Indian rail

Types of Indian Rails

The Indian Railways system uses different kinds of rails to satisfy the needs of massive traffic and other essential factors. The following are the types of Indian railway tracks :

• Broad Gauge Rail: The distance between the two rails is more than the standard gauge. In India, broad gauge tracks are primarily used for freight and passenger trains. The wider spacing provides greater stability, enabling the railways to accommodate heavier loads and faster speeds. This has made broad gauge the dominant gauge used throughout the country, accounting for nearly 60% of India's railway lines. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transportation of goods and people across vast distances.
• Standard Gauge: The distance between the two rails is similar to the global standard. It measures 4 feet 8.5 inches (1,435 millimeters). This is generally used on metro and some suburban railway lines in India. Because of its similarity to international practice, the standard gauge facilitates seamless intermodal transfer and connection between different modes of transportation, such as transferring cargo from a ship at a port to a train inland. Additionally, it allows for the easy integration of high-speed rail systems and urban transit lines with existing global infrastructure, thereby promoting efficiency and expanding economic ties.
• Narrow Gauge Rail: In Narrow Gauge railway tracks, the distance between two rails is less than the standard gauge. It measures 2 feet (610 millimeters) and is primarily used for lighter routes, hill stations, and certain tourist attractions. While narrow gauge may not be as widely utilized as its broader counterparts, it plays a significant role in connecting remote areas, providing access to scenic landscapes, and serving specialized industries. Some of the narrow gauge lines are operated by Indian Railways, while others are owned by private companies.
• Tram Gauge: The Tram gauge track is laid on various tram roads. It is primarily known as a tramway platform. Tram gauge tracks are usually smaller in size than standard gauge and are designed to integrate with existing road infrastructure, allowing for efficient and flexible urban mobility. Often, they connect densely populated neighborhoods, commercial centers, and transportation hubs, thus serving as a vital link in the public transit system. Furthermore, tram gauge lines can contribute to reducing traffic congestion and minimizing carbon emissions by providing a sustainable alternative to private vehicles.

Specification & Maintenance

Indian rail specifications differ depending on the type and purpose of the rail. This allows for smooth and safe travel.

• Indian Rail Length: Indian rails can be measured in 13ft lengths, with new rails being made in this size. In place of cutting the length of older rails, this is done to conserve manufacturing expenses. Because shorter rails are less in demand, the alternative might save Rs 60 lakh. The standard rail length is 25.5ft (7.77m). Any length greater than this will be more expensive owing to the welding costs.
• Weight of Indian Rail: Lighter rails, which weigh roughly 50 kg/m, are generally employed in hill locations and for minor tracks. The average weight of an Indian rail for a principal line is 60 kg/m. The heaviest rail weights roughly 67 kg/m and is used in freight lines where heavy goods travel.
• Speed Requirement of Indian Rail: The speed at which trains need to run is also an important factor. Accelerating up to a comfortable cruising speed requires a smooth track. Bending, split-levels, and other difficult geographical features can slow down a train. Ideally, a train should move at 75-110 km/h on a main line and 75-90 km/h on a good yard line. For this to happen, the Indian rails used should be sturdy and not easily deformed.

Some simple maintenance tips for Indian rails include the following:

• Do not park or stand under an Indian rail, as this can bring down the rail and put the person in danger.
• When possible, always travel with a companion.
• If there is huge surface rail noise, walk away from the direction of the sound.
• Do not attempt to take pictures of trains from the Indian rail.
• Always use authorized railway contractors for any type of Indian rail work.
• To minimize the likelihood of bearing failure and subsequent derailment, keep axle loads as low as practicable. If heavy freight movement is expected, arrange for temporary track strengthening beforehand.
• Encourage the use of Ms. Fishplates (or metal plates) to avoid deformation of rails due to heat or heavy freight movement. Heat and heavy loads can quickly deform rails, causing accidents.
• Since track transistors are expensive, their use should be limited. But keep them adequately utilized so that there's a high rate of use in terms of trains passing through.
• Use Ms. Fishplates (or metal plates) to avoid deformation of rails due to heat or heavy freight movement. Heat and heavy loads can quickly deform rails, causing accidents.
• Since track transistors are expensive, their use should be limited but kept adequately utilized so that there's a high rate of use in terms of trains passing through.
• If a platform is formalized in terms of transistor use, management can be easier. Write off transistors having only a few trains passing through but make an effort to take good care of those tracks which have vehicles moving regularly through them.

Scenarios of Indian rails

Indian railways offer many usage scenarios due to their significance in the national transportation system and travel culture.

• Daily Commute

  In metropolitan areas, local trains bear a significant burden by transporting thousands of rush-hour passengers daily to work, school, and college. Typically, they are less costly and more reliable than buses.

• Long-Distance Travel

  Indian Railways offers various accommodation options for long-distance journeys, ranging from sleeper cars for budget-conscious travelers to air-conditioned coaches for those seeking more comfort.

• Business Travel

  Indian Railways provides an excellent opportunity for business travelers to conduct meetings or finish up their work during the trip. Many trains are equipped with Wi-Fi facilities, and the sleeper coach allows them to rest well on the way to their destinations.

• Tourism

  Luxury trains such as the Maharajas' Express and the Palace on Wheels are a unique way to explore India. These trains provide a luxurious travel experience with opulent accommodations, fine dining, and organized excursions to famous tourist destinations.

• Special Occasions

  Indian Railways also arranges some special trains during festivals, for instance, the Diwali Trains or Christmas Special Trains, to meet the increased demand for travel during festive seasons.

• Freight Transport

  Indian freight trains play a critical role in transporting goods, including agricultural products, industrial raw materials, and containers. These trains are scheduled separately and operate at high speeds to ensure timely delivery.

How to choose Indian rails

According to recent research, the worldwide railway track market was valued at about $20 billion in 2022. By 2032, it is expected to reach approximately $30.4 billion, growing at a CAGR of around 4.3% from 2023 to 2032. India holds a large share of this market due to the increasing demand for the Indian rail network. This makes the Indian rail market attractive to those looking to buy trains and related equipment.

When choosing an Indian rail network supply, the following parameters should be considered:

• Passenger volume

  Essential Indian trains are determined by the number of passengers they can transport in a certain amount of time. When buying trains, Indian business buyers should look at the train capacity and how often it runs. Generally, the demand for passenger capacity will be higher, especially on popular routes and during peak seasons.

• Freight volume

  If the buyer needs an Indian freight train, they should look at how much cargo it can handle and how often it runs. The rail network is an essential part of the supply chain, so choosing trains and infrastructure that can meet the needs of the freight business is crucial to on-time delivery and operational efficiency.

• Routes

  The train selection process will vary depending on whether the region is urban or rural. In urban areas, metro and suburban trains are more applicable, while long-distance, high-speed, and freight trains are more likely to be found in rural areas. In addition, the frequency of service in urban areas is higher, so more trains must be scheduled daily to meet the passenger demand.

Infrastructure owners need to look at factors like the lines they own, the platforms and signals, and their stations. When considering an investment in the railway supply chain, it is essential to look closely at the entire infrastructure to see what will be accompanied by the new purchase. In particular, the signalling system needs to be studied, as the capacity of the network can be quickly increased with enhanced signalling systems like digital signalling. If this is done, there may not be a need to invest in new tracks or rolling stock, leading to significant cost savings.

The specifications of the train networks must be studied closely to ensure that the items purchased can interface effectively with existing infrastructure. In particular, aspects like interfaces and voltages must be standard so that the new technology can be integrated smoothly, minimising the need for extra working hours and expenses.

When choosing the supplier, it is essential to see whether spares and after-care will be provided in addition to the primary equipment ordered. Guaranties, maintenance contracts, and other essential aspects should be studied in detail before closing the order to see what value will be provided in terms of customer service and other crucial factors that will help make the supply useful and optimally used in the region it is deployed in.

Q&A

Q: Who manages the Indian railway?

A: The Indian Railways is owned and managed by the Government of India. The Ministry of Railways is in charge of the Indian rail system, from upkeep to commercial duties.

Q: What is the future of Indian railway technology?

A: The Indian railways are set on a path of rapid change, with plans to upgrade the whole system to make it electric, as well as high-speed rails, which could make the trains as fast as planes. Smart trains and better booking through mobile apps and online are also in the works.

Q: What are some recent advancements in the Indian rail technology?

A: New technologies being used by the Indian railways include RFID train tracking systems, bio-toilets, automatic doors in trains, and mobile applications for ticket booking and real-time train tracking.

Q: What is the role of privatization in the future of Indian rail?

A: Privatization is expected to play a significant role in the future of Indian Rail by introducing private trains alongside national carriers, improving quality and efficiency through private management, and increasing investment in rail infrastructure.