What sort of sub-ballast, blanket, and subgrade layers are provided in the track formation?

18-07-2019

IR generally does not use a separate sub-ballast layer below the ballast layer. A blanket layer of coarse, granular material is usually provided directly below the ballast layer. Blanket layers are not provided for tracks on rocky beds, or on well-graded gravelly or sandy beds. Blankets of at least 45cm thickness are provided for tracks laid on poorly graded gravel or sand beds, or on silty gravel or silty / clayey gravel beds. Blanket layers of 60cm are required for clayey gravel, clayey sand, silty sand, or clayey / silty sand beds. A 1m-thick blanket is provided for silt, silty clay, or clay of low plasticity or in conditions where the underlying rocks are of a type known to be

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What classes of accommodation do EMUs offer?
July 14, 2019

In the Mumbai area, the most commonly seen coaches have General Second Class accommodation. Some coaches or compartments are for First Class ticket-holders. There are also compartments, coaches, or entire trains reserved for women, known as Ladies' Compartments or Ladies' Specials. In some cases the Ladies' coaches or compartments are reserved for

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In what formations do EMU’s run?
July 14, 2019

Many different EMU formations have been used in different areas. In the 1930's, Madras suburban service started with 3-car EMUs which were notable in having coupled bogies across cars, thereby making the entire 3-car formation a rigid unit. Later Madras also got some 4-car (non-rigid) EMUs. They were sometimes operated in pairs at rush hours,

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What’s the history of EMU services on IR?
July 14, 2019

Bombay area EMUs date back to the 1920's. In 1925, EMUs from Cammell-Laird and Uerdingenwagonfabrik (Germany) were used on the line from Victoria Terminus to Kurla (what would become the core of the CR suburban service). In 1928 EMU rakes from Cammell-Laird / BTH were used on what is now WR. These were in use until 1974. The BTH rakes were even

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What kinds of electric multiple units does IR operate?
July 14, 2019

IR has electric multiple units in operation in several suburban sections (Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Bandel-Katwa, etc.). The Mumbai region with 1.5kV DC traction has several models of EMUs, classified from WCU-1 through WCU-15 (and beyond??). Most models have DC traction motors with rheostatic control (resistance banks to vary the input power

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Where are railcars or railbuses operated?
July 9, 2019

Historically, many sections have seen railcar or railbus service in India. There have been several imported models used, and also homegrown versions which are often literally buses or truck bodies placed on rails. In recent years, many sections have seen the introduction of railbus or railcar services. This recent program of adding railbus or

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Does IR operate diesel-electric or diesel-hydraulic multiple units of any kind?
July 9, 2019

There are several diesel-electric multiple units (DEMUs) and diesel-hydraulic multiple units (DHMUs) in operation. Most are made by ICF. The BG DEMUs have a Cummins VTA 1710 V-12 prime mover of 705 HP, whereas the BG DHMUs have two 350hp underfloor engines (Cummins 855R) driving two separate Voith hydraulic transmissions via propeller shafts and

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