Correct Answer - Option 4 : Telescopic method
Concepts:
After the formation is ready, plate laying or track linking is done, which is basically consists of laying rails, sleepers, and fastenings. The following methods can be adopted for this.
1. Telescopic method
This method is widely used on Indian Railways. In this method, the rails, sleepers, and other fittings are taken to the base depot and unloaded. The track material is then taken to the rail head, where the tracks linked and packed. The rail head is then advanced up to the point where the track has been laid. The track materials are then taken up to the extended rail head with the help of a dip lorry and the track is linked and packed again. Thus the rail head goes on advancing till the entire track has been linked.
2. Tram line method
In this method, a temporary line known as a tram line is laid by the side of the proposed track for transporting track material to the site. This method is useful in flat terrains. This method is, however, seldom used in actual practice.
3. Side Method
It is similar to Tram Line method but some modifications, where track and bridge material such as steel girders and RCC slabs is carried to the site in trucks on a service road that runs parallel to the track. These materials are then unloaded near the work site. This method is used only flat terrain.
4. American method
In this method, rails and sleepers are first assembled in the base depot, and the pre-assembled track panels are then conveyed to the site along with the necessary cranes, etc. The track panels are then unloaded at the site of work either manually or with the help of cranes and laid in their final position.
