Question

Describe the main categories of railway gauges in India.

Answer 1

Hint: In railway transport, track gauge refers to the spacing of the rails on a railway track, and this gauge is measured between the inner faces of the load-bearing rails or the width between the inside faces of running rails. There are different types of gauges in India.

Complete answer:
The distance between the two tracks on any railway route is known as a railway gauge. In India, there are 4 types of railway gauges that are used. They are Broad gauge, Metro gauge, Narrow gauge, and Standard gauge.
1. Broad Gauge: It is also known as a wide gauge as the distance between the two tracks in these railway gauges makes up to around 5 to 6 inches. This distance gives better stability and they are also better than thinner gauges.
2. Standard Gauge: In a standard gauge there is a distance between two tracks that is between 4-8 ½ inches. In India, standard gauges are mostly and popularly used for urban rail transit systems such as the Metro, the Monorail, and the Tram.
3. Metre Gauge: In a meter gauge, there is a distance between two tracks by around 3 ft to 3 3/8 inches and the meter-gauge lines were made so as to reduce the cost.
4. Narrow Gauge: Narrow gauge refers to a small gauge or a small line having a two railway track distance between 2 ft 6 inches and 2 ft. At present, the small lines are being converted into big lines as the country is growing and developing.

Note: The Indian railway system is the world’s second-largest rail network which transports almost 2.5 crore passengers daily. Because of its affordability, easy accessibility, and is a comfortable medium of transportation, most people still prefer traveling by trains.