Metre gauge facts for kids
Metre gauge is a special way to measure the distance between the two rails on a railway track. When we say a railway uses "metre gauge," it means the distance between the inside edges of its rails is exactly 1000 millimetres. That's the same as one metre!
This type of track is used in many places around the world. Sometimes, older metre gauge railways have been changed to a wider size called standard gauge (which is 1,435 millimetres) over the years.
Contents
What is Track Gauge?
Track gauge is super important for trains. It's the measurement that makes sure a train's wheels fit perfectly on the tracks. Think of it like the width of a car's wheels needing to match the width of a road. If the gauge is wrong, the train can't run safely!
There are many different track gauges around the world. Some are wider than metre gauge, and some are narrower. Each gauge has its own reasons for being used, often depending on the land or how old the railway is.
Where is Metre Gauge Used?
Metre gauge railways are found in many different countries. They are especially common in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. These tracks were often built a long time ago, sometimes when it was harder or more expensive to build wider tracks.
For example, you can find metre gauge lines in countries like India, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of France and Switzerland. Each country has its own history with this type of railway.
Why Use Metre Gauge?
Building a railway is a huge project! Metre gauge tracks can sometimes be cheaper and easier to build than wider tracks, especially in places with mountains or tricky terrain.
- Cost: Narrower tracks need less land and less material, which can save money.
- Terrain: They can handle tighter curves, which is helpful in hilly or mountainous areas. This means the railway can wind through landscapes more easily.
- History: Many metre gauge lines were built during a time when this was a common and practical choice for expanding railway networks.
Metre Gauge vs. Standard Gauge
The most common track width in the world is standard gauge, which is 1,435 millimetres. This is the gauge used in most of Europe, North America, and Australia.
- Standard Gauge: Wider tracks can usually support heavier and faster trains. They are great for long distances and carrying lots of goods.
- Metre Gauge: While not as fast or heavy-duty as standard gauge, metre gauge railways are still very useful. They often connect smaller towns or serve specific industries.
Sometimes, a country might have both metre gauge and standard gauge railways. This can make it tricky to move goods or passengers from one line to another, as trains can't switch tracks easily. Special stations called "break-of-gauge" stations are needed for this.
The Future of Metre Gauge
In some places, metre gauge railways are being upgraded to standard gauge. This happens to make transport more efficient and connect better with other railway networks. However, many metre gauge lines are still very important for local transport and continue to operate today. They are a vital part of the world's railway history and future!
Related pages
- Narrow gauge railways, by gauge and country
