What is the railway track from which the train is diverted called?

Divergent Railway Tracks: A Closer Look at Turnouts

In the intricate world of railway systems, the ability of trains to navigate complex routes efficiently is of paramount importance. This is where turnouts come into play, serving as the pivotal components that facilitate seamless transitions between different railway tracks.

What is a Turnout?

A turnout is a specialized arrangement of railway tracks that allows trains to switch from one track to another. It comprises two main elements: points and crossings.

• Points: These movable rails guide the train wheels toward the desired track. When set in one direction, they allow the train to continue on the original track, while when set in the opposite direction, they divert the train onto the alternate track.

• Crossings: These are sections of track that connect the two diverging tracks, enabling the train to cross from one to the other without interruption.

Mechanism of a Turnout

When a train approaches a turnout, the points are moved to the appropriate position based on the intended route. As the train enters the turnout, its wheels are guided onto the desired track by the points. The crossings then facilitate the smooth transition of the train from one track to the other.

Significance of Turnouts

Turnouts are essential for a variety of reasons:

• Route Optimization: They allow for flexible routing of trains, enabling them to take different paths based on traffic conditions or maintenance requirements.

• Increased Capacity: By providing multiple track options, turnouts increase the capacity of railway networks, allowing more trains to operate simultaneously.

• Enhanced Safety: Turnouts ensure that trains can safely change tracks without derailing or colliding.

Types of Turnouts

Turnouts can be classified into various types based on their design and intended purpose. Some common types include:

• Simple Turnouts: These are the most basic type, consisting of a single pair of points and a crossing.

• Double Slip Turnouts: These feature two pairs of points and crossings, allowing trains to switch between two different tracks simultaneously.

• Movable Frog Turnouts: These have a movable crossing, which can be adjusted to accommodate trains of different sizes or speeds.

Conclusion

Turnouts are indispensable components of railway networks. They provide the necessary infrastructure for trains to divert from their original path, ensuring efficient and flexible movement of rail traffic. The intricate design and precise operation of turnouts contribute significantly to the safety, capacity, and reliability of railway systems worldwide.