This standard specifies the requirements, species, dimensions, and permissible defects for wooden sleepers used in broad gauge, metre gauge, and narrow gauge railway tracks in India.
Specifies requirements for wooden sleepers, including dimensions, timber species, and preservation methods.
Quick Reference Values
Broad Gauge (BG) sleeper standard dimensions2750 mm x 250 mm x 130 mm
Metre Gauge (MG) sleeper standard dimensions1830 mm x 200 mm x 115 mm
Narrow Gauge (NG) sleeper standard dimensions1525 mm x 150 mm x 115 mm
Permissible wane limitNot exceeding 1/6th of the width or depth
Practical Notes
While mostly replaced by Prestressed Concrete (PSC) sleepers on Indian Railways mainlines, wooden sleepers remain critical for older bridges, complex points, and crossings.
Preservative treatment as per IS 401 (e.g., creosoting) is essential to protect the timber from termite attack and fungal decay.
End-binding of sleepers using metal bands or wires is heavily recommended to prevent the timber ends from splitting under traffic loads and weather variations.