Alignment of a Railway Line:
Selection of Alignment
The following points must be considered in selecting the alignment of a railway line : (a) It should be as direct as possible connecting the two terminal points.
(b) It should connect important towns and cities en route.
(c) The initial cost of construction should be low.
(d) It should be free from landslides.
(e) The cost of maintenance should be low.
(f) Obligatory points such as major bridges and tunnels must first be selected and the alignment should conform to these.
(g) Curves and gradients should be easy so that the cost of operation is low.