Question

Distinguish between the following.

Broad gauge and Narrow gauge.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Basis	Broad gauge	Narrow gauge
1.	Track Width	The distance between the inner faces of the two rails is exactly 1.676 metres.	The distance between the rails is much smaller, measuring 0.762 metres or 0.610 metres.
2.	Carrying Capacity	It offers a massive carrying capacity, allowing for wide carriages and heavy freight wagons.	It has a strictly limited capacity, using smaller, narrower coaches for passengers and lighter cargo loads.
3.	Operating Speed	It supports high-speed train travel (like Rajdhani or Vande Bharat Express) due to its excellent base stability.	Trains operate at very slow speeds to prevent derailment, as the narrow track base offers less stability.
4.	Terrain Suitability	It is ideally suited for flat, level terrains like plains, as cutting wide paths through steep hills is difficult.	It is perfectly suited for rugged, mountainous terrains because smaller tracks can easily navigate sharp turns.
5.	Network Share	It forms the absolute backbone of Indian Railways, accounting for over 90% of the total network.	It is restricted to a very small percentage of lines, mostly preserved as heritage routes or hill systems.
6.	Examples	The Delhi–Mumbai trunk route or the major express paths running across the Indo-Gangetic northern plains.	The Kalka Shimla Railway or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (commonly called "Toy Trains").