Railway Engineering MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Railway track geometry is designed for safety, smooth running, high speed and heavy axle loads.

Step-by-step solution

1. List the main aims of track geometric design: safety, smooth running (comfort), maximum speed, and carrying heavy axle loads. 2. Check each option against this list. 3. Safety, smooth running and maximum speed are all real aims. 4. 'Carrying only light axle load' is wrong, because the track must carry heavy loads. 5. So the answer is (A).

Explanation

Good track geometry should let trains run safely, smoothly and at high speed. It should also carry heavy axle loads, not only light ones. So 'carrying only light axle load' is not an objective.

Why the other options are wrong

B: Safety is the first aim of track design. C: Smooth running gives passenger comfort and less wear, so it is an aim. D: Track geometry is designed to allow the highest safe speed.

Shortcut

Look for the word 'only' and the word 'light'. Railways aim for heavy loads, so A is the odd one.

Common mistake

Thinking a lighter load means a safer track. Design aims to carry heavy loads safely.