The spelling of "overhead railway" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "over" is pronounced as "əʊvə", with a long "o" sound and a schwa in the second position. The second syllable "head" is pronounced as "hɛd", with a short "e" sound and a "d" at the end. Finally, the last syllable "railway" is pronounced as "reɪlweɪ", with a long "a" sound in the first position and a "weɪ" diphthong in the second position. The combination of these three syllables form the word "overhead railway", referring to a train that runs on tracks above ground level.
An overhead railway, also known as an elevated railway, is a specialized type of transportation infrastructure commonly used in urban areas. It refers to a system of railway tracks that are elevated above ground level, typically supported by a series of structures such as columns or pillars.
Overhead railways are designed to alleviate congestion in densely populated cities by allowing train operations to occur above street level. This results in several advantages, such as the efficient use of limited space, reduced interference with traffic, and increased transportation capacity. They often follow a specific route that can include multiple stations or stops, serving as a convenient mode of public transportation for commuters and travelers.
The tracks of an overhead railway are specifically constructed to accommodate the wheels of trains and are usually made with steel or reinforced concrete. The trains themselves are specially designed to operate in this elevated environment, with features such as high-mounted pantographs or trolley poles that enable them to draw power from electrical lines suspended above the tracks.
Overhead railways have been implemented in many global cities, including famous examples such as the Tokyo Monorail, Chicago's "L" system, and the SkyTrain in Vancouver. Despite their above-ground nature, overhead railways can also have underground sections, transitioning between elevated and subterranean tracks, allowing them to navigate complex urban landscapes.
Overall, an overhead railway is an elevated transportation system that provides an efficient and reliable mode of transportation in urban areas while minimizing congestion and maximizing passenger capacity.
The word "overhead railway" refers to a type of transportation system where trains run on elevated tracks, typically above street level.
The etymology of the term can be understood by looking at the individual components of the phrase.
1. "Overhead": The term "overhead" comes from the combination of the prefix "over-" meaning "above" or "higher" and the word "head" referring to the upper part of the body. In the context of railways, "overhead" indicates that the tracks are positioned above ground level.
2. "Railway": The word "railway" originated from the combination of "rail" and the suffix "-way". "Rail" refers to a track made of parallel metal bars on which trains run, while "-way" was used to denote a path or course. Together, "railway" represents a system of transportation that utilizes tracks for moving trains.