Transportation Engineering – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. 25. What is the primary function of a traffic signal?

   • A. To slow down traffic
   • B. To regulate traffic flow and assign right-of-way
   • C. To provide illumination
   • D. To collect tolls

2. 26. The "level of service (LOS)" in traffic engineering indicates:

   • A. The maintenance quality of a road
   • B. The operational quality of a traffic facility
   • C. The cost of transportation
   • D. The number of accidents on a road

3. 27. Which of the following is a disadvantage of rail transport?

   • A. High speed
   • B. Low cost for bulk goods
   • C. Lack of flexibility
   • D. Environmentally friendly

4. 28. The term "gauge" in railway engineering refers to:

   • A. The height of the railway track
   • B. The width between the inner faces of the two rails
   • C. The length of a railway coach
   • D. The diameter of the wheels

5. 29. What is the purpose of ballast in railway tracks?

   • A. To provide drainage
   • B. To hold the sleepers in position and distribute load
   • C. To reduce noise
   • D. To prevent corrosion

6. 30. The steepest gradient on a railway line is called:

   • A. Ruling gradient
   • B. Momentum gradient
   • C. Exceptional gradient
   • D. Gradient of ascent

7. 31. What is the "sleeper" in railway track construction?

   • A. A person who travels by train
   • B. A device to clean the tracks
   • C. A transverse member that supports the rails
   • D. A type of rail fastening

8. 32. Creep in rails is defined as:

   • A. Lateral movement of rails
   • B. Vertical movement of rails
   • C. Longitudinal movement of rails
   • D. Twisting of rails

9. 33. The standard gauge for Indian Railways is:

   • A. 0.762 m
   • B. 1.000 m
   • C. 1.676 m
   • D. 2.000 m

10. 34. What is the primary function of a fish plate in railway track?

    • A. To connect two rails end to end
    • B. To provide drainage
    • C. To absorb shocks
    • D. To lubricate the rails

11. 35. The term "cant" or "super-elevation" in railway engineering refers to:

    • A. The vertical distance between the center of the rail head and the top of the sleeper
    • B. The horizontal distance between the inner faces of the rails
    • C. The difference in elevation between the outer and inner rails on a curve
    • D. The length of a rail section

12. 36. What is the purpose of providing 'check rails' on sharp curves in railways?

    • A. To prevent derailment
    • B. To reduce noise
    • C. To increase speed
    • D. To improve aesthetics