Railway Control Graphs and Station Layouts

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Questions and Answers

Which type of train should generally give way to a properly running train when experiencing issues?

An express or special goods train

A passenger train nearing the end of its run

A train running late due to operational issues (correct)

A shunting and van goods train

What is the maximum time a train running on time should be detained to effect crossing on a single line?

1 hour

30 minutes (correct)

45 minutes

15 minutes

What is the topmost priority for controllers in case of an accident?

Ensuring timely departures of trains

Mitigating hardship to passengers (correct)

Maximizing cargo transport efficiency

Following scheduling regulations strictly

Who is responsible for regulating trains when control is interrupted and there is no communication with the Controller?

Station Masters Signup and view all the answers

Which document is essential for the Control Office to maintain?

Working facilities available on the transhipment sheds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Chief Controller?

To oversee the transportation of the Division on a daily basis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a duty of the Chief Controller according to the guidelines?

Planning the route for goods trains Signup and view all the answers

Why are Master Charts important for section controllers?

They assist in the revision of time tables and planning extra trains Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is specifically monitored by the Chief Controller?

The punctuality of passenger trains Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the current forecast prepared by the Chief Controller?

Assistance needed from headquarters and adjoining divisions Signup and view all the answers

What task involves checking control charts?

To monitor the use of locomotive and their terminal detention Signup and view all the answers

In addition to punctuality, what does the Chief Controller watch regarding stock?

Detention to stock at stations and terminals Signup and view all the answers

What action should the Chief Controller take in case of an accident?

Attend the control office Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a duty related to crew management for the Chief Controller?

Checking duty hours of running staff and balancing crews Signup and view all the answers

What is monitored regarding inter-divisional transport?

Interchange obligations Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of the Deputy Chief Controller regarding passenger trains?

Ensuring punctuality of passenger trains in the system. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Section Controller not do concerning late running trains?

Call the crew and guards earlier than necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Which task is not part of the duties of the Section Controller?

Ensuring the punctuality of outgoing freight trains. Signup and view all the answers

What does the OHE sectioning diagram represent in an electrified area?

Elementary sections and details of sectioning and sub-sectioning posts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the Section Controller regarding incidents?

To manage and adjust train movements due to incidents. Signup and view all the answers

How are control graphs designed in terms of time representation?

Each hour is divided into 6 units of 10 minutes each, further sub-divided into 5 smaller units of 2 minutes each. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following information is NOT typically included on a control graph?

Train speed limits for each section. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of the Deputy Chief Controller's responsibilities?

Maintaining Detention Reports of Coaching trains. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using colored pencils in plotting various types of trains?

To follow the extant convention for easy identification. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of train management is the Section Controller required to monitor closely?

Damaged vehicles detached at roadside stations. Signup and view all the answers

When plotting passenger trains for judicious crossing and precedence, how far in advance should these be plotted?

At least one hour in advance. Signup and view all the answers

Which responsibility involves communication with major customers regarding trains?

Deputy Chief Controller. Signup and view all the answers

What action is the Section Controller expected to take if a train is running late?

Inform other stations about the delay. Signup and view all the answers

Which information is NOT specifically required on a control graph at the end of a shift?

The total number of passengers on each train. Signup and view all the answers

In what manner are up trains plotted on a control graph?

From the bottom of the chart upwards and diagonally from left to right. Signup and view all the answers

What must the Deputy Chief Controller ensure for outgoing passenger trains?

They start on time. Signup and view all the answers

How are the colored pencils used for plotting related to traffic density?

They help prioritize which trains to plot first based on density. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary duty of the Section Controller that relates to train movements?

Recording train movements on the Control graph. Signup and view all the answers

What must the Station Master do if a train is detained without the Controller's orders?

Notify the Controller with a full explanation. Signup and view all the answers

What details must the Station Master communicate when a train departs from a starting station?

Number and description of the train, engine number, loco pilot's name, and more. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the Station Master required to inform the Controller immediately?

When the train is detained for longer than the scheduled halt. Signup and view all the answers

What information should be reported by the Station Master of an intermediate station if a train runs through?

The time the train passed the station. Signup and view all the answers

What must the Station Master report regarding any damaged wagons detached at their station?

Inform the Controller on duty immediately. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required to be reported by the Station Master for a stopping train?

The name of the train crew. Signup and view all the answers

What type of machinery defects must the Station Master report to the Controller?

All defects of signals, points, interlocking apparatus, and station machinery. Signup and view all the answers

What details must be included when reporting a train's particulars from a starting station?

Total load in tonnes and vehicles, among other details. Signup and view all the answers

What must be communicated by the Station Master regarding extra time taken during loading and unloading?

The number of packages and name of the loading station. Signup and view all the answers

What must the Station Master report when a train has completed shunting?

The exact number of vehicles attached and detached. Signup and view all the answers

What must be prioritized by controllers in the event of an accident?

Mitigating hardship to passengers Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline is essential for determining the precedence of trains?

The expected punctuality of the train Signup and view all the answers

In the case of control interruption, what authority does the Station Master have?

To bear responsibility for train working and regulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following documents is NOT required to be maintained in the Control Office?

Passenger feedback forms Signup and view all the answers

What is one guideline regarding the detention of a passenger train nearing the end of its run?

It should not be detained in favor of trains with longer runs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the Chief Controller regarding train performance from the previous day?

Reviewing previous day’s performance and confirming forecast adherence Signup and view all the answers

How does the Chief Controller address shortfalls in train performance?

By identifying cogent reasons to prevent recurrence Signup and view all the answers

In the context of train management, what is the role of the Master Charts?

To indicate scheduled train operations over a 24-hour period Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT part of the Chief Controller's duties concerning stock management?

Monitoring freight train schedules Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functions is associated with the Chief Controller's role regarding inter-division issues?

Maintaining liaison with neighboring Divisions Signup and view all the answers

What significant task involves assessing the punctuality performance of trains?

Maintaining statistics on passenger train punctuality Signup and view all the answers

What key action is NOT included in the Chief Controller's responsibilities?

Preparing daily financial reports for the division Signup and view all the answers

Why do control staff need to monitor locomotive utilization?

To reduce fuel consumption and costs Signup and view all the answers

What specific information must Station Masters report to control after the arrival of a train?

Time of arrival and train load Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for reporting engine movements to and from the shed?

Loco foreman Signup and view all the answers

What process must be followed if an urgent message needs to be conveyed while the control line is engaged?

Call the station name with an indication of emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the appointed time for checking watches/clocks with control?

16:00 hrs Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is advised when using the control telephone for communication?

Ensure conversations are brief, meaningful, and polite Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the Controller regarding engine failures?

Record the duration of defects in charts and diaries Signup and view all the answers

Where should the Station Master verify their permission before contacting the Controller?

With the Crew Controller Signup and view all the answers

What must Station Masters communicate regarding train departures?

Necessary particulars of the train Signup and view all the answers

What should a Station Master do to check if the control line is free?

Listen in by lifting the receiver first Signup and view all the answers

Which detail is NOT part of the reporting requirement by the Station Master for a stopping train?

Passenger issues encountered Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the Section Controller regarding the movement of trains?

Arranging for the supply and clearance of stock as ordered Signup and view all the answers

Which duty involves the anticipation of train arrivals on the section?

Advising stations in advance of train work Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of incident management for the Section Controller?

Adjusting train movements based on incident impact Signup and view all the answers

Which responsibility is specifically assigned to the Section Controller in relation to late-running trains?

Informing major stations about the current running of trains Signup and view all the answers

How does the Section Controller manage the flow of damaged vehicles?

Watching over and arranging for their repairs or transhipment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following duties does the Deputy Chief Controller NOT perform?

Directly overseeing shunting operations Signup and view all the answers

What is required from the Section Controller regarding the recording of train movements?

Maintaining a ‘Control’ graph with necessary details Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of passenger train management is the Deputy Chief Controller primarily concerned with?

Punctuality of passenger trains in the system Signup and view all the answers

What should a Section Controller do in case of a potential incident affecting train movements?

Adjust the movements of trains based on the likely impact Signup and view all the answers

Which duty emphasizes communication with external stakeholders for train management?

Informing major customers about train arrivals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions must NOT be taken by terminal stations regarding the movement of trains?

Start a goods train without permission from Control. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of a Station Master when there are no orders received from control throughout the day?

Record a 'Nil' entry in the control order register. Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure must be followed if a train is stopped unexpectedly?

Inform the Controller that the train has been stopped. Signup and view all the answers

What must a Station Master do after receiving an order from Control?

Repeat the order back to Control for confirmation. Signup and view all the answers

How should line staff document important instructions received from Control?

In a control order register maintained in the control office. Signup and view all the answers

When should a Line Clear be requested from the station ahead?

For every train when Control is operational. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included when a train departs from its starting station?

Exact timings and reasons for any delays. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of every station regarding the reporting of train movements?

To notify Control about all train types including goods and departmental. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding Controller's orders is true?

Orders issued must be consistent with existing rules. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the end of each duty turn concerning the control order register?

Both relieved and relieving personnel must sign in full. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Station Layout Diagram

Depicts holding capacity of running and non-running lines.
Includes gradients and signals information.
Shows OHE sectioning diagram with elementary sections in different colours.
Details sectioning post (SP) and sub-sectioning post (SSP).

Control Graphs

Used to plot train movements, with horizontal lines representing distance and vertical lines representing time.
Stations are spaced to a uniform scale along vertical lines.
Shows each hour divided into 6 units of 10 minutes, subdivided into 5 units of 2 minutes.
Contains information including:
- Section name and total distance in Kilometres.
- Distance between stations in Kms.
- Weather conditions during the shift.
- Engineering restrictions on the section.
- Code names of each station.
- Time lost by trains due to locomotive, traffic, or engineering issues.
- Section Controller's remarks on engineering restrictions.
- Time made up by trains.
- Guards' record of time lost and remarks.
- General remarks.
- Signal failures.
Up trains are plotted from the bottom of the chart upwards, diagonally towards the right.
Down trains are plotted from the top of the chart downwards, diagonally towards the right.
Passenger trains are plotted at least one hour in advance for crossing and precedence.
Computerised charting automates this function on selected controls.

Master Charts

Prepared for each section, showing 24-hour train movements.
Track the running of mail, express, and passenger trains.
Used for planning goods train paths between passenger trains.
Assist in revising timetables, planning extra trains, and guiding controllers.
Displayed on boards for reference.

Duties of Control Staff

Chief Controller (In-charge)

Overall charge of the control office.
Responsible for the division's transportation on a daily basis.
Duties include:
- Reviewing the previous day's performance, verifying forecasts, and addressing shortfalls.
- Preparing current forecasts for assistance required from headquarters, adjoining divisions, and railways.
- Checking control charts and highlighting avoidable detention to trains.
- Monitoring punctuality performance, particularly for trains that lost punctuality.
- Maintaining statistics regarding passenger train punctuality.
- Scrutinizing stock papers and monitoring interchange obligations.
- Monitoring stock detention at stations and terminals.
- Overseeing marshalling yards and freight terminals.
- Maintaining communication with neighbouring divisions.
- Monitoring loco utilisation and terminal detention.
- Checking running staff duty hours and crew balancing.
- Granting engineering blocks, power blocks, etc.
- Attending the control office in accident scenarios.
- Establishing and managing the control office.

Chief Controller (Movement)/Dy. Chief Controller (Punctuality)

Monitors movement of damaged loaded stock in sick lines and yards.
Informs major customers about incoming trains' expected arrivals based on FOIS pipeline.
Works to optimise loading, unloading, and transhipment.
Ensures punctuality of passenger trains in the system.
Ensures punctuality of outgoing passenger trains.
Maintains detention reports of coaching trains.
Ensures late-running trains make up lost time.

Section Controller

Responsible for:
- Reporting for duty, understanding the section's situation from the reliever.
- Recording train movements on the control graph, including crossing, connections, shunting, and detention reasons.
- Arranging for stock supply and clearance as instructed by the Deputy Controller.
- Advising stations in advance about train work.
- Informing sheds and stations about late-running trains.
- Keeping major stations and relevant controllers informed about train running and anticipated arrivals.
- Staying informed about engineering blocks and the movement of material trains for efficient traffic flow.
- Incident management, including adjusting train movements, and informing concerned parties.
- Monitoring damaged vehicles detached at stations and arranging repairs, transhipment, and proper train examination.
- Arranging ART & M/Van in accident situations.
- Eliminating unnecessary train and stock detention.
- Monitoring marshalling yards and major terminals.
- Making arrangements for relief of guards and loco pilots nearing duty hour limits.
- Overseeing station master's reporting of unauthorised or undue train detentions.
- Reporting causes of train detententions beyond booked halts.
- Informing the controller of any detached damaged wagons.
- Reporting defects in signals, points, interlocking apparatus, line clear instruments, and other station machinery.

Station Master

Reports specifics of outgoing trains to the control office, including:
- Train number and description.
- Engine number and class.
- Loco pilot's name.
- Guard's name.
- Train load in tonnes and vehicles.
- Shunting details.
- Departure time.
- Reasons for late start.
- Crew S/O time.
- Fuel balance.
Reports arrival and departure times of trains at intermediate stations to the control office, providing details for any detentions beyond scheduled stops, shunting, and loading/unloading time.

Train Precedence Order

Passenger trains.
Mixed trains.
Military stores special.
Express or special goods train.
Through goods train.
Returning accident relief train.
Shunting and van goods train.
Departmental trains.

General Principles for Controllers

A passenger train nearing its end should not be detained in favour of a train with a longer run, as the latter is more likely to make up time.
A train running on time should not be detained for more than 30 minutes to effect crossing on a single line.
A train running late due to ongoing engine or rolling stock issues should generally give way to a train running properly.

Accidents

Controllers and staff must understand and follow guidelines in the General and Subsidiary Rules and Accident Manual.
Prioritising saving lives, rescuing injured, and mitigating passenger hardship.

Interrupted Control

If control is interrupted and communication with the controller is impossible, Station Masters are responsible for working and regulating trains according to railway administration instructions.

Control Office Records and Documents

Station Working Rules for all stations.
Working facilities available at transhipment sheds.
Schedule of shunting engines in various yards.
Link diagrams for rakes and engines involved in passenger services and goods trains.
Crew link diagrams for running staff on various services.
Details of maximum moving dimensions permitted on different sections of the railway.
Map showing maximum permissible axle load across interchanged traffic railways.