mixedgauge
Mixed gauge, or mixed-gauge track, refers to railway infrastructure that accommodates more than one rail gauge on the same route or facility. This can be achieved by adding extra rails or by compatible wheel and bogie designs, allowing rolling stock built to different gauges to operate without changing trains. The goal is interoperability and flexibility in systems where gauges differ due to historical, political, or economic reasons.
Historically, mixed gauge emerged during early railway expansion when rival networks used incompatible gauges. A notable
In modern practice, mixed gauge remains relevant in limited contexts. Some lines in India historically used
Technical considerations include track geometry, switch design, and maintenance challenges. Mixed-gauge systems require careful alignment and