Questions and Answers
What is the planned Maximum Permissible Speed (MPS) for new line construction on Indian Railways?
The choice of axle load does not affect the planning for formation, bridge, and track.
False
What should be avoided while deciding the GAD of bridges?
Excessive scour
Ground improvement should be implemented as part of ______ work.
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Match the following project planning considerations to their descriptions:
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What is the maximum axle load considered for Gauge Conversion projects?
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High level platforms are now part of Minimum Essential Amenities on all categories of stations.
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What should be finalized early in the project planning phase?
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Which of the following is a common practice during project planning for railways?
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Detailed ______ studies are important for economic and reliable design of project components.
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What aspect of quality control must be documented?
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Which of the following charts are used in project monitoring?
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What does TILOS stand for?
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Oracle Primavera allows multiple users to use it on a real-time basis.
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What is a key factor for the success and timely completion of a project?
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Which act was enacted for the fair compensation and transparency in land acquisition?
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Permanent land is required only temporarily during construction.
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The transferring of government land to the Railways should follow Rule-____ of General Financial Rules-2017.
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What is the primary purpose of a survey in project planning?
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Which of the following should be avoided during land acquisition?
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Which project management software is file-based?
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The Land Acquisition Act, 1894 is currently in force for all land acquisition cases.
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What is the interest rate calculated for compensation if it is not paid before taking possession of the land?
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What amount is awarded on the market value of land per annum from the publication of the Notification?
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No civil court, other than the High Court, can entertain disputes related to land acquisition.
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The Collector shall take possession of land after ensuring that full payment of __________ is made.
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What authority is established under Section-51 of the Act?
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What should be done if a person entitled to compensation does not receive it?
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Land compensation amounts should be paid immediately to avoid interest charges.
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Any interested person who has not accepted the award may apply in writing to the Collector for a __________ of the determination.
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The Collector can take possession of a part of a house if the owner desires to keep some of it.
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How long after possession does the rate of interest on unpaid compensation increase from 9% to 15%?
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What should be the under ordinary circumstances width of land to be taken up for a single/double line?
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The acquisition of agricultural lands should always conform to the arrangement given in Appendix-III of Engineering Code.
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What additional land is required for catch-water drains?
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Land Acquisition Plans are normally prepared on a scale of ____.
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Who determines the market value of land to be acquired under the RFCTLARR Act?
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Tunnels require land acquisition only at the entrances.
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What color is used in plans to indicate Permanent Land?
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What must happen before the Central Government makes a Declaration of land acquisition?
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The report of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) must be published in affected areas in ____ language.
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Temporary acquisition cannot be undertaken under RFCTLARR Act.
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What must be done within 30 days of the publication of land acquisition notification?
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Study Notes
Project Planning Overview
- Indian Railways (IR) is executing numerous construction projects to enhance capacity, necessitating robust project management, financing strategies, and dispute resolution.
- Issues include substantial cost and time overruns attributed partly to poor planning.
Standards of Construction
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Speed Potential
- Newly constructed tracks are designed for a speed of 160 km/h with a maximum permissible speed (MPS) of 130 km/h.
- In hilly areas, speed decisions are made case-by-case, and authorization from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is required for deviations.
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Axle Load
- Standard axle load for new line and gauge conversion projects is set at 25 T, with 32.5 T for Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) routes.
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Formation and Blanketing
- Design must comply with specifications from RDSO, considering soil type and ground improvement needs for weak sub-soil.
Bridges and Overhead Structures
- Bridge designs must align piers with existing structures to prevent scour, with specified spacing to maintain water flow.
- Overhead structures should accommodate double-stacked containers and consider future additional electrification lines.
Level Crossings and Road Over/Under Bridges (ROB/RUB)
- New lines will not have level crossings; existing crossings in doubling projects are eliminated where financially viable.
- Gauge conversion projects aim to eliminate all level crossings, planning for ROBs or RUBs where feasible.
Track Center and Geometry
- Track distance must adhere to Indian Railways' Schedule of Dimensions, avoiding reverse curves near bridges.
- The layout must consider existing utilities and facilitate land acquisition efficiency.
Distance Between Stations
- Station placements in new lines should optimize operational needs, with planning for appropriate emergency services and maintenance practices.
- For doubling projects, integrating existing networks must avoid extensive yard remodeling.
Permanent Structures and Passenger Amenities
- Stations must provide essential passenger amenities, including high-level platforms as per recent guidelines.
- Planning for future expansions, like doubling or quad-tracking, is crucial in constructing station buildings.
Material Specifications
- Minimum requirements include 60 kg UIC 90 UTS rails and wider base PSC sleepers.
- Ruling gradient of 1 in 150 is recommended, adjusted based on alignment terrain.
Project Planning Best Practices
- New lines should accommodate future expansions; all crucial bridges and infrastructure designed for dual lines.
- Reverse curves are to be minimized to maintain track alignment and reduce complications during construction.
Planning and Execution Strategy
- Work magnitude includes land acquisition, material requirements, number of crossings, and contract values.
- Detailed planning is vital, defining timelines based on workload and agency availability.
Organizational Creation and Supervision
- Staffing levels should be based on project scale; consultancy roles should be distinct to avoid conflict of interest.
- Engaging experienced personnel can enhance project oversight and efficiency.
Survey Considerations
- Surveys must identify materials for ballast and blanketing, assess existing structures, and conduct geotechnical studies for challenging locations.
Importance of Land Acquisition
- Land acquisition is crucial and should be prioritized immediately post-project sanction to streamline the execution process.### Land Acquisition and Project Planning
- Land acquisition process is thoroughly outlined within relevant chapters of the manual.
- Detailed geotechnical, seismic, hydrological, and geological studies are essential for informed project design and realistic work estimations.
Design and Drawings
- In-house design may vary in feasibility; hiring consultants is often recommended.
- Development of in-house expertise is crucial for effective consultant interaction and solution selection.
- Standard drawings should be utilized to speed up project execution.
- General Arrangement Drawings (GADs) must be finalized before tender calls.
Tender Packaging
- Tender packaging is influenced by current policies, project type, and contractor availability.
- Two primary contract types are used:
- EPC Contracts: A lump sum design-build contract with risks mainly on the contractor, only applicable if the Railway Board allows deviation.
- Item Rate Contracts: Contractors quote rates based on detailed pre-prepared designs and drawings.
Project Segmentation
- Zone lengths should align with contractor capabilities for site management and logistics.
- Composite contracts can streamline project execution across various works required for commissioning a section.
- Specific packages can be planned for different project aspects like earthwork, bridges, and track work.
Contractual Aspects
- Eligibility criteria must be established including experience, completion time, and reliability.
- A two-packet system can enhance contractor selection and contract management.
Quality Control and Assurance
- Quality control mandates timely execution with adherence to established standards and procedures.
- Clear descriptions of quality standards must be documented in project contracts.
- A structured Quality Assurance Plan includes all stages of project development, testing, and auditing.
Project Monitoring and Control
- Effective monitoring ensures adherence to project scope, timeline, and outputs.
- Measurable goals and tasks are essential for project sequencing and cash flow management.
- Utilization of software tools can improve communication, scheduling, and overall project efficiency.
Contractor Management
- Collaborative teamwork between contractors and project managers is vital for successful project execution.
- Proactive identification of potential bottlenecks and cash flow issues is necessary for smooth operations.
- Regular consultations and meetings are encouraged to resolve issues promptly.
Success Factors in Project Execution
- Essential components for successful project execution include land availability, funding, and effective decision-making.
- Proper documentation supports quality, safety, and payment procedures.
- Standard Dos and Don’ts help guide project execution and reduce risks associated with work processes.### Crossover and Layout Marking
- Conduct detailed layout speed potential calculations for all lines to ensure compliance with gradient requirements.
- Prepare an index plan and L-section that marks all reference points in the drawing.
- Establish secondary reference points from primary markers for long-distance alignment.
- Regularly check the working benchmark as the project progresses to maintain accuracy.
- Mark the center line of the new track with pegs and conduct foot-by-foot surveys to identify infringements.
- Revise drawings if necessary and only use final approved drawings for marking layouts on the ground.
Embankment and Cutting
- Survey the area for importing earth, ensuring proper quantity and quality.
- Utilize good soil types (SQ-2 or SQ-3) for embankments without CAO/C approval.
- Implement turfing with local vegetation to prevent soil erosion.
- For cutting, use breast walls instead of retaining walls for cost-effectiveness.
- Maintain proper drainage by avoiding drains between tracks, utilizing cross slopes for effective water runoff.
- Size drainage systems should be based on local rainfall and catchment calculations; approvals needed for design.
Bridge Design Considerations
- Assess bearing capacity early in the planning phase for effective decision-making.
- Provide minimum span sizes for bridges (1.0 m for smaller types), focusing on development since the construction of nearby infrastructures.
- Matching span types with existing bridges is recommended, subject to compliance with IRS standards.
- New bridges up to 24.4 m in span should utilize a ballasted deck unless otherwise necessary.
Structures and Condition Assessments
- Assess the condition of affected structures before renovations or new constructions.
- Endeavor to utilize existing unaffected structures where feasible, making appropriate alterations.
- New structures should adhere to approved types; if unavailable, new plans can be developed to meet facility standards.
Land Acquisition and Policy Framework
- The procedure for land acquisition has evolved from the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 to faster mechanisms under the Railways Act of 1989 and the RFCTLARR Act of 2013.
- Special Railway Projects can accelerate land acquisition by declaring projects under the Indian Railway Act, ensuring better compliance with timelines.
- The acquisition process allows landowners to raise objections; however, the final decision rests with the Competent Authority.
- Direct negotiations for land purchases are preferable when the land requirement is minimal, reducing disputes and expediting the process.
Responsibilities and Classification
- Ensure necessity and authority approval before acquiring land, with validation of land prices from revenue officials.
- Permanent land is defined as land needed indefinitely post-construction, while temporary land is designated for short-term use during projects.
- The extents of land acquisition must adhere to predetermined guidelines based on expected traffic growth, allowing for sufficient space for future developments.
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Description
Quiz on railway engineering and construction, covering topics such as maximum permissible speed, axle load, bridge design, and project planning considerations.
