Project Unigauge - Effects On Loading Gauge and Rolling Stock

Effects On Loading Gauge and Rolling Stock

Undertaking project Unigauge requires more than just changing the spacing between the rails. Existing railway ties may be too short and have to be replaced, even though they may not be life expired. Bogies on rolling stock would have to be replaced to fit the new gauge. Since the width of the previous passenger carriages are narrower than broad gauge ones, the gap between the platform and carriage may cause problems. Either the gap may be too large and thus unsafe, or broad gauge rolling stock is likely to hit the old platforms. Narrow tunnels and bridge of the old metre gauge may need to be widened and raised for broad gauge.

However, eliminating breaks of gauge improves rolling stock utilisation and therefore saves on the quantity of rolling stock required, particularly where there is tidal or seasonal traffic. Excess metre gauge rolling stock, much of it modern and in good condition, has a ready second-hand market in many other metre gauge railways around the world. Second-hand stock may also be cascaded to cape gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) lines such as in Mozambique. On the downside, vacuum brakes may need to be converted to air brakes.