Sand (railways sand box) is as necessary to the operation of a train as diesel or electricity. The railway takes a number of safety measures to guarantee a train’s safe operation. Putting a box packed with sand close to the engine’s wheels is one way to do this.
Oh no, coal is no longer used to power our beloved iron steed, the train. Although the majority of trains are now electric, some engines still run on diesel. New kinds of rail coaches are being developed in accordance with current trends to guarantee passenger safety even in the event of an accident. Improvements are being made to train suspensions to keep passengers from getting startled while travelling. Sand is still utilised in the engine, though.
The Sand Box Under the Engine
Driving a train properly is equally as challenging as sitting in one and eating a full meal. In an instant, a minor error could result in an accident. To guarantee the train operates safely, the railway takes a number of measures. Placing a box packed with sand next to the engine’s wheels is one such precaution.
Iron is used to make train rails, and the wheels are kept smooth to facilitate easy rotation. But, particularly in the rainy season, its smoothness can result in slips and accidents. Similar to how tires slip on the road, the wheels may slip and using brakes may increase the chance of derailing.
The Indian Railways employ a straightforward method to prevent this. The sand is dumped onto the rails from a huge box that has been packed with it beneath the engine. When brakes are engaged, this ensures the train stops safely and doesn’t derrail by increasing the friction between the wheels and the rails. The loco pilot controls the compressed air that is used to deliver the sand. When trains are climbing hills, this system is especially helpful. When a train is carrying greater weight, the sand box becomes even more crucial since the wheels may slip under the added weight.
