In Indian railways system, the
width between the railway parallel lines was of 4 types. In the old narrow gauge,
the width maintained was 2.6 feet. Later in the meter gauge period , the width
became 3.3 feet and later in standard gauge it became 4.85 feet and now in the
broad gauge it is 5.8 feet.
There is a reason behind
providing this information. In America also the width maintained is 4.85 feet.
This is a very unique number. It could have been either 4 feet or 5 feet. Have you ever wondered why is this ? There
is one interesting history story behind this.
As American railways was earlier
built by English men those who built in England, same methods were followed.
Then question is why in England they used 4.85 feet ? In England , before
railways trams were used. Later the same width for followed for railways also.
Now the question again , why 4.85 feet in trams?
Just like in Europe, in England earlier
roads were made by Romans. In those days , laborers who used to make the wheels
for Horse vehicles were involved in making tram wheels. Hence the width was
maintained same. Now why 4.85 feet for horse vehicles ?
Earlier Romans used 2 horses for
their vehicles. They observed earlier the space between two horses was
congested and the horse backs were getting hurt during travel. So they kept
increasing the width slowly, when the width was more , during travel the
vehicle used to have jerks . Hence to maintain balance , such that the horses
backs should not get hurt and also avoid jerks a standard measurement was
followed. That measurement is 4.85 feet !!
So now you will be surprised –
Romans horse vehicles were designed to take care of horse backs, which were
then followed in England. As the same
laborers were involved in tram wheel making, same width was maintained , then
same was followed in railway by England and then in America. So even in India ,
earlier in the 18th , 19th century , railways was
developed by England and hence the 4.85 width !
What a surprising story, one
of the worlds common transport system railway lines width is based on the width
of 2 horses backs !! This makes us
realize once that, changing human mind’s decision & its resistance is very
difficult sometimes!
Hope you enjoyed & remember this article when you pick up a train next time !!
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