A train 200 metres long is moving at the rate of 40 kmph. In how many seconds will it cross a man standing near the railway line?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) 18
To pass a man standing still, the train covers only its own length, 200 m. At 40 km/h, which is 100/9 m/s, that takes 18 seconds.
- Distance to cover = length of the train = 200 m (the man adds no length).
- Speed: 40 km/h = 40 × 5/18 = 100/9 m/s.
- Time = 200 ÷ (100/9) = 18 seconds.
- Check: in 18 s at 40 km/h the train covers 40,000 × 18 ÷ 3600 = 200 m.
Remember · A train passing a pole or a standing person covers only its own length; convert km/h to m/s by multiplying by 5/18.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2018, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·