Why is it crucial to maintain proper rail elevation?

Maintaining proper rail elevation is crucial primarily because it ensures train stability and proper drainage. When rails are appropriately elevated, they create a stable track system that supports the weight and movement of trains, particularly when negotiating curves and grades. This stability reduces the risk of derailments, which can have serious safety implications.

Additionally, proper elevation helps in effective drainage of water away from the tracks. If water accumulates on the track, it can lead to track degradation, which poses hazards for train operations. Adequate drainage also minimizes the chances of track swelling and misalignment, further enhancing overall safety and operational efficiency.

While improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear on train wheels can be seen as advantageous outcomes of effective track maintenance, the primary reasons for maintaining proper elevation hinge on the fundamentals of safety and track integrity. Facilitating faster travel times is more of a consequence of all these factors working together rather than a direct result of elevation alone.