Standard dimensions of a wooden sleeper for Broad Gauge (BG) track In Indian Railways permanent-way practice, what are the commonly adopted standard dimensions for a wooden sleeper used on Broad Gauge track?

Introduction / Context:
Correct sleeper dimensions ensure adequate bearing area under the rail seat, proper ballast contact, and stable gauge control. For Broad Gauge (BG), standard timber sleeper sizes have evolved from service experience to balance strength, durability, and economy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to widely used, standard dimensions for BG timber sleepers.
• Dimensions are given as length × width × thickness.
• Options include sizes used for other gauges as distractors.

Concept / Approach:
BG requires longer and thicker sleepers than metre gauge or narrow gauge to provide sufficient bearing and stability. A length of about 2.74 m provides good ballast distribution and lateral resistance, while a cross section near 25 cm × 13 cm ensures adequate rail-seat depth and stiffness against bending.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize BG sleepers are longer than MG/NG sleepers.Compare the listed sizes to common standards: 2.74 m × 25 cm × 13 cm matches BG practice.Other sizes correspond to MG or smaller sections and are not standard for BG.

Verification / Alternative check:
Code books and maintenance manuals list the BG timber sleeper at approximately 2.74 m length and a suitable cross-section near 25 × 13 cm as a standard reference size for design and procurement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1.83 m × 20 cm × 11 cm; 1.52 m × 15 cm × 10 cm: Closer to MG/NG dimensions, not BG.1.75 cm × 20 cm × 12 cm: The length is clearly nonstandard and likely a typographical decoy.None of these: Incorrect because a standard BG size is present.

Common Pitfalls:

• Selecting MG sleeper size for BG due to memorization errors.
• Ignoring the need for longer length on BG to fit sleeper spacing and ballast shoulder.

Final Answer:
2.74 m × 25 cm × 13 cm