Page 190 - DMGT546_INTERNATIONAL_TRADE_PROCEDURE_AND_DOCUMENTATION

Unit 8: International Transport System

Permanent Way Notes

The Permanent way is the combination of rails, sleepers, ballast and sub-grade. A permanent
way should serve the following requirements:
1. Rail level should be same for both rail lines.
2. Proper curves should be given.
3. Proper super elevation should be provided.

4. Track should be elastic. This will reduce the impact factor.
5. Joints should be given due importance. Joints should be designed carefully.
6. The design of points and crossings should be proper and safe.
7. Drainage facilities should be adequate.
8. Repairs and renewals should not present any problem.
9. Rails, sleepers, ballast, fixture and fastening should be carefully designed.
10. Track resistance should be as low as possible.

11. The track structure should have a good strength and should have a low construction and
maintenance cost.
12. The gradient should be uniform and as gentle. Any change of gradient should be followed
by a smooth vertical curve, to give smooth riding quality.
13. The rails, fittings, sleepers, ballast and formations must fully satisfy the requirements for
which they have been provided.
14. The track should not allow the creep to develop.
Gauges in Railway Tracks

The gauge on Indian Railways is the perpendicular distance between inner faces of the rail. In
countries abroad, it is taken as the distance between the inner faces of the rails at a certain
vertical distance from the top of the rail table.
The gauge of the railway track is defined as the clear distance between inner or running faces of
two track rails. The distance between the inner faces of pair of wheels is called the “wheel
gauge”. In India, the following gauges are used:
Table 8.1: Type of Gauge and Gauge Width

Type of Gauge Gauge Width

1. Standard Gauge (B.G.) 1.67m
2. Meter Gauge (M.G.) 1.00m
3. Narrow Gauge (N.G.) 0.762 m
4. Feeder Track gauge (L.G.) (Or Light gauge) 0.610 m

Coning of Wheels

If the distance between the inside edge of the flanges of the wheel is kept equal to the gauge
distance then the flanges of the wheel would rub against the inside face of the rail. To prevent
this the distance between the inside edge of the flanges is kept less than the gauge distance.

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