Gauges & Tracks — Set 2
Indian Railways · गेज और ट्रैक · Questions 11–20 of 50
The 'Fishplate' in a railway track is used for which purpose?
Correct Answer: D. Connecting two rails
A fishplate is a metal bar bolted to the ends of two rails to join them together. They maintain the continuity of the track while allowing for thermal expansion. In modern tracks, many joints are now replaced by continuous welding.
Which Indian state has the highest density of railway tracks per square kilometer?
Correct Answer: D. Punjab
Punjab has a very high rail density due to its flat terrain and agricultural importance. This facilitates the massive movement of food grains to other parts of India. West Bengal also ranks high due to its historical development as a rail hub.
Which of the following gauges is the narrowest in Indian Railways?
Correct Answer: A. Light Narrow Gauge (0.610 m)
The 610 mm gauge, used in the Matheran Hill Railway, is the narrowest in the system. It is specifically used for very sharp curves and steep gradients in hill stations. These tracks are often called 'toy train' tracks by tourists.
The sleepers in a railway track are placed in which direction relative to the rails?
Correct Answer: D. Perpendicular
Sleepers are laid perpendicular to the rails to maintain the correct gauge distance. They transmit the pressure from the rails to the ballast and subgrade. They are spaced at regular intervals to ensure uniform support.
Which organization is responsible for setting the technical standards for tracks and gauges in India?
Correct Answer: A. RDSO
The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) acts as the technical advisor to Indian Railways. It is based in Lucknow and handles the design of all rail infrastructure. RDSO ensures that the tracks meet safety and efficiency parameters.
Indian Railways uses 'Long Welded Rails' (LWR) primarily to?
Correct Answer: D. Reduce maintenance and joints
LWR minimizes the number of joints, which are the weakest points of a track. This leads to a smoother ride and reduces the wear and tear on the wheels. It also significantly lowers the noise levels during train movement.
The term 'Permanent Way' in railway engineering refers to?
Correct Answer: A. The final track structure
Permanent Way is the combination of rails, sleepers, ballast, and the underlying soil. It is called 'permanent' to distinguish it from temporary tracks laid during construction. It must be designed to withstand heavy dynamic loads and environmental stresses.
On a curved track, the outer rail is slightly raised above the inner rail. This is called?
Correct Answer: D. Cant or Super-elevation
Super-elevation helps in counteracting the centrifugal force as the train takes a turn. It prevents the train from tilting outward and reduces the risk of derailment. The amount of cant depends on the speed of the train and the radius of the curve.
Which type of rail section is most commonly used in Indian Railways Broad Gauge tracks today?
Correct Answer: C. Flat footed
Flat-footed rails have a wider base that sits directly on the sleepers. They provide better stability and are easier to fix compared to other types. This section is now the standard for all major railway lines globally.
The phenomenon where the gap between two rails increases due to cold weather is managed by?
Correct Answer: A. Expansion joints
Steel rails expand in summer and contract in winter due to temperature changes. Expansion joints provide the necessary space for this movement to prevent buckling or gaps. Proper maintenance of these joints is critical for track safety.