Cement concrete sleepers – key advantages: Which of the following captures the main advantages of PSC (cement concrete) sleepers on Indian Railways?

Introduction / Context:
Prestressed concrete (PSC) sleepers dominate modern track because they enhance stability and reduce life-cycle costs. Understanding their advantages helps in design and maintenance decisions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• PSC sleepers compared with timber/steel types.
• Focus on track modulus, gauge holding, electrical behavior, and geometry.

Concept / Approach:
PSC sleepers are heavier, increasing lateral and longitudinal resistance and improving track modulus. Their geometry and fastenings improve gauge retention. Being nonconductive, they are suitable for track circuits. Their flat bearing area sits well on modern ballast profiles.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Confirm heavy weight → higher resistance and modulus (true).Confirm gauge retention with elastic fastenings (true).Confirm electrical suitability of concrete (true).Confirm flat bottom compatibility with ballast (true).Hence, all statements are correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
IR track standards and many studies document improved stability and signaling compatibility with PSC sleepers.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any single item is incomplete; PSC sleepers deliver all these advantages.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming concrete interferes with track circuits (it does not; steel sleepers can pose challenges).

Final Answer:
All the above