IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

TILTING TRAINS

21st April, 2022 Science and Technology

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Context

  • Kerala should explore the possibility of introducing tilting trains in the existing broad gauge rail tracks which will allow Kerala to increase the speed of trains by about 20%-30% - said Paris-based consultancy Systra.

 

Details

  • Tilting trains, have a mechanism enabling higher speed on regular broad-gauge tracks, tilt while negotiating a bend or curve on the track, just as a motorbike on a winding road.
  • The first passive tilting car design was built in the US in 1937, and an improved version was built in 1939.

 

Importance

  • As a train rounds a curve at speed it cause objects to slide about.
  • While it makes seated passengers feel squashed by the armrest, standing passengers tend to lose their balance.
  • The design of the tilting trains counteract this.
  • During a curve to the left, the train tilts to the left and vice versa.

 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/give-priority-to-tilting-trains-than-k-rail-says-expert/article65338857.ece