What is cant rails?

Cant rails are an important component of railway tracks. They are inclined or sloping rails located at the outer edge of a curve or bend, which helps to provide lateral stability and maintain the smooth movement of trains. Cant rails are designed to provide a gradual transition from the straight track to the curved track and are usually set at a specific angle to correspond with the degree of curvature of the track. This angle, called the superelevation, helps to counteract the centrifugal force generated by the train as it travels through the curve. Cant rails are typically made of steel or iron and are installed on top of the sleepers or ties, which are fixed to the ballast or subgrade. Maintaining the correct cant angle is important for ensuring the safety of the railway system and preventing derailments.