Q1. [2] § Railways § Waterways § QUIZ DRIVE
The Indian Railway network
Gauge in metres | Route (km) | Running Track (km) | Total Track (km)
Broad Gauge (1.676) | 63,491 | 89,521 | 1,17,560
Metre Gauge (1.000) | 3,200 | 3,462 | 3,775
Narrow Gauge (0.762 and 0.610) | 1,751 | 1,752 | 1,901
Total | 68,442 | 94,735 | 1,23,236
Read the following table and answer the questions that follow:
- (5.1) Which gauge covers maximum of track length in hilly areas in India? [1]
- (5.2) Which gauge has the highest length in India? [1]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2022 32/3/1 Q5
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:04 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(5.1) Narrow Gauge (0.762 and 0.610 metres) covers the maximum track length in hilly areas in India, as its narrow width makes it suitable for steep gradients and sharp curves found in mountainous terrain.
(5.2) Broad Gauge (1.676 metres) has the highest length in India, with a total track length of 1,17,560 km, far exceeding the other gauges.
Source: Contemporary India – II, Chapter 7 (Lifelines of the National Economy)
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Explanation
- (5.1) Narrow Gauge is used in hilly/mountainous regions (e.g., Darjeeling, Nilgiris) because its smaller width suits difficult terrain. This is standard NCERT knowledge — the table alone doesn't state "hilly areas," so recall this fact.
- (5.2) Directly read from the table: Broad Gauge total track = 1,17,560 km, the largest figure. Always quote the data from the table to support your answer.
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cbse.gov.in.