Correct Answer - Option 2 : 12.8 m
Concept:
The gauge of a railway track is defined as the clear distance between the inner or running faces of two-track rails.
The distance between the inner faces of a pair of wheels is called the wheel gauge.
The following table gives the length of the rail for different types of gauges.
Type of gauge
|
Length of Rail
|
B.G
|
12.8 m
|
M.G
|
11.89 m
|
N.G |
11.89 m |
Indian Railways has standardized a rail length of 13 m (previously 12.8 m) for broad gauge and 12 m (previously 11.8 m) for MG and NG tracks.
Width of the Gauges
Gauge
|
Distance between Rails
|
Broad Gauge
|
1.676 m
|
Meter Gauge
|
1.0 m
|
Narrow Gauge
|
0.762
|
Theoretically, the longer the rail, the lesser the number of joints and fittings required, and the lesser the cost of construction and maintenance. Longer rails are economical and provide smooth and comfortable rides. The length of a rail is, however, restricted due to the following factors.
(a) Lack of facilities for transport of longer rails, particularly on curves.
(b) Difficulties in manufacturing very long rails.
(c) Difficulties in acquiring bigger expansion joints for long rails.
(d) Heavy internal thermal stresses in long rails.