STANDARDS OF RAILWAY STATION

Standard Dimensions Bridge Sleepers

Clear Distance between two consecutive sleepers :
1676 Gauge
Item Maximum
Spacing Of Tracks : Distance of centre
On existing bridges, where
to centre nothing solid is there between
Clause Minimum 510 mm
sleepers to prevent a derailed
On straight tracks 5300 mm wheel dropping.
On straight tracks In case of new construction, re- 450 mm
for new girdering of existing bridge
or through sleeper renewal
construction of
3rd line / 4th line 7800 mm Between Joint Sleepers 200mm
or pair of two lines
from adjacent
track
Height above rail level of track

ITEM RECOMENDED MINIMUM

Upto 305mm 2575 MM 2905 MM

From 305mm 2575 MM 1905 MM

to 1065mm INCREASING
TO 2360 MM
From 1065mm 2575 MM 2360 MM
to 3355mm
From 3355mm 2575 mm 2360 mm
to 4420mm decreasing to decreasing
2135 mm to 2135 mm
From 4420mm --- 2135 mm
to 5870mm decreasing
to 915 mm
SIDE OF THE CENTRE OF TRACK FOR OVERHEAD STRUCTURES
ITEM MINIMUM
Height, where D.C. electric 5410 MM
traction is in use or is likely to
be used
Light Overhead Structures, such 6250 MM
as Foot Over Bridges

Heavy Overhead Structures, such 5870 MM

as Road Over Bridges and
Flyovers
Minimum height of such heavy
overhead structure in cases
of –
(i) Turnout or crossover located
under a heavy overhead
structure or within 40 metre from 6250 MM
its nearest face
or
(ii) Level crossing gate is within
520 metre from the
nearest face of the overhead
structure
CLEARANCE FOR POWER LINE CROSSINGS INCLUDING TELEPHONE LINE CROSSINGS OF RAILWAY
TRACKS

ITEM MINIMUM CLEARANCE FROM RAIL MINIMUM CLEARANCE

LEVEL BETWEEN HIGHEST
TRACTION CONDUCTOR &
LOWEST TRANSMISSION LINE
Upto and including 11 kV Normally By Underground Cable
Above 11 kV & upto 33 kV 10860 mm 14660 mm 2440 mm
Above 33 kV & upto 66 kV 11160 mm 14960 mm 2440 mm
Above 66 kV & upto 132 kV 11760 mm 15560 mm 3050 mm

Above 132 kV & upto 220 12660 mm 16460 mm 4580 mm

kV
Above 220 kV & upto 400 14460 mm 18260 mm 5490 mm
kV
Above 400 kV & upto 500 15360 mm 19160 mm 7940 mm
kV
Above 500 kV & upto 800 18060 mm 21860 mm 7940 mm
kV
MINIMUM CLEARANCE BETWEEN ANY CONDUCTOR NOT ADEQUATELY
INSULATED AND ANY RAILWAY STRUCTURE UNDER MOST ADVERSE CONDITIONS
VOLTAGE CLEARANCE
Upto and including 650 volts 2500 mm

Above 650 volts and upto & 3700 mm

including 33 kV
Above 33 kV and upto & 4000 mm
including 66 kV
Above 66 kV and upto & 4600 mm
including 132 kV
Above 132 kV and upto & 4900 mm
including 165 kV
Above 165 kV and upto & 5500 mm
including 220 kV
Above 220 kV and upto & 7300 mm
ITEM MINIMUM including 400 kV
Minimum Horizontal Distance Of (H+2.135) Above 400 kV and upto & 8200 mm
Structures, metre including 500 kV
Minimum Height above rail level 6100 mm Above 500 kV and upto & 10900 mm
Interlocking and Signal Gear 64 mm including 800 kV
TUNNELS, THROUGH AND SEMI-THROUGH GIRDER BRIDGES :

ITEM MINIMUM
Minimum distance - centre 4725 mm
to center of track
From rail level to 305mm 1905 mm
above rail level
From 305mm above rail 1905 mm
level to 1065mm above rail increasing
level to 2360
mm
From 1065mm above rail 2360 mm
level to 3355mm above rail
level
From 3355mm above rail 2360 mm
level to 4420mm above rail decreasing
level to 2135
mm
From 4420mm above rail 2135 mm
level to 5870mm above rail decreasing
level 2135 mm to 915 mm
FORMATION WIDTH :
ITEM MINIMUM ITEM MINIMUM
For Single Line straight track - For Double Line straight track --

In Embankment 6850 mm In Embankment 12150 mm

In Cutting (excluding side drains) 6250 mm In Cutting (excluding side drains) 11550 mm
 ITEM MINIMUM
Extra Formation Width on Curves :

Increase due to extra ballast (500mm in place of 350mm) on outside of

curves -
a) Single Line 150 mm
b) Double Line 300 mm
Increase on double line due to effect of super-elevation -

Due to requirement of extra clearances on double line on curves, increase in track centres with corresponding
increase in formation width would be necessary to take into account the effect of super-elevation. Increase in
formation width will be decided after taking into account the increase mentioned in Item 1.12.3.1 above.

SAFETY REFUGES :
ITEM MINIMUM
Maximum distance apart of Refuges in 100 m
Tunnels
Maximum distance apart of Trolley Refuges -
On bridges with main spans of less than 100 m
100m
On bridges with main spans of 100m or A refuge
more over each
pier
 ITEM RECOMMENDED MINIMUM
Spacing Of Tracks :
Minimum distance of centre to centre 5300 mm 4725 mm
on straight tracks
Minimum distance of centre to centre 7800 mm
on straight tracks, for new construction
of 3rd line/4th line or pair of 2 lines
from
adjacent track
 ITEM MAXIMUM
Maximum (Steepest) 1 in 400
Gradient in (0.25%)
Station Yards :
unless special safety devices
are adopted and/or special
rules enforced to prevent
accidents in accordance with
approved special
instructions
Platform : Horizontal distance from centre of
track to the face (track side
edge) of –
Passenger and Goods platform 1680 mm
coping
Any other platform wall 1905 mm
PLATFORM : HEIGHT ABOVE RAIL LEVEL FOR -
ITEM MAXIMUM
High level passenger platforms 840 mm

Medium level passenger 455 mm

platforms
Goods platforms (except horse 1065 mm
and end loading platforms)
Goods platforms (horse and end 1295 mm
loading platforms)
High level Suburban passenger 900 mm
platforms
Platform : Minimum Radius of 875 metre
Curve for new line passenger (max. 2
platform, new platform on degree)
existing line, addition /alteration
to existing platforms

Platform : Minimum length of a Length of

passenger platform longest
passenger
train
BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES :

ITEM MAXIMUM
Horizontal distance of any building / structure on a
passenger platform from centre line of track -
From platform level to 305mm 5180 mm
above platform level Increasing
uniformly
to 5330 mm
From 305mm above platform level 5330 mm
to 3430mm above
From 3430mm above rail level to 5330 mm
4115mm above rail level decreasing
uniformly
to 3810 mm
Horizontal distance of any building 6830 mm
or longitudinal boundary fence
from centre line of track of
passenger platform which is not
on island platform
Horizontal distance of longitudinal 5330 mm
boundary fence at ‘D’, ’E’ and ‘F’
category stations
 ITEM MINIMUM
Horizontal distance from centre line of track to a
pillar, column, lamp or similar isolated structure on a
passenger platform or any building on a goods
platform -

From platform level to 305mm 4570 mm

above platform level increasing
uniformly
to 4720 mm

From 305mm above platform level 4720 mm

to 3705mm above rail
level

From 3705mm above rail level to 4720 mm

4115mm above rail level decreasing
uniformly
to 3810 mm
 ITEM MINIMUM
Minimum horizontal distance from centre line of
track to a pillar, column, lamp or similar isolated
structure on a goods platforms -
From platform level to 305mm 3960 mm
above platform level Increasing
uniformly
to 4110 mm
From 305mm above platform level 4110 mm
to 3980mm above rail level

From 3980 mm above rail level to 4110 mm

4115mm above rail level in case of decreasing
existing works uniformly
to 3810 mm

From 3980 mm above rail level to 4110 mm

4310mm above rail level
in case of “new works” or
“alteration to existing works”
MINIMUM HEIGHT OF OVER HEAD STRUCTURES ABOVE RAIL LEVEL IN A
PASSENGER STATION OF TIE RODS OR ANY CONTINUOUS COVERING –

Of tie rods or any continuous covering –

ITEM MINIMUM
For a width of 1600mm on either 6250 mm
side of the centre of track

For a width of 1370mm on either 6100 mm

side of centre of track on
lines other than main lines where
25 kV AC electric traction
is not likely to be used or on the
existing primary lines
which are not likely to be
electrified
Of Signal Gantry or Foot Over Bridge / Road Over Bridge / Flyover for a
width of 1600mm on either side of centre of track

ITEM MINIMUM
Height above rail level 6250 mm

Height above rail level where 5410 mm

D.C. traction is in use or likely
to be used

Height above rail level on 4875 mm

secondary lines where electric
traction is not likely to be
introduced
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE FROM CENTRE OF TRACK TO ANY STRUCTURE :
Below rail level and upto formation level of track -

ITEM MINIMUM
On straight and curves upto 2575 mm
radius of 875m (2o)
On curves with radius less 2725 mm
than 875m (2o)
For height above rail level of track –

ITEM RECOMMENDED MINIMUM

From rail level to 305mm above rail level 1675 mm

From 305mm above rail level to 3355mm above 2135 mm

rail level
From 3355mm above rail level to 4115mm above 2135 mm
rail level Decreasing to1980mm
From 4115mm above rail level to 6250mm above 1600 mm
rail level

From 305mm above rail level to 3735mm above 2360mm

rail level

From 3735mm above rail level to 2360 mm

4420mm above rail level decreasing to
2135 mm
From 4420mm above rail level to 4610mm above 2135 mm
rail level decreasing to
1980 mm
From 4610mm above rail level to 1600 mm
6250mm above rail level
For height above rail level of track –
POINTS AND CROSSINGS –
ITEM MINIMUM ITEM MINIMUM
Clearance of check rail opposite nose 44 mm Clearances at heel of switch rail 2135 mm
of Decreasing
crossing to1980mm
Clearance of wing rail at nose of 44 mm Clearance between toe of open 1600 mm
crossing switch and stock rail
 ITEM MINIMUM ITEM MINIMUM
Minimum radius of curvature for slip 218 metre Minimum angle of crossing 1 in 16
points, turnouts or crossover roads (8 degree) (ordinary)
 ITEM MINIMUM
Diamond crossings not flatter than 1 in 8.5

ITEM MINIMUM
Minimum length of tongue rail 3660 mm

Minimum length of train protection, 12800 mm

point locking or fouling treadle bar
LENGTH OF SIDINGS –
ITEM MINIMUM ITEM MINIMUM
Clear Available Length of one 2575 mm Super elevation and speed in stations on curves with turnouts
siding at any station where it is of contrary and similar flexure :
intended to cross Trains Main line : Maximum amount
On sections of the railway where the ruling of 75mm
gradient is – Curves of contrary flexure : (75 – C) mm
1 in 100 or flatter 750 m Curves of similar flexture : May be run out at
the maximum of
Steeper than 1 in 100 Length of the 1mm in 360mm
longest train
permitted in
the section
plus
35 m
LENGTH OF SIDINGS –
ITEM MINIMUM ITEM MINIMUM
Clear Available Length of one 2575 mm Super elevation and speed in stations on curves with turnouts
siding at any station where it is of contrary and similar flexure :
intended to cross Trains Main line : Maximum amount
On sections of the railway where the ruling of 75mm
gradient is – Curves of contrary flexure : (75 – C) mm
1 in 100 or flatter 750 m Curves of similar flexture : May be run out at
the maximum of
Steeper than 1 in 100 Length of the 1mm in 360mm
longest train
permitted in
the section
plus
35 m
WATER CAPACITY LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS:
DESCRIPTION SQ. MT PER

Do Flushin Consumpti L PERSON

W me g on
stic
Per
Per Day
litre
Per Day
litre O
ate Da
y
litr S
r e
A Free circulation
zone
1.17 or more

ca B Restricted 0.9 -1.17

pa C
circulation zone
Personal comfort 0.63 -0.9
zone
cit No-touch zone 0.27 – 0.63

D
ESCALATORS
Where possible, the escalators shall be evenly distributed along the whole length of the station so as to
avoid a concentration of passengers at a particular area. An escalator working point shall preferably be
not less than 9 m from any obstruction across the direct path of passengers. Where escalators are
arranged in banks, the clear distance from the escalator working point shall be increased by at least 1
m for each additional escalator. Traffic flow across the path of passengers is deemed as an obstruction.

Where escalator(s) are provided in the lower portion, the landing between the upper and lower
portions shall not be less than 5.5 m free length from the escalator working points. If the entrance is
angled there shall be not less than 4m straight from the working point, but if there is a choice of
direction not less
than 5.5 m.

Features shall include:

• A smoke containment bulkhead shall be provided at the foot of all stairs and escalators serving the
platform level. It shall extend to the structural soffit from a height of 3 m above the platform
finished floor level.
• The minimum distance between working points of escalators working in opposing directions is 17
m.
 • Where possible, passengers shall not have to travel from one passenger level to the next by more
than one escalator. However all escalators and stair cases provided for interchange passenger flows
from a level below ground to a level above ground shall preferably have a break at ground level for
emergency evacuation facility.
• All escalators shall be of the heavy-duty reversible type with a design maximum practical capacity
of 90 persons per minute based on a service speed of 0.65 m/sec. The following requirements are
given for general planning purposes:
Inclination 30 degrees
Step speed 0.65 m/s
Step width (min) 1000 mm
Number of flat steps at upper landing 4 (min)
Number of flat steps at lower landing 4 (min)

a) Application
I. Provide an escalator where the vertical path of travel exceeds 3.658 m.
II. At least one path of vertical egress assisted by an escalator shall be available from any point in the
station in both directions.
b) Level of Service -The following performance standards will be used for station planning
I. 1219 mm nominal (two-lane) escalator.
II. Capacity: Approximately 90 persons per minute. (see 4.5.4.5 for capacity for calculation
emergency egress)
III. Queuing areas: LOS C.
c) Location-
I. Escalators shall be located along the normal and direct path of passenger circulation and be visible
and easily identifiable as a means of access to the levels they connect.
II. Where feasible, escalators shall be paired with stairs, to facilitate efficient and economical
passenger movement.

ELEVATORS/LIFTS
The following design parameters are listed to facilitate initial station planning only. All
dimensions shall be adjusted to suit the sizes of equipment and maintenance
requirements
a) Minimum size for the Disabled / Casualty provision
 Width Internal car 1500 mm
Depth dimensions 2500 mm
Height 2300 mm
Width Minimum car and 1100 mm clear (2 panels
landing opening opening)
Height 2100 clear
Width Lift well approx. 2450 mm OR 2210
Depth size mm
3200 mm OR 2500
mm
Hydraulic & Headroom in lift 4400 minimum
Traction Lift well from top
landing
Up or down Speed (fully From 0.6 to 1.0 m/s
loaded) depending on the depth of
the station box

Lift Speed Pit Depth

0.6 m/sec 1500 mm
1.0 m/sec 1900 mm
Minimum area Traction Lift 12 sqm per lift
Minimum width 2800 mm or 4200mm
Minimum height 2700 mm (2300 mm min
clear height under beams
or services etc.)
PLATFORM AREA
The platform area is where customers access trains. The platform area must facilitate multiple
customer circulation functions: circulation along the platform, boarding and alighting trains, queuing at
the platform edge while waiting for a train, queuing at VCEs, runoff at VCEs, and waiting at benches or
rest areas. Because of these complex—and often conflicting—circulation characteristics, overcrowding
on the platform may create uncomfortable or dangerous situations where customers are crowded near
the platform edge. Therefore, sizing station platforms is critical and designers should err on the side of
safety when determining the size of the station platform.
1. Capacity

Platform capacity: 24 coaches x 75 persons/coach 2,304

x2
Evacuation time: 4 min maximum
VCE’s
(2)1.12m escalators 0.555p/mm-min 1,009
(3)1.12m stairs 0.555p/mm-min 1,514
Total capacity 2,523
Minimum exits 100m maximum travel, 600m 4
platform
2. Length
Platform length is typically determined by the length of the longest train anticipated for the station
(e.g., a 24-coach train at 22.5m per coach with a 22m engine at each end will require at least a 584 m
platform) plus 4.5 m or as directed by INDIAN RAILWAYS.
3. Width
Platform width is typically determined by several factors:
• The width of any VCEs located within the length of the platform.
• An architecturally preferred minimum 2.640 m clear distance to any obstruction, such as a VCE,
from the platform edge. This distance includes the .609 m wide platform safety edge, a 1.725 m
clear passage for customers circulating along the platform length, and a .13 m buffer zone along the
length of the obstruction. Where a platform edge rubbing strip is employed, the width of the rub
strip shall not be included within the preferred minimum clear distance and the edge of the
platform shall be measured from the inside edge of the rubbing. The rub strip will not be included
as part of the .609 m width of the platform safety edge.
• Station patronage and emergency exiting requirements.
• Space requirements as determined by Level of Service requirements.

4. Minimum Clearances at Platform

• The preferred minimum clearance from the platform edge to any fixed obstruction at any point
along the platform shall be 2.640 m.
• Provide a .792 m deep clear area at track level beneath
the platform edge.
SAMPLE CALCULATION FOR CONCOURSE WAITING SPACE

WAITING AREA TOTAL PEAK m2/P TOTAL AREA m2

Unreserved 1,750 1.80 3,150
Reserved 560 2.25 1,260
1st class lounge 250 2.61 653
Executive lounge 50 3.00 150
Total waiting area 5,213
PUBLIC SUPPORT AREAS
The main public areas of the station include the station entrance, the control area, mezzanines, transfer
concourses and the station platform (or platforms) as described previously in this Section. The
programmatic requirements for these public areas are determined by the capacity and planning and
design standards of their respective passenger circulation functions.

The following data is provided as an example of the typical requirements for stations and is intended
only as an aide in preliminary station planning. Actual programmatic requirements must be developed
during the course of preliminary engineering and will vary according to the specific requirements of
each station.
1 Public Restrooms
Each station shall have male and female public restrooms located in the paid and unpaid area.
Minimum fixture and facility requirements for these restrooms are as follows:
Men’s Restroom Woman’s Restroom
One accessible toilet One accessible toilet
One urinal One standard toilet
Two lavatories with mirror(s) Two lavatories with mirror(s)
One infant changing table One infant changing table
PARKING PROVISIONS (FOR PEAK DEMAND)

S.No. VEHICLE CATEGORY MANDATORY PARKING PROVISION

1 Personalised Cars Minimum 60 %
2 Personalised Two Wheelers Minimum 75 %
3 Taxies Minimum 50 %
4 Auto rickshaws & other IPT Minimum 50 %
5 Cycles Minimum 80 %
6 Public Transport Minimum 80 %
7 Other modes Minimum 50 %
SIGNAGE REQUIREMENT IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF STATIONS
Type of Signage (excluding handicap signs)
Areas Fixed Variable
Approach/Access Roads Directional Station
Station Vehicular • Directional /Parking
Circulating Area • Directional Entrance

Entrance (Drop Off) • Directional Entrance

• Entrance Identification
• Ticketing windows
• Train gates
Unpaid Area • Directional Departure Concourse • Main Train Information
• Amenities (toilets, Food, TVMs Displays
etc. • Reserved seat boards
• Egress • Reserved seat
• Directional ticketing, gates & train tracks • availability status boards
• Identification ticketing.
• Station Information Center (SIC)
 Areas Fixed Variable
Paid Area • Directional waiting and lounges by Category • Main Train Information Displays
Departure Concourse • Identification waiting and lounge • Reserved seat boards
by categories • Reserved seat
• Amenities (food, shops, baggage • availability status boards
storage, toilets etc.) • Train information for
• Directional platform and Track arriving/departing trains by
• Track and platform Identification track
• Station Information Center (SIC)
Platforms • Track Numbers • Train information for
• Coach locations arriving trains by track
• Name of the station • Coach type
• Directional signs for departing
passengers
• Directional signs for facilities (i.e.
water, chemist First Aid).
• Platform Exits
• Intermodal Connections
 Areas Fixed Variable
Arrival Concourse • Directional Entrance
• Entrance Identification
• Ticketing windows
• Train gates
Egress & Vehicular Pick up • Directional Departure Concourse • Main Train Information Displays
• Amenities (toilets, Food, TVMs • Reserved seat boards
etc. • Reserved seat
• Egress • availability status boards
• Directional ticketing, gates & train tracks
• Identification ticketing.
• Station Information Center (SIC)

REFERENCES-
1-MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS(RAILWAY BOARD)
2-NATINAL BUILDING CODE