Part of: Rajasthan Gk set 6

This is great hindrance for the railway line to construct in Rajasthan

Category: Rajasthan Gk

Hint: Consider the physical characteristics of the terrain.

Correct Answer: B) Sandy desert.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, is known for its vast desert regions, particularly the Thar Desert. The construction of railway lines in such an environment presents unique challenges that are not typically encountered in other regions. The primary hindrance for railway construction in Rajasthan is the sandy desert terrain, which is why Option B is the correct answer.

The sandy desert poses several challenges for railway construction. The loose and shifting nature of sand makes it difficult to lay stable tracks. Traditional railway construction methods, which rely on a solid foundation, are not effective in sandy desert conditions. The sand can shift due to wind and other environmental factors, leading to the potential for tracks to become unstable or even shift out of alignment. This instability can compromise the safety and functionality of the railway line.

To overcome these challenges, specialized engineering solutions are required. These may include the use of reinforced concrete sleepers, ballast stabilization techniques, and other methods to ensure that the railway tracks remain stable and secure. Additionally, the construction process must be carefully managed to account for the unique environmental conditions of the sandy desert.

While other factors such as less rainfall, hot climate, and arid soil can also pose challenges, they are not as significant as the sandy desert terrain. Less rainfall can affect the availability of water resources, but it does not directly impact the stability of the railway tracks. The hot climate can make construction work more challenging for workers, but it does not directly hinder the construction process as much as the physical characteristics of the terrain do. Arid soil, which is often found in desert regions, is a component of the sandy desert but is not the primary hindrance on its own.

Therefore, the sandy desert is the most significant hindrance for railway construction in Rajasthan, requiring specialized engineering solutions to ensure the stability and functionality of the railway lines.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Less rainfall is not the primary hindrance for railway construction in Rajasthan. While it can affect the availability of water resources, it does not directly impact the stability and construction of railway lines.
  • Option B: The sandy desert is the correct answer. The sandy desert terrain poses significant challenges for railway construction, including the need for specialized engineering solutions to prevent track shifting and ensure stability.
  • Option C: Hot climate, while challenging for construction workers, does not directly hinder the construction of railway lines as much as the physical characteristics of the terrain do.
  • Option D: Arid soil, while present in Rajasthan, is not the primary hindrance for railway construction. The sandy desert, which includes arid soil, is the more significant challenge due to its instability.

Mnemonic: SAND: Sandy desert hinders railway construction.

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