Rail

Template:Infobox rail transport Rail transport is a means of transferring passengers and goods on wheeled vehicles running on rail tracks, which are located on railways. It is also commonly referred to as train transport. In contrast to road transport, where vehicles run on a prepared flat surface, rail vehicles (rolling stock) are directionally guided by the tracks on which they run. Tracks usually consist of steel rails, installed on ties (sleepers) set in ballast, on which the rolling stock, usually fitted with metal wheels, moves. Other variations are also possible, such as slab track, where the rails are fastened to a concrete foundation resting on a prepared subsurface.

History

The development of rail transport can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the Diolkos (a trackway paved with limestone blocks) allowed boats to be moved overland across the Isthmus of Corinth. However, modern rail transport commenced with the British development of the steam locomotive as a viable source of power in the early 19th century. Railways rapidly spread across the globe, with the first passenger railway opening in 1825 between Stockton and Darlington in England.

Types of Rail Transport

Rail transport can be divided into two major categories based on the type of traffic they carry:

• Passenger rail: This includes all forms of rail-based transportation designed primarily to carry passengers, including suburban rail systems, trams, monorails, and high-speed inter-city services.
• Freight rail: This involves the transportation of goods through rail wagons or freight cars. It plays a crucial role in the logistics chain for many industries worldwide.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of rail transport consists of a complex network of railway track, railway stations, railway signals, and the power supply systems. The design and maintenance of the infrastructure must ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.

Tracks

The tracks are the most fundamental element of railway infrastructure. They consist of two parallel steel rails, typically anchored on sleepers to maintain a consistent gauge. The gauge, or the distance between the rails, varies across regions. The most common gauges are standard gauge, broad gauge, and narrow gauge.

Stations

Railway stations serve as the nodes for passengers and freight to board and disembark from trains. They range from simple stops or platforms to elaborate port structures with extensive passenger facilities.

Signals

Railway signals control the movement of trains, ensuring that trains operate safely, by using a system of signals and trackside signage.

Operation

Rail operations involve several key components:

• Train operation: This includes the scheduling, dispatching, and handling of trains.
• Train maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the safety and efficiency of trains.
• Train control systems: These are necessary to ensure that trains run smoothly and are directed correctly along the network.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Energy Efficiency: Trains are more energy-efficient per ton mile than road vehicles.
• High Capacity: Railways can handle a large volume of traffic and have a high carrying capacity.
• Safety: Railways are generally safer than road transport.

Disadvantages

• High Initial Cost: The initial infrastructure costs are high.
• Inflexibility: Trains must run on specific tracks and schedules.
• Limited Coverage: Rail networks may not cover as many destinations as road transport.

Future of Rail Transport

The future of rail transport looks promising with the development of more efficient and faster trains, such as maglev trains and hyperloop. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies like AI and IoT in the rail systems is enhancing operational efficiencies and passenger experiences.