Check Rails on Curves

Check Rails on Curves

Check rails (Fig. 13.22) are provided parallel to the inner rail on sharp curves to reduce the lateral wear on the outer rail. They also prevent the outer wheel flange from mounting the outer rail and thus decrease the chances of derailment of vehicles. Check rails wear out quite fast but since, normally, these are worn out rails, further wear is not considered objectionable.

According to the stipulations presently laid down by Indian Railways, check rails are provided on the gauge face side of the inner rails on curves sharper than 8 o on BG, 10 o on MG, and 14 o on NG routes. The minimum clearance prescribed for check rails is 44 mm for BG and MG routes and 41 mm for NG routes.