UNESCO Railways — Set 3
Indian Railways · UNESCO रेलवे · Questions 21–30 of 50
The 'Agony Point' and 'Sensation Corner' are famous spots on which narrow-gauge railway?
Correct Answer: A. Darjeeling Himalayan
These names refer to sharp curves where the train seems to hang over deep valleys. They were named to describe the thrilling experience of early passengers. The Darjeeling line is known for having some of the sharpest curves in the world.
How many tunnels are there on the Kalka-Shimla UNESCO heritage railway line?
Correct Answer: C. 103
The line originally had 107 tunnels, but 103 remain in active use today. Tunnel Number 33 at Barog is the most famous and longest among them. This high density of tunnels showcases the complex mountain engineering of the early 20th century.
Which animal is used in the mascot of Indian Railways, often seen at heritage sites like CSMT?
Correct Answer: D. Elephant
Bholu the elephant is the official mascot of Indian Railways. He is depicted as a railway guard holding a green signal lamp. The mascot was introduced in 2002 to celebrate 150 years of rail in India.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) starts its journey from Mettupalayam, which is in which district?
Correct Answer: A. Coimbatore
Mettupalayam is located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. It serves as the base station where passengers transition from broad-gauge trains to the meter-gauge mountain line. The line then enters the Nilgiris district as it ascends.
Which UNESCO railway site features a 'Star Chamber' and a central dome in its station architecture?
Correct Answer: D. CSMT Mumbai
CSMT Mumbai is famous for its grand dome and the vaulted ceiling of its booking office, known as the Star Chamber. The building is decorated with sculptures representing commerce and agriculture. It is a masterpiece of the Indo-Saracenic and Gothic styles.
Which mountain railway was originally built to serve the summer capital of the Government of India?
Correct Answer: A. Kalka-Shimla
Shimla was the summer capital where the British administration moved every year to escape the heat. The railway provided an efficient way for officials and their supplies to reach the high-altitude town. It was completed in 1903 during the tenure of Lord Curzon.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is primarily powered by which type of energy on its uphill climb?
Correct Answer: C. Coal-fired Steam
The heritage NMR still uses traditional oil-fired or coal-fired steam locomotives for the rack section. These engines provide the massive torque required to push the coaches up the steep Nilgiri slopes. Diesel engines are used mostly for the flatter sections of the journey.
What is the length of the Kalka-Shimla Railway track?
Correct Answer: D. 96 km
The total length of this UNESCO line is approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles). It travels from an elevation of 656 meters to 2,075 meters at Shimla. The journey takes about five to six hours due to the winding mountainous path.
Which organization is responsible for the protection and management of Indian UNESCO railway sites?
Correct Answer: D. Indian Railways
Indian Railways manages these sites through dedicated heritage cells and specialized staff. They are responsible for maintaining the tracks, vintage engines, and historic station buildings. Conservation is done following guidelines established by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.
In which city was the first ever passenger train in India launched, leading to the development of heritage sites like CSMT?
Correct Answer: B. Mumbai
The first passenger train ran from Mumbai's Bori Bunder to Thane in April 1853. This historic run laid the foundation for the vast network that exists today. CSMT was later built on the site of the original Bori Bunder station.