Gauges & Tracks — Set 3
Indian Railways · गेज और ट्रैक · Questions 21–30 of 50
Which gauge was the very first to be laid in India between Boribunder and Thane in 1853?
Correct Answer: D. Broad Gauge
India's first railway line was built on the 5 feet 6 inches (1.676 m) Broad Gauge. Lord Dalhousie decided on this wider gauge for better stability and carrying capacity. This decision set the standard for the backbone of India's transport system.
The 'Creep' of rails refers to which longitudinal movement?
Correct Answer: C. Longitudinal shifting
The correct answer is 'Longitudinal shifting'. Creep is the slow movement of rails in the direction of the dominant traffic. It is caused by the braking and acceleration forces of heavy trains. It can lead to the closing of expansion gaps and misalignment of points.
A 'Dual Gauge' track is one that supports?
Correct Answer: D. Two different gauges on same bed
Dual gauge tracks have three rails so that trains of two different gauges can use the same track. This is often used as a temporary solution during gauge conversion projects. It saves the cost of building a completely separate new formation.
What is the standard length of a single Broad Gauge rail used in Indian Railways?
Correct Answer: B. 13 meters
Standard rails are usually 13 meters long for Broad Gauge and 12 meters for Meter Gauge. These individual pieces are then welded together to form much longer sections. The length is traditionally limited by the ease of transportation and handling.
Which device is used to check the gauge and level of the track during maintenance?
Correct Answer: D. Track Gauge and Level
Maintenance staff use a specialized manual tool to ensure the distance between rails is correct. It also checks the 'cross-level' to ensure the rails are at the same height on straight tracks. Accurate leveling is essential for a smooth and safe journey.
The weight of the rail is usually measured in?
Correct Answer: A. kg per meter
The correct answer is 'kg per meter'. Rails are classified by their weight per unit length, such as 60kg/m or 52kg/m. Heavier rails are used on main lines that handle high-speed and heavy freight trains. The weight indicates the thickness and strength of the rail section.
Which gauge is specifically used for the 'Toy Train' of Darjeeling?
Correct Answer: B. 0.610 m
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway uses the very narrow 2-foot (610 mm) gauge. This extremely small width is necessary to climb the steep gradients of the hills. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in North Bengal.
The formation or 'Subgrade' is the?
Correct Answer: B. Prepared earth surface
The correct answer is 'Prepared earth surface'. The subgrade is the base of soil on which the ballast and track are built. It must be well-compacted and have good drainage properties to support the rail load. Poor subgrade quality can lead to track sinking and accidents.
In India, which type of rail is becoming obsolete due to Project Unigauge?
Correct Answer: C. Meter Gauge
Meter Gauge is being phased out as part of the modernization of the rail network. Converting these lines to Broad Gauge increases the speed and capacity of the route. Most important pilgrimage and tourist routes have already been converted.
Which component prevents the lateral or sideways movement of the rails on the sleepers?
Correct Answer: B. Elastic Rail Clips
Elastic Rail Clips (ERC) or 'Pandrol Clips' fasten the rail tightly to the sleeper. They provide the necessary grip to keep the track stable under high-speed vibrations. They are designed to absorb shocks and maintain the rail position.