platforms brings many benefits, there are also considerable challenges. High construction costs are one of the biggest challenges. To construct a high-speed railway station, substantial manpower, materials, and financial investment are required. Moreover, repairing trains after they stop on elevated platforms also takes a lot of time, which decreases the efficiency of high-speed railway operations.
The construction of high-speed railway stations on elevated platforms presents both benefits and challenges. From flood prevention, convenience for repairs and maintenance, to enhancing passenger service capabilities, these benefits are quite evident. However, high construction costs and the risk of train derailment are factors that need careful consideration.
China’s high-speed rail technology has achieved impressive milestones and has become a part of the country’s culture. The continuous development of this technology will continue to contribute to the growth of the global transportation system. However, to maximize the benefits of building on elevated platforms, thorough consideration and management are required to ensure safety and efficiency.
