As per Railway Yearbook 2019–20, what is the length (in km) of narrow gauge in India?
1604
Understanding Narrow Gauge Railway Length in India (2019-20)
The question asks for the length of the narrow gauge railway network in India as reported in the Railway Yearbook for the period 2019-20.
Railways use different track gauges, which is the distance between the two rails. The primary gauges used in India are:
- Broad Gauge (BG): The distance is 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in). This is the most common gauge in India.
- Meter Gauge (MG): The distance is 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in). This gauge is gradually being converted to broad gauge.
- Narrow Gauge (NG): The distance is typically 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) or 610 mm (2 ft). These gauges are often found in hilly regions, heritage routes, or industrial lines.
The question specifically pertains to the length of the narrow gauge network in India for the 2019-20 financial year, based on the official Railway Yearbook data.
According to the data for 2019-20, the total length of the narrow gauge railway lines in India was a specific value provided in the options. Let's look at the provided correct option to identify this length.
The correct option indicates that the length is 1604 km.
Therefore, as per the Railway Yearbook 2019-20, the length of the narrow gauge railway line in India was 1604 km.
| Gauge Type | Typical Width |
|---|---|
| Broad Gauge (BG) | 1,676 mm |
| Meter Gauge (MG) | 1,000 mm |
| Narrow Gauge (NG) | 762 mm or 610 mm |
Revision Table: Indian Railway Network Gauges (2019-20 Context)
| Gauge Type | Length (km) |
|---|---|
| Narrow Gauge | 1604 |
| Meter Gauge | (Not asked, but was decreasing due to conversion) |
| Broad Gauge | (Not asked, but was the majority) |
Additional Information on Narrow Gauge Railways in India
Narrow gauge lines in India hold significant historical and operational importance, despite their declining route length due to conversion to broad gauge. They often serve unique purposes:
- Mountain Railways: Famous narrow gauge lines include the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka-Shimla Railway, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their scenic routes through hilly terrains.
- Industrial Lines: Some narrow gauge lines were built for specific industrial purposes, such as transporting minerals or timber.
- Connectivity in Difficult Terrains: Narrow gauge is easier and cheaper to build in challenging geographical areas like hills and mountains with sharp curves.
- Heritage Value: Many narrow gauge lines are preserved for their historical significance and tourism potential.
The gradual reduction in narrow gauge length is part of the Indian Railways' Unigauge project, aimed at converting meter and narrow gauge lines to broad gauge to provide seamless connectivity and improve operational efficiency across the network.
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Which of the following railway stations had NOT received a 5-star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as of 31 August 2021?
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Which of the following does not represent a zone of Indian Railways?
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