Why ‘height above sea level’ is written on every railway station board? Here’s the hidden reason behind it
Zee News
Height above sea level: Mean sea level' is the average level of the sea’s surface. It is used around the world as a standard reference point to measure the height of land, mountains, and cities.
Height above sea level: If you have ever stood on a railway platform and looked closely at the station name board, you may have noticed something interesting. Along with the station’s name, many boards also mention its height “above mean sea level” (MSL). While it may seem like small information but it plays a crucial role in railway operations and safety.
Railway officials and engineers say that the elevation marking is not meant just for display. It is meant for practical and technical purposes that keep train services safe and efficient.
Mean Sea Level (MSL) is the average level of the sea’s surface. It is used around the world as a standard reference point to measure the height of land, mountains, and cities. When a railway station board mentions, for example, 348 meters above mean sea level, it means the station is located 348 meters higher than the average sea level.
Stations in coastal cities such as Mumbai are located close to sea level, while stations in hill regions like Shimla are situated at much higher elevations.
Railways operate on carefully planned gradients, or slopes. Trains moving uphill require more power, while trains coming downhill need controlled braking. Knowing the exact elevation of each station helps railway engineers calculate these gradients accurately.
