Ancillary Railway Structures:
Overhead Transmission Lines
When the line is electrified, the electric loco has to pick up the electric current from a cable that runs overhead of the track. The cable is suspended with supports on either side of the track. The supports are made of steel columns with a good foundation.
Engine Shed (Loco Shed)
Present day trains run on diesel or electric engines. For repairing, cleaning, servicing and inspection of engines, engine sheds (loco sheds) are provided. They should have examination pits from where the bottom parts of the engine can be seen and serviced. They should have a room for storing spare parts, an office, a small repair shop with equipment like lathe, welding machine, compressor, etc. Water hydrants must be provided for washing.
Watering Facilities
The coaches of a passenger train need to be supplied with adequate quantity of water at watering stations. An overhead water pipe with flexible hoses is provided.