1. 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
Explanation: 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.
2. 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
Explanation: The wheel diameter is approximately taken as 0.75 times the gauge distance. This would help in smooth functioning of the wheels.
3. 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
Explanation: 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.
4. 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
Explanation: 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.
5. 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
Explanation: 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.
6. The operating cost per tonne per km _______ with increase in gauge width.
a) Decreases
b) Independent
c) Increases
d) Neither increase nor decrease
Explanation: 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.
7. The problems caused by change of gauge is popularly known as ______
a) Break of gauge
b) Rupture of gauge
c) Separation of gauge
d) Division of gauge
Explanation: The problem caused by change of gauge is popularly known as “Break of gauge”. A break of gauge is encountered when one gauge meets a different type of gauge at a place. For example: When a broad gauge line meets a metre gauge line at a place, it is called Break of gauge.
8. What problems do passengers face due to change of gauge?
a) Delay in reaching their destination and inconvenience caused due to change of train
b) Increase in ticket fares
c) Danger of encountering accident during travel
d) Loss of baggage during travel
Explanation: A passenger can face a lot of problems due to change of gauge like delay in reaching their destination and inconvenience due to change of train (which includes transporting luggage to the other train, finding seats in the next train).
9. Widening an existing gauge involves _________
a) Light engineering works
b) Heavy engineering works
c) Medium engineering works
d) Very light engineering works
Explanation: To widen an existing gauge, it requires heavy civil engineering works such as widening of tunnels and bridges; replacing the tracks and old rolling stocks. During the gauge widening process, the line needs to be closed temporarily and hence this causes operational problems.
10. Presence of more than one gauge in a country causes unbalanced economic growth.
a) true
b) false
Explanation: True. A country can face unbalanced economic growth due to presence of more than one gauge. Industries will face problems in receiving raw materials and delivering their goods. This will hamper the progress of industries and hence the growth of economy of any country.