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This set of Railway Engineering Multiple Choice Questions on “Choice of Gauge”.
1. Which of the following is not a factor influencing the choice of gauge?
a) Cost of construction
b) Volume of traffic
c) Topography of the area
d) Weather conditions
Answer: d
Clarification: The factors affecting the choice of gauge in a particular area are: Cost of construction; Volume of traffic; Topography and geographical features; Future development prospects in that area and speed required. Weather in particular does not affect the choice of gauge.
2. Which of the following is recommended while choosing a gauge in a particular country?
a) Providing a uniform gauge throughout the country
b) Providing two types of gauge in a country
c) Providing three types of gauge in a country
d) Providing more than three types of gauge in a country
Answer: a
Clarification: A uniform gauge (i.e. only one type of gauge) should be provided throughout the country. This would enable smooth and efficient operation of the trains. Providing different gauges within the same country would cause connectivity problems.
3. How is speed of the train related to the gauge distance provided?
a) Directly proportional
b) Inversely proportional
c) Not related to the gauge distance provided
d) Varies according to the topography of the place
Answer: a
Clarification: A wider gauge has more capacity to withstand higher speed than a narrow gauge. Therefore, more the gauge distance more is the speed of the train.
4. A narrow gauge can carry more traffic as compared to the broad gauge.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: False. A broad gauge can handle more traffic as it can carry larger wagons and coaches. Therefore, if traffic intensity increases in the narrow gauge then it needs to be converted to a wider gauge.
5. As per Indian Railways, the broad gauge has been classified into _____ groups based on _____ criteria.
a) Four, speed
b) Five, terrain
c) Four, terrain
d) Five, speed
Answer: d
Clarification: The broad gauge has been classified into five different groups based on the speed of the train. The different groups are: Group A; Group B; Group C; Group D Special and Group E Special lines.
6. Identify the correct relation.
a) Wheel diameter = 0.25 times gauge distance
b) Wheel diameter = gauge distance
c) Wheel diameter = 0.75 times gauge distance
d) Wheel diameter = 1.5 times gauge distance
Answer: c
Clarification: The wheel diameter is approximately taken as 0.75 times the gauge distance. This would help in smooth functioning of the wheels.
7. If the width of the gauge is increased, which of the following cost is increased significantly?
a) Cost of construction
b) Cost of acquiring land
c) Cost of rolling stock
d) Cost of signals
Answer: b
Clarification: The cost of acquiring land increases the most when the width of gauge is increased. Whereas the cost of construction increases slightly and cost of rolling stock is independent of the gauge provided.
8. A new rail line needs to be constructed in a sparsely populated town. Which type of gauge can be recommended?
a) Broad gauge
b) Standard gauge
c) Narrow gauge
d) Meter gauge
Answer: c
Clarification: A narrow gauge can be used to construct a new line in a sparsely populated town. By using the narrow gauge, cost can be saved significantly. The cost of acquiring the land will be reduced significantly.
9. Metre gauge track routes in India can be classified as ______
a) P-route, Q-route and R-route
b) Q-route, R-route and S-route
c) R-route, S-route and T-route
d) S-route, T-route and U-route
Answer: b
Clarification: The metre gauge track routes in India are classified into three categories based on speed and traffic density. These categories are: Q-route, R-route (which is subdivided into R-1, R-2 and R-3 routes) and S-route.
10. The operating cost per tonne per km _______ with increase in gauge width.
a) Decreases
b) Independent
c) Increases
d) Neither increase nor decrease
Answer: a
Clarification: If a wider gauge is provided, the operating cost per tonne per km decreases as more number of passengers can travel and more number of goods can be transported in a single journey.