What is a tie plate in railway?

Functions of a Tie Plate

Securing the Rails: Tie plates help to securely fasten the rails to the ties, ensuring that they remain in place and aligned. This is essential for the smooth and safe operation of trains.

Distributing Weight: They distribute the weight of the trains evenly across the ties, preventing excessive stress on any single point. This helps to extend the lifespan of the railway infrastructure.

Maintaining Gauge: Tie plates play a role in maintaining the correct gauge (distance between the rails) of the track, which is critical for the stability and operational safety of trains.

Preventing Movement: They prevent the rails from shifting or moving out of position due to environmental factors such as temperature changes, wind, or vibrations from passing trains.