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Catenary refers to the overhead wire system used to deliver electric power to trains. The term also describes the wire's idealized hanging shape.

Right of way in railways refers to the land on which the railway infrastructure is located, including tracks, bridges, signaling equipment, etc.

A track circuit is an electrical system that detects the presence of trains on the tracks, using a current to ensure a section of the track is clear before another train enters.

Axle load is the total weight transmitted by a railway vehicle to the rails from one pair of wheels. It affects the stress on the track structure and determines the durability.

A level crossing is an intersection where a railway line crosses a road or path at the same level, as opposed to an overpass or underpass. Safety measures include gates, warning lights, and bells.

A pantograph is a device mounted on the roof of an electric train to collect power through contact with an overhead wire (catenary).

Rail corrugation refers to the formation of regular, wave-like deformations on the rail surface, leading to increased noise and wear, as well as reduced ride comfort.

Adhesion in railways refers to the frictional force between the train wheels and the rail, which allows for acceleration and braking.

Derailment is an accident where one or more wheels of a train come off their tracks. Proper maintenance, track design, and train handling can reduce the risk of derailments.

A signaling system is used to control railway traffic, informing the train operator of conditions ahead and when it is safe to proceed. It includes signals, points, and communication systems.

Sleepers, or ties, are the cross-members placed under railway tracks to hold the rails upright and keep them spaced to the correct gauge. They distribute load to the ballast.

Creep is the longitudinal movement of rail in the direction of traffic over time, caused by forces exerted by train wheels. It must be managed to avoid track misalignment.

The gauge of a railway is the distance between the inner sides of the two parallel rails that make up a single track. It influences the stability, speed, and cost of railway construction.

Tractive effort is the force exerted by a locomotive on the rails to initiate and maintain motion, overcoming rolling resistance and gradient.

A multiple unit is a self-propelled train composed of one or more carriages that can be controlled from a single driving station. Often used for passenger services.

Buffing and draft forces are the longitudinal compressive and tensile forces experienced by train vehicles when they are accelerating or decelerating.

Bogies are the wheelsets and framework onto which a rail vehicle body is mounted, crucial for stability and shock absorption during travel.

Ballast consists of stones or rocks that support the railway tracks, ensuring stability, facilitating drainage, and maintaining track position.

The rail profile refers to the cross-sectional shape of a rail, influencing the strength, wear characteristics, and contact with train wheels.

Cant, also known as superelevation, is the angle of the rails in a curved track, banked inwards to counteract centripetal forces on trains. It improves passenger comfort and allows higher speeds on curves.

A block signal system is a series of sections on a railway line, known as blocks, where only one train can occupy a block at a time. It enhances safety and prevents collisions.

Headway is the time interval between trains running on the same track or route. It is crucial for scheduling and determines the capacity of a railway line.

CWR is a type of rail track where rails are welded together to create a seamless track. This reduces maintenance and provides a smoother ride but requires attention to thermal expansion.

A turnout, or switch, is a mechanical installation enabling trains to be guided from one track to another, such as at a railway junction.

A switch frog is a component of a railway switch that allows the wheels to cross from one track to another by providing a flangeway for the wheel tread.

A hump yard is a type of rail yard used for sorting rail cars by using a raised section of track (the hump) to increase potential energy and utilize gravity for switching operations.

A train dispatcher is a person responsible for directing the movement of trains within a specified territory by using a signaling and track occupancy system.

A rail fracture is a break or crack in the track, which can be catastrophic if undetected. It's caused by material fatigue, stress, or cold weather.

A siding is a low-speed track section separate from the main line, used for parking, passing, or loading/unloading trains.

A railway tie plate is a steel plate placed on top of the sleepers to distribute the load from the rails more evenly. It also holds the rail to the correct gauge.

Dynamic braking is a braking system where the kinetic energy of the train is converted into electrical energy by the traction motors operating as generators, then dissipated as heat.

Traction motors are electric motors in locomotives or multiple units that drive the wheels by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

A railroad spike is a large nail with an offset head used to secure rails and baseplates to wooden sleepers/ties.

Tamping is a railway track maintenance process where ballast under the sleepers is packed to ensure a solid base and level track alignment.

Rolling stock broadly refers to all the vehicles that move on a railway, including locomotives, passenger cars, and freight wagons.

The horsepower-to-weight ratio in train locomotives measures the power output relative to the weight and determines acceleration and hauling capabilities.

Rail grinding is a track maintenance activity where imperfections on the rail surface are removed by grinding wheels, thereby extending rail life and improving ride comfort.

Railway electrification involves powering trains by electricity using overhead lines or third rails, providing benefits like higher speeds, lower emissions, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

A DMU is a multiple-unit train powered by on-board diesel engines. It does not require an external power source like electrified trains.