RAIL

By:-
Sanjay Kumar
Department:-
Civil Engineering
Semester:-
7th semester
Roll No:-
R16BTCE0022
 RAIL
INTRODUCTION:-
 Definition
Rail transport is also known as train transport. It is a
means of transport, on vehicles which run on tracks (rails
or railroads). It is one of the most important, commonly
used and very cost effective modes of commuting and
goods carriage over long, as well as, short distances. Since
this system runs on metal (usually steel) rails and wheels,
it has an inherent benefit of lesser frictional resistance
which helps attach more load in terms of wagons or
carriages. This system is known as a train. Usually, trains
are powered by an engine locomotive running on
electricity or on diesel. Complex signaling systems are
utilised if there are multiple route networks. Rail
transport is also one of the fastest modes of land
transport.
 Advantage of Rail
The following are the main advantages of
Railway Transport:-
1. Dependable:
The greatest advantage of the railway transport is that it is the most
dependable mode of transport as it is the least affected by weather
conditions such as rains, fog etc. compared to other modes of
transport.
2. Better Organised:
The rail transport is better organised than any other
form of transport. It has fixed routes and schedules. Its
service is more certain, uniform and regular as
compared to other modes of transport.
 3. High Speed over Long Distances:
• Its speed over long distances is more than any
other mode of transport, except airways.
Thus, it is the best choice for long distance
traffic.
• 4. Suitable for Bulky and Heavy Goods:
• Railway transport is economical, quicker and
best suited for carrying heavy and bulky goods
over long distances.
 5. Cheaper Transport:
• It is a cheaper mode of transport as compared
to other modes of transport. Most of the
working expenses of railways are in the nature
of fixed costs. Every increase in the railway
traffic is followed by a decrease in the average
cost. Rail transport is economical in the use of
labour also as one driver and one guard are
sufficient to carry much more load than the
motor transport.
 Disadvantages:
• Although railway transport has many
advantages, it suffers from certain serious
limitations:
• 1. Huge Capital Outlay:
• The railway requires is large investment of
capital. The cost of construction, maintenance
and overhead expenses are very high as
compared to other modes of transport.
Moreover, the investments are specific and
immobile. In case the traffic is not sufficient,
the investments may mean wastage of huge
resources.
• 2. Lack of Flexibility:
• Another disadvantage of railway transport is its
inflexibility. Its routes and timings cannot be
adjusted to individual requirements.
• 3. Lack of Door to Door Service:
• Rail transport cannot provide door to door
service as it is tied to a particular track.
Intermediate loading or unloading involves
greater cost, more wear and tear and wastage of
time.
• The time and cost of terminal operations are a
great disadvantage of rail transport.
• 4. Monopoly:
• As railways require huge capital outlay, they
may give rise to monopolies and work against
public interest at large. Even if controlled and
managed by the government, lack of
competition may breed inefficiency and high
costs.
 Types of Rail
• Rails can be divided in three types
• Double Headed Rails
• Bull Headed Rails
• Flat Footed Rails
• 1. Double Headed Rails
It is of I section or Dumb-bell section. It is the original rail. The idea was that when
the head of the rail was worn out during the period of service, the rail could be
inverted and reversed without incurring any extra expenditure. Such RAILS have to
be supported in chairs which rest on sleepers.

• Later it was found that during the service the bottom table of the rail was dented
by the long and continuous contact with the chair to such an extent that it was
impossible to reuse it. Hence it was rejected and other types of rail were searched.
• Double Headed Rail
• BULL HEAD RAIL
It is similar in shape to double headed rail with only difference that in bull
headed rail more metal is added to the head to allow the greater wear and
tear. The lower head or table was kept of just sufficient size to be able to
withstand the stresses to be induced by moving loads. This rail also required
chairs for fixing it to the sleepers. This proved the greatest drawback of this
rail.
• Bull Headed Rail
• FLAT FOOTED RAIL
It is in inverted T-shaped rail. Having greater
stability. It was developed by charles Vignoles
as early as 1836.
• Flat Footed Rail