Chapter 140: Chapter 27: Standard System

Before the construction of the great railway, the Austrian government was confronted with the issue of standard railway gauge.

This standard could not be established arbitrarily; whether broad gauge railways were better than narrow gauge railways had to be determined by actual needs.

From the narrowest railway gauge of 610mm to the broadest railway gauge of 2141mm, all were considered as possible options. Of course, if needed, the gauge could continue to be narrowed or widened.

The advantage of broad-gauge railways is the increased stability of the trains, reducing the likelihood of derailment and enhancing the smoothness and comfort of the ride. Their disadvantage is the excessively large turning radius required, which increases construction costs.