Height above sea level: If you have ever stood on a railway platform and looked closely at the station name board, you may have noticed something interesting. Along with the station’s name, many boards also mention its height “above mean sea level” (MSL). While it may seem like small information but it plays a crucial role in railway operations and safety.
Railway officials and engineers say that the elevation marking is not meant just for display. It is meant for practical and technical purposes that keep train services safe and efficient.
What is height above sea level?
Mean Sea Level (MSL) is the average level of the sea’s surface. It is used around the world as a standard reference point to measure the height of land, mountains, and cities. When a railway station board mentions, for example, 348 meters above mean sea level, it means the station is located 348 meters higher than the average sea level.
Stations in coastal cities such as Mumbai are located close to sea level, while stations in hill regions like Shimla are situated at much higher elevations.
How it matter for train operations?
Railways operate on carefully planned gradients, or slopes. Trains moving uphill require more power, while trains coming downhill need controlled braking. Knowing the exact elevation of each station helps railway engineers calculate these gradients accurately.
The elevation data is especially important for freight trains carrying heavy loads. It helps in deciding engine power requirements and fuel or electricity consumption. Even small differences in height can affect operational planning.
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Role in safety and infrastructure planning
Elevation markings are also useful in infrastructure design. Engineers use this data to plan drainage systems, tracks, bridges, and tunnels.
Stations located in low-lying areas may be more prone to flooding during heavy rains. Accurate elevation records help authorities assess risks and take preventive steps. For example, stations in inland cities such as New Delhi are at a higher elevation compared to coastal regions, which can influence flood preparedness planning.
Years old practice
The practice of mentioning elevation details has been followed since the early days of railway surveying. Rail networks were built using precise land measurements, and elevation data became a key reference for engineers and operators.
Today, advanced digital systems are used for tracking such information, but the tradition of displaying ‘Above mean sea level’ on station boards continues.
In short, the ‘height above sea level’ written on railway station boards is not just technical information. It is a crucial detail that supports safe train movement, engineering accuracy, and informed infrastructure planning across the railway network.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: ZEE News
