What is the use of that Internal rail?
On Greek suburban railway (proastiakos) I noticed that on stations have an internal rail as long as the train platform:
I was wondering what it the use for this internal rail? Also the suburban railway is electric and uses overhead lines and not a third rail layout.
The rail does not extend beyond the platform (I think it is even a bit shorter).
Best Answer
This is called a Guard rail. These are placed in areas with restricted clearance to prevent excessive damage in case of derailment. In this case, it prevents a derailed train from hitting the platform where passengers are standing and/or other passenger trains.
Pictures about "What is the use of that Internal rail?"
The interesting engineering behind the SHAPE of Train wheels!
More answers regarding what is the use of that Internal rail?
Answer 2
It's also used by a switch to allow passenger trains to reach a platform, while freight trains just hiball through without using the switch, giving them more clearance. Here's an example, from the Westside Express Service of Tri-Met in Metro Portland, Oregon, which is operated by the Portland and Western line, at the Tualatin station. See https://imgur.com/gallery/31nSCZw
Answer 3
The internal rail is there to make it possible for narrow gauge freight trains to pass through the station if needed. This was mostly essential in the 1960's but is still used today on suburban rail routes which share track with mainline trains or freight trains.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ann H, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio