TILTING TRAINS

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

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