From: jishnu@nospam.verizon.net   
      
   On 5/13/2014 9:14 AM, John Levine wrote:   
   >>> So the whole gauge thing is a mess as it is. Throwing in Standard Gauge   
   >>> doesn't make it any worse really since Egypt at the other end of Cape to   
   >>> Cairo is already Standard Gauge. Personally I think they should just   
   >>> convert the main corridors to Standard Gauge as is being done in many   
   >>> other parts of the world.   
   >>>   
   >>   
   >> Would conversion to standard gauge be cheaper than just building a new line?   
   >   
   > I would think so.  The right of way is already there.  In some places   
   > they'd have to widen it, but for the most part, they'd just lay new   
   > track.   
   >   
   > It's also not impossible to make it dual gauge if they want to keep   
   > using existing rolling.  That used to be quite common.   
      
   When India carried out mass conversion of Meter Gauge to Broad Gauge as   
   part of project Uni-gauge, they often took that opportunity to use a new   
   higher quality ROW, specially through hilly/mountainous country, than   
   the original one. This raised overall speed and reliability of operation   
   on the new line.   
      
   The general idea was that while one could save some money by reusing the   
   old ROW wherever possible, in the long run the overall cost would be   
   greater due to operational inefficiencies carried forward with it. In   
   general sharp curves were avoided and gradients were made more moderate   
   in the new construction. Also clearances were increased to make the new   
   ROW ready for 25kV electrification in the future.   
      
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