Question

What is the approx width of broad-gauge railway network in India?

• A. 1.3 metres
• B. 1.6 metres
• C. 1 metre
• D. 1.2 metres

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1.6 metres

Indian Railway Gauge Standards

Broad Gauge (BG)

• The Indian railway network primarily operates on the Broad Gauge (BG).
• The standard width of the Broad Gauge track in India is 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in). This is wider than the standard gauge used in many other parts of the world.
• This wider gauge allows for greater stability, higher speeds, and increased carrying capacity, making it suitable for the vast and diverse terrain of India.

Historical Context

• The adoption of Broad Gauge was decided during the British colonial era, with the first Broad Gauge line being laid in 1853.
• This gauge was chosen to facilitate the movement of goods and troops efficiently across the subcontinent.

Other Gauges in India

• While Broad Gauge is predominant, India also has:
• Metre Gauge (MG): with a width of 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 ³⁄₈ in).
• Narrow Gauge (NG): with widths of 610 mm (2 ft) and 762 mm (2 ft 6 in). These are typically found on heritage lines or in difficult mountainous terrain.

Gauge Conversion Projects

• Indian Railways has undertaken extensive gauge conversion projects over the years to convert Metre Gauge and Narrow Gauge lines to Broad Gauge, aiming for a uniform network.
• This standardization improves operational efficiency and connectivity across the country.

Approximate Network Width

• The Broad Gauge network constitutes the vast majority of the Indian railway system.
• As of recent data, approximately 95% of Indian Railways' network operates on Broad Gauge.