Permanent Way and Gauge in Railway
(Transportation Engineering III)
Submitted by: Submitted to:
Akshit Mr. Mukesh Samota
200230440003
B.Tech Civil (8ᵗʰ
sem)
Permanent way
• It is a rail road on which the
train runs. It is also called
permanent way. It basically
consists of two parallel rails
having specified distance in
between them.
• It is the combination of rails
fitted to sleepers resting on
ballasts and subgrade with the
help of fixtures and fastenings,
etc is called permanent way.
Components of permanent way
• (i) Sub-grade or formation
• (ii) Ballast
• (iii) Sleepers
• (iv) Rails
• (v) Fixture and Fastening
Requirements of An Ideal Permanent Way.
• The gauge should be uniform and correct.
• Both the rails should be at the same level in a straight track.
• On curves proper super elevation should be provided to the outer rail.
• The permanent way should be properly designed so that the load of the
train is uniformly distributed over the two rails.
• The track should have enough lateral strength.
• The radii and super elevation, provided on curves, should be properly
designed.
• The track must have certain amount of elasticity.
• All joints, points and crossings should be properly designed.
• Drainage system of permanent way should be perfect
Necessity of permanent way
Provides a Stable Platform: Trains are incredibly heavy and exert significant
pressure on the ground. The permanent way distributes this weight evenly,
preventing the train from sinking or the tracks from getting damaged.
Guides the Train: The rails act as a guide for the train wheels, ensuring it travels
in the desired direction and maintains its course.
Maintains Consistent Speed: The smooth surface of the rails minimizes friction,
allowing trains to travel efficiently and at high speeds.
Safety: A well-maintained permanent way is vital for train safety. It ensures the
train stays on track and reduces the risk of derailments
Gauge in railway
The gauge of the railway track is a clear minimum vertical distance between the
inner sides of two tracksis called a railway gauge. That is, the distance
between the two tracks on any railway route is known as a railway gauge.
Type of Rail Gauge
• Broad Gauge : (1676 mm)
• Meter Gauge : (1m)
• Narrow Gauge : (762mm)
Broad Gauge
Broad widths have a distance of 1676 mm, and their operating
speed is high.
This rail gauge is used in flat terrains and heavily populated areas
with
heavy traffic.
Suitability of Broad Gauge:
• When the economics of the project is sufficient.
• When the revenue prospects are bright.
• These are also used in dual gauge rails where a break of gauge
occurs due to the meeting of two different gauges.
Meter Gauge
• Meter gauges are used when the clear horizontal distance
between the inner sides of two parallel lines on a track is 1m.
• It is used for tracks in under-developed areas or areas where the
intensity of traffic is small.
• The gauges are also used in locations where the development
prospects are less.
Suitability of Meter Gauge:
• Meter gauge is suitable under the following conditions;
• When the funds available are limited.
• These are also suitable in areas where the revenue-generating
capacity is less.
Narrow Gauge
• The narrow gauge in Indian rail has a smaller length of 762mm
or 610mm.
• These gauges are easier to construct and work better in
mountainous terrain.
• These gauges are cheaper to construct.
• Narrow gauges are used in thinly populated areas.
• Some narrow gauges are used in mining and on short-run railway
Thank you
