Scribd
Upload
25 views4 pages

Railway and Bridge Unit - 1

Railway and Bridge Notes for Diploma

Uploaded by

Dr.Rakesh Pandey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
25 views4 pages

Railway and Bridge Unit - 1

Railway and Bridge Notes for Diploma

Uploaded by

Dr.Rakesh Pandey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Introduction to Railways

Railways are a significant mode of transport for both passengers and freight across the globe. They play
an essential role in the economic and social development of countries by providing a reliable, efficient,
and cost-effective means of transportation.

Historical Development of Railways in India

1. Beginning:

o The first railway line in India was established in 1853, between Mumbai (Bombay) and
Thane, covering 34 kilometers.

o It was initiated under British rule, mainly to serve colonial interests by facilitating the
transportation of raw materials and goods.

2. Expansion:

o During the British period, the railway network expanded significantly, connecting major
cities and regions.

o Post-independence, the Indian government nationalized the railways in 1951, forming


one of the largest railway networks in the world.

3. Modern Era:

o Indian Railways has since developed to include high-speed trains, dedicated freight
corridors, and modern technological advancements like electrification and digitization.

Merits of Rail Transportation

1. Large Capacity: Railways can carry massive quantities of goods and large numbers of passengers
over long distances.

2. Energy Efficiency: Rail transport is more fuel-efficient compared to road transport, especially for
freight.

3. Cost Efficiency: Economical for long-distance and bulk transportation of goods.

4. Safety: Railways are statistically safer than road transport for passengers and goods.

5. Environmentally Friendly: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to electric trains and lower
fuel consumption.
Gauges in Railway

1. Definition:

o Gauge refers to the distance between the inner faces of the two parallel rails of a
railway track.

2. Types of Gauges in India:

o Broad Gauge (1676 mm): The most common and standard gauge in India.

o Meter Gauge (1000 mm): Once prevalent in rural and hilly areas, now being converted
to broad gauge.

o Narrow Gauge (762 mm and 610 mm): Used in hilly terrains and heritage railways.

3. Gauge Problems:

o Gauge Conversion: Ongoing process to standardize the rail network to broad gauge for
uniformity and efficiency.

o Break of Gauge: Inconveniences and delays at junctions where different gauges meet,
requiring passengers or goods to change trains.

Railway Track Cross Sections

 The track consists of two rails fixed to sleepers (ties), laid on ballast, and held together with
fittings.

 Cross-sectional elements include rails, sleepers, ballast, subgrade, and sometimes a formation
layer.

Coning of Wheels

1. Definition:

o The wheels of a train are not perfectly cylindrical but have a slight taper, known as
coning.

2. Purpose:
o Coning ensures smooth operation of trains on curved tracks by adjusting the contact
area between the wheel and the rail.

Rail Cross Sections

 Rails are made in a specific cross-sectional shape to bear heavy loads.

 Types:

o Flat-footed rails: The most common, having a wide base for stability.

o Bull-headed rails: Older design with a rounded top and bottom.

Weight and Length of Rail

1. Weight:

o Rails are classified by their weight per meter, usually expressed in kg/m (e.g., 60 kg/m).

o Heavier rails can bear more load and are more durable.

2. Length:

o Rails are typically manufactured in standard lengths of 13 meters, 26 meters, etc.

o Longer rails reduce the number of joints, leading to smoother operation.

Wear of Rails

1. Types of Wear:

o Head Wear: Due to the constant rolling of wheels.

o Side Wear: Happens mainly on curves where the flanges of the wheels rub against the
rail.

2. Causes:

o Friction between wheels and rails.

o Environmental factors like temperature changes and corrosion.


Creep of Rails

1. Definition:

o Creep refers to the gradual longitudinal movement of rails in the direction of traffic over
time.

2. Causes:

o Repeated application of load and friction between the rail and the sleepers.

3. Effects:

o Can cause misalignment of tracks, requiring regular maintenance.

Rail Joints and Welding of Rails

1. Rail Joints:

o Traditionally, rails were joined by fishplates bolted at their ends, but this creates gaps
that result in noise and wear.

2. Welding of Rails:

o Modern railways use welded joints to create long, continuous lengths of track.

3. Advantages of Welding:

o Smoothness: Eliminates gaps, providing a smoother ride.

o Reduced Wear and Tear: Welded rails reduce the wear on rolling stock and tracks.

o Noise Reduction: Eliminates the 'clickety-clack' sound at joints.

o Lower Maintenance Costs: Fewer joints lead to reduced maintenance requirements.

You might also like