Standardspår

Standardspår, also known as normal gauge, is a railway track gauge that is 1,435 millimeters (4 feet 8+1⁄2 inches) wide between the rails. It is the most common track gauge in the world, used by many countries and railway networks. The standard gauge was established in the 19th century and has since become the de facto standard for new railway construction and modernization projects.

The standard gauge was initially adopted by the London and North Western Railway in 1846, and it quickly spread across Europe and North America. It was chosen for its balance between cost and performance, as it allowed for efficient use of materials and reduced the risk of derailments compared to wider gauges.

Standard gauge tracks are compatible with a wide range of rolling stock, including passenger trains, freight trains, and high-speed trains. This compatibility has made it the preferred gauge for international railway networks, such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

However, not all railway networks use standard gauge. Some countries, such as Russia, China, and India, use wider gauges, such as broad gauge (1,676 mm or 5 feet 6 inches) and super broad gauge (1,760 mm or 5 feet 9+1⁄2 inches). These wider gauges are used to accommodate larger rolling stock and to reduce the risk of derailments in high-speed and heavy-haul operations.

In summary, standard gauge is the most common railway track gauge in the world, used by many countries and railway networks. It offers a balance between cost and performance, and its compatibility with a wide range of rolling stock has made it the preferred gauge for international railway networks.