Geometric Design of Railway Track
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023

The geometric design of railway tracks plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and safe movement of trains. It encompasses various factors, including alignment, gradients, curves, super elevation, and transitions. Railway engineers employ advanced techniques and mathematical principles to optimize track geometry, aiming to strike a balance between speed, comfort, and safety.
In this article, we delve into the key aspects of geometric design of railway tracks and highlight their importance in modern rail infrastructure.
Table of content
Geometric Design of Railway Tracks
Different Gauges
Safe speed on curves Based on Martins Formula
(a) For Transition curve
(i) For B, G & M.G
V=4.35√5-67 where, V is in kmph.
(ii) For N,G V = 3.65√R-6 For V is km/hr.
(b) For non-Transition curve
V=0.80 × speed calculated in (a)
(c) For high speed Trains V=4.58√R
Safe speed Based on Super Elevation
(a) For Transition curves
The above two formula based on the assumption that G = 1750 mm for B.G
G = 1057 mm for N.G
And Where, e = super elevation.
Where, v= speed in km/hr
R = Radius of curve in ‘mm’
Ca = Actual cant in ‘mm’
Cd = Cant deficiency in ‘mm’
Speed from the Length of Transition Curve
(a) For speed upto 100 km/hr.
(min. of two is adopted)
Where, L = Length of transition curve based on rate of change of cant as 38 mm/sec. for speed upto 100 km/hr & 55 mm/sec for speed upto 100 km/hr & 55 mm/sec for high speeds.
Ca = Actual cant in ‘mm’
Cd = Cant deficiency in ‘mm’
(b) For high speed trains (speed>100km/hr)
Either,
Minimum of the two is adopted.
Radius & Degree of curve
if one chain length = 30 m.
if one chain length = 20 m
Where, R = Radius
D = Degree of curve
Virsine of Curve (V)
Grade compensation
For B.G → 0.04% per degree of curve
M.G →0.03% per degree of curve
M.G → 0.02% per degree of curve
Super Elevation (cant)(e)
Where, Vav = Average speed or equilibrium speed.
Equilibrium speed or Average Speed (Vav)
(a) when maximum sanctioned speed>50km/hr.
(b) When sanctioned speed <50 km/hr
(c) Weighted Average Method
Where, n1,n2,n3… etc. are number of trains running at speeds v1,v2,v3… etc.
Maximum value of Cant emax
Download GATE Civil Engineering Revision Sheet and Formulae
Cant Deficiency (D)
Cant deficiency = x1-xA
Where,
xA = Actual cant provided as per average speed
x1 = Cant required for a higher speed train.
eth = eact+D
Where, eth = theoretical cant
eact = Actual cant
D = Cant deficiency.
Transition Curve (Cubic parabola)
Equation of Transition curve:
(a) shift (s)
Where, S = shift in ‘m’
L = Length of transition carve in ‘m’
R = Radius of circular curve in ‘m’
(b) Length of Transition Curve: According to Indian Railway.
Where,
L = Length of transition curve in ‘m’
Vmax = Maximum permissible speed in km/hr.
Cd = Cant deficiency in ‘cm’
Another Approach
L = maximum of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv).
Where, (i) As per railway code, L = 4.4√R where L&R ‘m’
(ii) At the change of change of super elevation of 1 in 360.
(iii) Rate of change of cant deficiency. Say 2.5 cm is not exceeded.
(iv) Based on the rate of change of radial acceleration with radial acceleration of 0.3048 m/s2.
Where, V is in m/s.
Extra Lateral Clearance on curves
(a) over throw or extra clearance needed of centre =
(b) End throw or extra clearance needed at end
Where,
L = End to end length of bogie
C = Centre to centre distance of two bogie.
R = Radius of curve.
(c) Lean (L)
Where, h = Height of vehicle
E = Super elevation
G = Gauge.
(d) Total Extra Lateral Clearance Needed Outside in Curve
(e) Total Extra Lateral Clearance inside the Curve
E1 = Overthrow + Lean + Sway
Where, = Radius of curve in ‘mm’.
L = End to end length of bugie = 21340 mm for B.G = 19510 mm for M.G
H = height of bogie = 4025 mm for B.G
3350 mm for M.G
C = Bogie centres distance = 1475 mm for B.G
3355 mm for M.G
E = Super elevation in mm
G = 1.676 m for B.G = 1.0 m for m.G
Extra Clearance on Platforms
(a) For platforms situated inside of curve
= E2-41 mm.
(b) For platforms situated outside the curve
= E1-25 mm.
Gauge Widening on Curves
Where,
B = Right wheel base in meters.
= 6m for B.G
= 4.88 m for M.G
R = Radius of curve in m.
L = Leap of flange in ‘m’.
h Depth of wheel flange below rails in cm.
D = Diameter of wheel in cm.
We = Gauge widening in cm.
The geometric design of railway tracks is a complex and vital aspect of modern rail infrastructure. By carefully considering alignment, gradients, curves, and transitions, engineers aim to create efficient, safe, and comfortable rail networks. Advanced technologies have revolutionized the design process, allowing for precise modeling and optimization. As rail networks continue to expand and evolve, the importance of geometric design in ensuring efficient and safe train operations will remain at the forefront of railway engineering.