Permanent Way and Gauge in Railway

(Transportation Engineering III)

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Mr. Mukesh Samota
Akshit
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
 Role of permanent way
The permanent way plays a critical role in railway operations:

Provides a Stable Foundation: It supports the immense weight and forces exerted
by trains, ensuring a smooth ride.

Guides Train Movement: The rails' design and placement guide train wheels along
the intended path for safe navigation.

Maintains Track Geometry: The permanent way must maintain a specific

geometry (track gauge, rail inclination, etc.) to prevent deformations and ensure
safety.

Enables Efficient Speeds: Smooth steel rails minimize friction, allowing trains to
achieve and maintain high speeds.
Enhances Safety: A well-maintained permanent way minimizes derailment risks,
promoting safe train operations.

Gauge in railway
The gauge of the railway track is a clear minimum vertical distance between
the inner sides of two tracks is 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 railways
Thank
you