Which one of the following alignments is obtained by development accompanied by tunneling?

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UPSC ESE (Prelims) Civil Engineering 19 Feb 2023 Official Paper
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  1. Valley alignment
  2. Cross country alignment
  3. Mountain alignment
  4. Zig-Zag alignment

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Mountain alignment
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Explanation:

The alignment obtained by development accompanied by tunneling is typically the "Mountain alignment."

Mountain alignment:

  • When a railway or road needs to traverse through mountainous or hilly terrain, tunnels are often constructed to create a mountain alignment.
  • This alignment involves tunneling through the mountains to maintain a relatively straight and efficient path.

 Additional InformationValley alignment:

  • This alignment follows the natural contours of valleys and does not usually involve tunneling.

Cross country alignment:

  • This alignment involves going straight across relatively flat or gently rolling terrain without following specific natural features.
  • It also doesn't typically require tunneling.


Zig-zag alignment:

  • Zig-zag alignment is used in mountainous regions as well, but it involves a series of switchbacks or sharp turns to gain elevation gradually while reducing the steepness of the ascent.
  • Tunneling may still be required, but the primary feature of zig-zag alignment is the use of switchbacks rather than a direct tunnel.
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