Railway Engineering Multiple choice Questions
Best Railway Engineering Objective Questions and Answers
Dear Readers, Welcome to Railway Engineering Objective Questions have been designed specially to get you acquainted with the nature of questions you may encounter during your Job interview for the subject of Railway Engineering MCQs. These objective type Railway Engineering questions are very important for campus placement test and job interviews. As per my experience good interviewers hardly plan to ask any particular question during your Job interview and these model questions are asked in the online technical test and interview of many IT & Non IT Industries.
1. The rail is designated by its
a) length
b) weight
c) cross-section
d) weight per unit length
Ans: d
2. Two important constituents in the com-position of steel used for rail are
a) carbon and silicon
b) manganese and phosphorous
c) carbon and manganese
d) carbon and sulphur
Ans: c
3. The standard length of rail for Broad Gauge and Metre Gauge are respectively
a) 12 m and 12 m
b) 12 m and 13 m
c) 13 m and 12 m
d) 13 m and 13 m
Ans: c
4. The following tests are conducted for rails:
i) falling weight test
ii) tensile test
iii) hammer test
The compulsory tests are
a) only (i)
b) (i)and(ii)
c) (ii) and (iii)
d) (i) and (iii)
Ans: b
5. Largest dimension of a rail is its
a) height
b) foot width
c) head width
d) any of the above
Ans: a
6. Largest percentage of material in the rail is in its
a) head
b) web
c) foot
d) head and foot both
Ans: a
7. The purpose of providing fillet in a rail section is to
a) increase the lateral strength
b) increase the vertical stiffness
c) avoid the stress concentration
d) reduce the wear
Ans: c
8. The cross-sectional area of 52 kg flat footed rail is
a) 6155 mm2
b) 6615 mm2
c) 7235 mm2
d) 7825 mm2
Ans: b
9. 52 kg rails are mostly used in
a) Broad Gauge
b) Metre Gauge
c) Narrow Gauge
d) both (a) and (b)
Ans: a
10. Tensile strength of steel used in rails should not be less than
a) 450 MPa
b) 500 MPa
c) 700 MPa
d) 850 MPa
Ans: c
11. Head width of 52 kg rail section is
a) 61.9 mm
b) 66.7mm
c) 67mm
d) 72.33 mm
Ans: c
12. 60 R rails are mostly used in
a) Broad Gauge
b) Metre Gauge
c) Narrow Gauge
d) none of the above
Ans: b
13. Ordinary rails are made of
a) mild steel
b) cast iron
c) wrought iron
d) high carbon steel
Ans: d
14. The main function of a fish plate is
a) to join the two rails together
b) to join rails with the sleeper
c) to allow rail to expand and contract freely
d) none of the above
Ans: a
15. Number offish bolts per fish plate is
a) 2
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6
Ans: b
16. Fish plate is in contact with rail at
a) web of rail
b) fishing plane
c) head of rail
d) foot of rail
Ans: b
17. Gauge is the distance between
a) centre to centre of rails
b) running faces of rails
c) outer faces of rails
d) none of the above
Ans: b
18. Which of the following factors govern the choice of the gauge ?
i) volume and nature of traffic
ii) speed of train
iii) physical features of the country
The correct answer is
a) only (i)
b) both (i) and (ii)
c) both (ii) and (iii)
d) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Ans: d
19. For developing thinly populated areas, the correct choice of gauge is
a) Broad Gauge
b) Metre Gauge
c) Narrow Gauge
d) any of the above
Ans: c
20. Due to battering action of wheels over the end of the rails, the rails get bent down and are deflected at ends. These rails are called
a) roaring rails
b) hogged rails
c) corrugated rails
d) buckled rails
Ans: b
21. The slipping of driving wheels of locomotives on the rail surface causes
a) wheel burns
b) hogging of rails
c) scabbing of rails
d) corrugation of rails
Ans: a
22. The width of foot for 90 R rail section is
a) 100 mm
b) 122.2 mm
c) 136.5 mm
d) 146.0 mm
Ans: c
23. The height of the rail for 52 kg rail section is
a) 143 mm ,
b) 156 mm
c) 172 mm '
d) 129mm
Ans: b
24. The formation width for a railway track depends on the
i) type of gauge
ii) number of tracks to be laid side by side
iii) slope of sides of embankment or cutting The correct answer is
a) only (i)
b) both (i) and (ii)
c) both (i) and (iii)
d) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Ans: b
25. The formation width for a single line metre gauge track in embankment as adopted on Indian Railways is
a) 4.27 m
b) 4.88 m
c) 5.49 m
d) 6.10 m
Ans: b
26. The side slope of embankments for a railway track is generally taken as
a) 1:1
b) 1.5:1
c) 2:1
d) 1:2
Ans: c
27. The formation width for a double line Broad Gauge track in cutting (excluding drains) as adopted on Indian Railways is
a) 6.10 m
b) 8.84 m
c) 10.21m
d) 10.82 m
Ans: c
28. The total gap on both sides between the inside edges of wheel flanges and gauge faces of the rail is kept as
a) 10mm
b) 13mm
c) 16mm
d) 19 mm
Ans: d
29. Creep is the
a) longitudinal movement of rail
b) lateral movement of rail
c) vertical movement of rail
d) difference in level of two rails
Ans: a
30. Anticreep bearing plates are provided on
a) bridges and approaches
b) joints
c) both (a) and (b)
d) none of the above
Ans: d
31. Study the following statements regarding creep.
i) Creep is greater on curves than on tangent railway track,
ii) Creep in new rails is more than that in old rails,
iii) Creep is more on steep gradients than on level track. The correct answer is
a) only (i)
b) (i)and(ii)
c) (ii) and (iii)
d) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Ans: b
32. The maximum degree of curvature for Metre Gauge is limited to
a) 10°
b) 16°
c) 30°
d) 40°
Ans: b
33. Staggered joints are generally provided
a) on curves
b) on straight track
c) when two different rail sections are required to be joined
d) none of the above
Ans: a
34. When the rail ends rest on a joint sleeper, the joint is termed as
a) supported rail joint
b) suspended rail joint
c) bridge joint
d) base joint
Ans: a
35. Which of the following types of sleepers is preferred on joints ?
a) CST-9 sleeper
b) steel trough sleeper
c) wooden sleeper
d) concrete sleeper
Ans: c
36. Minimum depth of ballast cushion for a Broad Gauge wooden sleeper of size 275x25x13 cm with 75cm sleeper spacing is
a) 15 cm
b) 20 cm
c) 25 cm
d) 30cm
Ans: c
37. Sleeper density in India is normally kept as
a) M + 2 to M + 7
b) MtoM+2
c) M + 5toM+10
d) M
where M is the rail length in metres.
Ans: a
38. For a Broad Gauge route with M+7 sleeper density, number of sleepers per rail length is
a) 18
b) 19
c) 20
d) 21
Ans: c
39. Standard size of wooden sleeper for Broad Gauge track is
a) 275x25x13cm
b) 180x20x11.5 cm
c) 225x23x13 cm
d) 250x26x12 cm
Ans: a
40. Composite sleeper index is the index of
a) hardness and strength
b) strength and toughness
c) toughness and wear resistance
d) wear resistance and hardness
Ans: a
41. Minimum composite sleeper index pres-cribed on Indian Railways for a track sleeper is
a) 552
b) 783
c) 1352
d) 1455
Ans: b
42. Dog spikes are used for fixing rail to the
a) wooden sleepers
b) CST-9 sleepers
c) steel trough sleepers
d) concrete sleepers
Ans: a
43. Number of dog spikes normally used per rail seat on curved track is
a) one on either side
b) two outside and one inside
c) one outside and two inside
d) two outside and two inside
Ans: b
44. The type of bearing plate used in all joints and on curves to give better bearing area to the rails is
a) flat mild steel bearing plate
b) mild steel canted bearing plate
c) cast iron anticreep bearing plate
d) none of the above
Ans: b
45. Flat mild steel bearing plates are used
a) for points and crossings in the lead portion
b) with wooden sleepers at locations where creep is likely to be developed
c) on all joints and curves
d) on all the above
Ans: a
46. The nominal size of ballast used for points and crossings is
a) 25 mm
b) 40 mm
c) 50 mm
d) 10mm
Ans: a
47. At points and crossings, the total number of sleepers for 1 in 12 turnouts in Broad Gauge is
a) 51
b) 62
c) 70
d) 78
Ans: c
48. Width of ballast section for Broad Gauge is
a) 1.83 m
b) 2.25 m
c) 3.35 m
d) 4.30 m
Ans: c
49. The type of spike used for fixing chairs of bull headed rails to wooden sleepers is
a) dog spike
b) rail screw
c) elastic spike
d) round spike
Ans: d
50. The sleepers resting directly on girder are fastened to the top fiange of girder by
a) hook bolts
b) dog spikes
c) fang bolts
d) rail screws
Ans: a
51. Number of keys used in CST-9 sleeper is
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) none of the above
Ans: a
52. Loose jaws of steel trough sleepers are made of
a) cast steel
b) mild steel
c) cast iron
d) spring steel
Ans: d
53. Number of cotters used in CST-9 sleepers is
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
Ans: c
54. Pandrol clips cannot be used with
a) wooden sleepers
b) concrete sleepers
c) CST-9 sleepers
d) steel trough sleepers
Ans: c
55. The desirable rate of change of cant deficiency in case of Metre Gauge is
a) 20 mm/sec
b) 35 mm/sec
c) 55 mm/sec
d) 65 mm/sec
Ans: b
56. The limiting value of cant excess for Broad Gauge is
a) 55 mm
b) 65 mm
c) 75 mm
d) lOOmm
Ans: c
57. The limiting value of cant gradient for all gauges is
a) 1 in 360
b) 1 in 720
c) 1 in 1000
d) 1 in 1200
Ans: b
58. Normally the limiting value of cant is
a) G/8
b) G/10
c) G/12
d) G/15
where G is the gauge.
Ans: b
59. Vertical curves are provided where algebraic difference between grades is equal to or
a) less than 2 mm/m
b) more than 2 mm/m
c) less than 4 mm/m
d) more than 4mm/m
Ans: d
60. The limiting value of cant deficiency for Metre Gauge routes is
a) 40 mm
b) 50mm
c) 75mm
d) 100mm
Ans: b
61. The steepest gradient permissible on a 2.5° curve for Broad Gauge line having ruling gradient of 1 in 200 is
a) 1 in 250
b) 1 in 222
c) 1 in 235
d) 1 in 275
Ans: a
62. Normally maximum cant permissible in Metre Gauge is
a) 75 mm
b) 90 mm
c) 140 mm
d) 165 mm
Ans: b
63. Cant deficiency occurs when a vehicle travels around a curve at
a) equilibrium speed
b) speeds higher than equilibrium speed
c) speeds lower than equilibrium speed
d) booked speed
Ans: b
64. The compensation for curvature on gradient for Metre Gauge is given by
a) 70/R
b) 52.5/R
c) 35/R
d) 105/R
where R is radius of curve.
Ans: b
65. The shape of transition curve used by Indian Railways is
a) cubic parabola
b) spiral
c) sine curve
d) lemniscate of Bernoulli
Ans: a
67. A Broad Gauge branch line takes off as a contrary flexure from a main line If the superelevation required for branch line is 10 mm and cant deficiency is 75 mm, the superelevation to be actually provided on the branch line will be
a) 10 mm
b) 64 mm
c) 85 mm
d) 65 mm
Ans: d
68. One degree of curve is equivalent to
a) 1600/R
b) 1700/R
c) 1750/R
d) 1850/R
where R is the radius of curve in metres.
Ans: c
70. Switch angle is the angle between
a) the gauge face of the stock rail and tongue rail
b) the outer face of the stock rail and tongue rail
c) the gauge face of the stock rail and outer face of the tongue rail
d) the outer face of the stock rail and the gauge face of the tongue rail
Ans: a
71. Switch angle depends on
i) heel divergence
ii) length of tongue rail
iii) flangeway clearance
iv) throw of switch
The correct answer is
a) (i) and (ii)
b) (ii) and (iii)
c) (iii) and (iv)
d) (i)and(iv)
Ans: a
72. Maximum value of 'throw of switch' for Broad Gauge track is
a) 89 mm
b) 95 mm
c) 100 mm
d) 115mm
Ans: d
73. Stretcher bar is provided
a) to permit lateral movement of the tongue rail
b) to maintain the two tongue rails at the exact distance
c) to ensure exact gauge at the toe of the switch as well as the nose of crossing
d) to prevent any vertical movement between the wing rail and nose of crossing
Ans: b
74. Which of the following methods of designation of crossing is mostly used in India ?
a) centre line method
b) right angle method
c) isosceles angle method
d) none of the above
Ans: b
75. If a is the angle of crossing, then the number of crossings 'N' according to right angle method is given by
a) Vi cot(cc/2)
b) cot(oc/2)
c) cot(a)
d) Vi cosec(a/2)
Ans: c
76. Which of the following turnouts is most commonly used for goods train on Indian Railways ?
a) 1 in 8'/2
b) 1 in 12
c) 1 in 16
d) 1 in 20
Ans: a
77. Lead of crossing is the distance from the
a) heel of the switch to the toe of the switch
b) heel of the switch to the theoretical nose of the crossing
c) toe of the switch to the theoretical nose of crossing
d) toe of the switch to the actual nose of crossing
Ans: b
78. Number of switches provided on a Gaunt-letted track is
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) none of the above
Ans: d
79. The correct relation between curve lead (CL), switch lead (SL) and lead of cros¬sing (L) is given by
a) CL = L - SL
b) L =CL-SL
c) SL = L + CL
d) L = (CL+SL)/2
Ans: b
80. In a scissors cross-over, the crossings provided are
i) 2 obtuse angle crossings
ii) 4 obtuse angle crossings
iii) 4 acute angle crossings
iv) 6 acute angle crossings The correct answer is
a) (i) and (iii)
b) (i)and(iv)
c) (ii) and (iii)
d) (ii) and (iv)
Ans: b
81. The distance through which the tongue rail moves laterally at the toe of the switch for movement of trains is called
a) flangeway clearance
b) heel divergence
c) throw of the switch
d) none of the above
Ans: c
82. Flangeway clearance is the distance
a) between the adjoining faces of the running rail and the check rail near the crossing
b) between the gauge faces of the stock rail and the tongue rail
c) through which the tongue rail moves laterally at the toe of the switch
d) none of the above
Ans: a
83. Heel divergence is
a) always less than flangeway clearance
b) equal to flangeway clearance
c) always greater than flangeway clearance
d) sometimes greater than flangeway clearance
Ans: c
84. Which of the following mechanical devices is used to ensure that route cannot be changed while the train is on the point even after putting back the signal ?
a) detectors
b) point lock
c) iock bar
d) stretcher bar
Ans: c
85. The treadle bar is provided
a) in the middle of the track a little in front of the toes of the tongue rail
b) near and parallel to inner side of one of the rails
c) at right angle to the rail
d) near and parallel to inner side of both the rails
Ans: b
86. The object of providing a point lock is
a) to ensure that each switch is correctly set
b) to ensure that the point may not be operated while the train is on it
c) to detect any obstruction between and tongue rail
d) none of the above
Ans: a
87. Which of the following devices is used to transfer the wagons or locomotives to and from parallel tracks without any necessity of shunting ?
a) triangle
b) turntable
c) traverser
d) scotch block
Ans: c
88. A triangle is used for
a) changing the direction of engine
b) transferring wagons to and from parallel tracks without shunting
c) separating all the sidings and shunting lines from main lines
d) preventing the vehicles from running off the track
Ans: a
89. The height of the centre of arm of a semaphore signal above the ground is
a) 5.5m
b) 6.5 m
c) 7.5 m
d) 8.5m
Ans: c
90. The reception signal is
i) outer signal
ii) home signal
iii) starter
iv) advanced starter The correct answer is
a) (i) and (ii)
b) (ii) and (iii)
c) (iii) and (iv)
d) (i)and(iv)
Ans: a
91. Yellow lighthand signal indicates
a) stop
b) proceed
c) proceed cautiously
d) none of the above
Ans: c
92. When semaphore and warner are installed on the same post, then the stop indication is given when
a) both arms are horizontal
b) semaphore arm lowered but warner arm horizontal
c) both semaphore and warner arms lowered
d) none of the above
Ans: a
93. In a shunting signal if the red band is inclined at 45° it indicates
a) stop
b) proceed
c) proceed cautiously
d) none of the above
Ans: b
95. For the purpose of track maintenance, the number of turn out equivalent to one track km are
a) 1
b) 2
c) 5
d) 10
Ans: d
96. A train is hauled by 4-8-2 locomotive. The number of driving wheels in this locomotive is
a) 4
b) 8
c) 12
d) 14
Ans: b
97. To ensure exact gauge, the gauge tie plates are provided at
a) toe of the switch
b) nose of crossing
c) both (a) and (b)
d) none of the above
Ans: c
99. On a single rail track, goods trains loaded with heavy iron material run starting from A to B and then empty wagons run from B to A. The amount of creep in the rails.
a) will be more in the direction of B to A
b) will be more in the direction of A to B
c) will be maximum at the middle of A andB
d) cannot be determined from the given data.
Ans: b
100. For laying the railway track, materials required are
A) Rails
B) FishPlates
C) Fish Bolts
D) Bearing Plates
The quantities required for one kilometre of Broad Gauge track will be
Ans: b
102. Which of the following statements regarding ballast materials are correct?
1. Brick ballast has poor drainage characteristics.
2. Coal ash is not used as ballast with steel or cast iron sleepers.
3. Gravel ballast gives better perfor¬mance on soft formation.
4. Sand ballast causes excessive wear on top of rail.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. Codes :
Ans: d
104. Metal sleepers are superior to wooden sleepers with respect to
a) cost
b) life
c) track circuiting
d) fastening
Ans: b
105. Which one of the following rail failures is caused by loose fish bolts at expansion joints?
a) crushed head
b) angular break
c) split head
d) transverse fissures
Ans: a
106. For a 8° curve track diverging from a main curve of 5° in an opposite direction in the layout of a broad gauge yard, the cant to be provided for the branch track for maximum speed of 45 km/h on the main line and 'G' = 1.676 m is (Permitted cant deficiency for the main line = 7.6 cm)
a) 0.168 cm
b) -0.168 cm
c) 7.432 cm
d) 7.768 cm
Ans: b
107. Consider the following statements:
Automatic signalling system results in
1. greater risk
2. higher efficiency
3. avoidance of block instruments
4. higher operating cost Of these statements
a) I and 2 are correct
b) 3 and 4 are correct
c) 1 and 4 are correct
d) 2 and 3 are correct
Ans: d
108. Wear of rails is maximum in weisht of
a) tangent track
b) sharp curve
c) tunnels
d) coastal area
Ans: b
114. A train is hauled by 2-8-2 locomotive with 22.5 tonnes and on each driving axle. Assuming the coefficient of rail-wheel friction to be 0.25, what would be the hauling capacity of the locomotive?
a) 15.0 tonnes
b) 22.5 tonnes
c) 45.0 tonnes
d) 90.0 tonnes
Ans: b
115. A treadle bar is used for
a) interlocking points and signal
b) setting points and crossings
c) setting marshalling yard signals
d) track maintenance
Ans: a
116. Consider the following statements about concrete sleepers.
1. They improve the track modulus.
2. They have good scrap value.
3. They render transportation easy.
4. They maintain the gauge quite satisfactorily. Of these statements
a) 1 and 2 are correct
b) 2 and 3 are correct
c) 3 and 4 are correct
d) 1 and 4 are correct
Ans: d
117. What will be the curve lead for a 1 in 8.5 turnout taking off from a straight broad gauge track?
a) 28.49 m
b) 21.04 m
c) 14.24 m
d) 7.45 m
Ans: a
118. Consider the following surveys.
1. Reconnaissance survey
2. Preliminary survey
3. Traffic survey
4. Location survey
The correct sequence in which these surveys are conducted before the alignment of a track is finalised is
a) 1,3,2,4
b) 1,3,4,2
c) 3,1,4,2
d) 3,1,2,4
Ans: d
119. The load on each axle of a locomotive is 22 tonnes. If the coefficient of friction is 0.2, then the hauling capacity due to 3 pairs of driving wheels will be
a) 26.41
b) 19.81
c) 13.21
d) 6.61
Ans: c
120. In a B.G. railway track, the specified ruling gradent is 1 in 250. The horizontal curve of 3° on a gradient of 1 in 250 will have the permissible gradient of
a) 1 in 257
b) 1 in 357
c) 1 in 457
d) 1 in 512
Ans: b
121. For a sleeper density of (n+5), the number of sleepers required for constructing a broad gauge railway track of length 650 m is
a) 975
b) 918
c) 900
d) 880
Ans: c
122. If 'A' is the angle formed by two gauge faces, the crossing number will be
a) tan A
b) cot A
c) sec A
d) Arad
Ans: b