Põhirea

Põhirea is an Estonian term that translates to "main line" or "primary line." It is most commonly used in the context of railways to refer to the principal route of a railway network, as opposed to secondary or branch lines. The põhirea typically handles the bulk of traffic, both passenger and freight, and often connects major cities or economic centers.

In railway terminology, the põhirea is distinguished by its often higher technical specifications, such as greater track capacity, more frequent service, and higher speed limits. It serves as the backbone of the entire system, from which other lines may diverge. The development and maintenance of the põhirea are usually prioritized due to its critical role in the national transportation infrastructure.

The concept of a põhirea can also extend metaphorically to other systems or networks. For example, in telecommunications, it might refer to the main network trunk. In a broader sense, it can describe the principal or most important path or component within any complex system. The identification of a põhirea helps in understanding the hierarchical structure and operational priorities of a given network.