What is the standard gauge width used in Indian Railways?
a) 1,000 mm
b) 1,435 mm
c) 1,676 mm
d) 762 mm Answer: c) 1,676 mm Explanation: The broad gauge of 1,676 mm is widely used in Indian Railways, allowing higher stability and load capacity.
Which component of a railway track ensures the rails are fixed at the correct gauge?
a) Ballast
b) Sleepers
c) Fastenings
d) Rail joints Answer: b) Sleepers Explanation: Sleepers maintain the correct spacing (gauge) between rails and distribute the load to the ballast.
What is the primary function of ballast in railway tracks?
a) To support the train wheels
b) To provide drainage and stability
c) To connect sleepers and rails
d) To prevent train derailments Answer: b) To provide drainage and stability Explanation: Ballast distributes the load, provides drainage, and prevents vegetation growth.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of diesel locomotives compared to electric locomotives?
a) Higher fuel efficiency
b) Less pollution
c) Limited speed
d) Lower maintenance cost Answer: c) Limited speed Explanation: Diesel locomotives generally have lower speeds and efficiency compared to electric ones.
What is the typical voltage used in Indian Railways’ overhead electrification?
a) 11 kV
b) 25 kV
c) 750 V
d) 15 kV Answer: b) 25 kV Explanation: Indian Railways primarily uses 25 kV AC for its overhead electrification to ensure efficiency and lower transmission losses.
What is the purpose of a fishplate in railway tracks?
a) To connect adjacent rails
b) To secure sleepers to rails
c) To prevent rail buckling
d) To support ballast Answer: a) To connect adjacent rails Explanation: Fishplates are used to join two rail ends, ensuring alignment and continuity.
What is the maximum permissible speed for trains on high-speed corridors in India?
a) 160 km/h
b) 200 km/h
c) 320 km/h
d) 350 km/h Answer: c) 320 km/h Explanation: The planned high-speed rail corridors, like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, target speeds up to 320 km/h.
Which braking system is most commonly used in modern trains?
a) Air brakes
b) Hydraulic brakes
c) Mechanical brakes
d) Magnetic brakes Answer: a) Air brakes Explanation: Air brakes are reliable, effective, and commonly used in modern railway systems worldwide.
What is the term for the area where trains are parked and maintained?
a) Yard
b) Siding
c) Depot
d) Terminal Answer: c) Depot Explanation: Depots are facilities where trains are serviced, maintained, and parked when not in operation.
Which of the following materials is commonly used for railway tracks?
a) Cast iron
b) Mild steel
c) Stainless steel
d) High carbon steel Answer: d) High carbon steel Explanation: High carbon steel provides the necessary strength and wear resistance for rails.
What is the name of the device used to change the track for a train?
a) Switch
b) Signal
c) Crossing
d) Coupler Answer: a) Switch Explanation: Switches (or points) are mechanical installations that guide trains from one track to another.
What is a “block section” in railway operations?
a) A section reserved for maintenance
b) A track segment with a single train allowed
c) A portion of a railway yard
d) A junction between two tracks Answer: b) A track segment with a single train allowed Explanation: Block sections are used to ensure safe train operations by permitting only one train in the section at a time.
Which organization oversees railway research in India?
a) RDSO
b) IRCTC
c) CRIS
d) RVNL Answer: a) RDSO Explanation: The Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) is the R&D wing of Indian Railways.
What is the term for the process of replacing worn-out rails?
a) Rail welding
b) Rail replacement
c) Track renewal
d) Sleeper adjustment Answer: c) Track renewal Explanation: Track renewal involves replacing worn-out rails and sleepers to ensure safety and efficiency.
Which signaling system is commonly used in Indian Railways?
a) Semaphore signals
b) Automatic block signaling
c) Centralized traffic control
d) Track circuiting Answer: b) Automatic block signaling Explanation: Automatic block signaling is widely used for efficient train movement and safety.
What is the typical lifespan of a steel railway track under normal conditions?
a) 5-10 years
b) 10-20 years
c) 20-30 years
d) 30-50 years Answer: c) 20-30 years Explanation: Steel tracks typically last 20-30 years, depending on traffic and maintenance.
What does “EMU” stand for in railway terminology?
a) Electric Main Unit
b) Engine Multiple Unit
c) Electric Multiple Unit
d) Engine Maintenance Unit Answer: c) Electric Multiple Unit Explanation: EMUs are self-propelled train units powered by electricity.
Which country is collaborating with India on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project?
a) China
b) Japan
c) Germany
d) France Answer: b) Japan Explanation: Japan is assisting India with technology and funding for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.
What is the primary cause of rail buckling?
a) Heavy loads
b) Thermal expansion
c) Poor maintenance
d) Excessive speed Answer: b) Thermal expansion Explanation: Rail buckling occurs due to thermal expansion in extreme heat, especially in continuous welded rails.
What is the function of a railway coupler?
a) To guide trains at junctions
b) To connect two train cars
c) To reduce noise
d) To secure ballast Answer: b) To connect two train cars Explanation: Couplers mechanically link train cars and allow the transfer of forces between them.
