The platform is a raised level surface of a railway station, from where either passenger can get into the train, or loading and unloading of goods is done. Generally, the following two types of railway platform are provided:
- Passenger Platform
i. The passengers’ platform should be covered for a minimum distance of 60 to 61 m of their length.
ii. These types of railway platform should be paved with a minimum width of 3.65 m.
iii. A ramp should be provided at the end of the platform of maximum slope 1: 6.
iv. Sufficient arrangement of light should be made for the efficient and safe running of trains at night.
v. The drinking water facility should be provided on the passenger platform, and also necessary sanitary arrangements should be made.
- Goods Platform
As the name suggests, these types of railway platforms are used for loading and unloading of goods. The following are the essentials of a goods platform.
i. Generally goods platforms are higher and the minimum width is 3 m.
ii. The goods sheds should be provided on the goods platforms and at the same time an arrangements for weighing the goods should be provided on these platforms.
iii. Proper drainage facility is very essential for a goods platform, hence proper arrangements for drainage should be made on these platforms.