Lesson3

Railway Track Gauge

Gauge is defined as the minimum distance between two rails. Philippine Railways follows this
standard practice and the gauge is measured as the clear minimum distance between the running
faces of the two rails.

Figure. Gauge

Fig. 2.1 Gauge

The choice of gauge is very limited, as each country has a fixed gauge and all new railway lines
are constructed to adhere to the standard gauge. However, the following factors theoretically
influence the choice of the gauge.

Cost Considerations
There is only a marginal increase in the cost of the track if a wider gauge is adopted. In this
connection, the following points are important.
(a) There is a proportional increase in the cost of acquisition of land, earthwork, rails, sleepers,
ballast, and other track items when constructing a wider gauge.
(b) The cost of building bridges, culverts, and tunnels increases only marginally due to a wider
gauge.
(c) The cost of constructing station buildings, platforms, staff quarters, level crossings, signals,
etc. associated with the railway network is more or less the same for all gauges.
(d) The cost of rolling stock is independent of the gauge of the track for carrying the same
volume of traffic.

Traffic Considerations
The volume of traffic depends upon the size of wagons and the speed and hauling capacity of the
train.
(a) As a wider gauge can carry larger wagons and coaches, it can theoretically carry more traffic.
(b) A wider gauge has a greater potential at higher speeds, because speed is a function of the
diameter of the wheel, which in turn is limited by the width of the gauge.
(c) The type of traction and signaling equipment required are independent of the gauge.
 Worksheet 3
Name:______________________________________________________Year & Section______
Date Submitted:________________________________________________________________

1. Why is it desirable to have, as far as possible, a uniform gauge for the railway?
2. What do you understand by loading gauge? How is it different from the construction
gauge?
3. Write short notes on the following: a) Break of gauge, b) Standard gauge, c) Cape gauge
(d) Meter gauge
 Lesson 4
Alignment of Railway Lines

Introduction
Alignment of railway line refers to the direction and position given to the centre line of the
railway track on the ground in the horizontal and vertical planes. Horizontal alignment means the
direction of the railway track in the plan including the straight path and the curves it follows.
Vertical alignment means the direction it follows in a vertical plane including the level track,
gradients, and vertical curves. A new railway line should be aligned carefully after proper
considerations, as improper alignment may ultimately prove to be more costly and may not be
able to fulfill the desired objectives. Railway line constructions are capital-intensive projects,
once constructed, it is very difficult to change the alignment of a railway line because of the
costly structures involved, difficulty in getting additional land for the new alignment, and such
other considerations.

The ideal alignment of a railway line should meet the following requirements.
Purpose of the New Railway Line. The alignment of a new railway line should serve the basic
purpose for which the railway line is being constructed. The purpose may include strategic
considerations, political considerations, developing of backward areas,
connecting new trade centers. and shortening existing rail lines.
Integrated Development. The new railway line should fit in with the general planning and form
a part of the integrated development of the country.
Economic Considerations
The construction of the railway line should be as economical as possible. The
following aspects require special attention. a) Shortest route. It is desirable to have the shortest
and most direct route between the connecting points. The shorter the length of the railway line,
the lower the cost of its construction, maintenance, and operation. There can, however, be other
practical considerations that can lead to deviation from the shortest route. b) Construction and
maintenance cost. The alignment of the line should be so chosen that the construction cost is
minimum. This can be achieved by a balanced cut and fill of earthwork, minimizing rock cutting
and drainage crossings by locating the alignment on watershed lines, and such other technical
considerations. Maintenance costs can be reduced by avoiding steep gradients and sharp curves,
which cause heavy wear and tear of rails and rolling stock. c) Minimum operational expenses.
The alignment should be such that the operational or transportation expenses are minimum. This
can be done by maximizing the haulage of goods with the given power of the locomotive and
traction mix. This can he achieved by providing easy gradients, avoiding sharp curves, and
adopting a direct route. d) Maximum Safety and Comfort. The alignment should be such that it
provides maximum safety and comfort to the travelling public. This can be achieved by
designing curves with proper transition lengths, providing vertical curves for gradients, and
incorporating other such technical features. Aesthetic Considerations. While deciding the
alignment, aesthetic aspects should also be given due weightage. A journey by rail should be
visually pleasing. This can be done by avoiding views of borrow pits and passing the alignment
through natural and beautiful surroundings with scenic beauty.
 Worksheet 4
Name:______________________________________________________Year & Section______
Date Submitted:________________________________________________________________

1. State and discuss briefly the factors that control the alignment of a railway track.
2. In the process of selecting a suitable alignment for a railway line, what factors and parameters
are kept in view? What analysis is done to assess the economic viability of the alignment?
3. Describe in brief the basic requirements of a good alignment. What are the factors that control
the alignment of a railway line?
4. What do you understand by mountain railways? Describe in brief the various types of
alignments used for mountain railways.
5. Write short notes on the following: (i) Spiral method, (ii) Zigzag method, (iii) Rack railway