79 Questions
What determines the normal position of Interlocked gates?
Para 904 and 907 of IRPWM
What is the purpose of providing a copy of the working instruction at the controlling station?
To provide a reference for the Station Master's office
What is the primary purpose of interlocking with signals at Traffic Gates?
To prevent accidents at level crossings
Who is responsible for maintaining the equipment at Level Crossings?
Both Engineering and Traffic departments
What is the purpose of providing telephone communication at Level Crossings?
To provide safety measures
What determines the type of communication system to be provided at Level Crossings?
Para 2 of Annexure: 14-A1
What is the primary purpose of providing safety measures at Level Crossings?
To prevent accidents at level crossings
Where should equipment for communication be fixed?
On a wooden or approved type shelf/box
What is the power supply requirement for Level Crossing?
Power supply from both UP and DN AT supply, in addition to local supply
Why should the neutral section be relocated?
When the minimum distance between gate signals and neutral section is not available as per para 16.4 and 16.5 of AC Traction Manual
What precautions should be taken for interlocking a Level Crossing in RE area?
Proper precautions as stipulated in Chapter 22 of SEM
What is the purpose of a fracture segment in Mechanical Lifting Barriers?
To ensure the break of the segment without endangering the mechanism itself in case of a mighty hit
Where should the winch for the operation of the lifting barrier be located?
At a place not exceeding 150 meters from the gate and having clear visibility of the road
What should happen while closing the gate?
Warning bell rings and lamp bracket also gets turned to give required indication to road users
What is the alternative to warning bell and lamp bracket?
Standard audio and visual signals for road users as required for electric lifting barriers
What is the alternative term mentioned in the chapter for 'Track Circuit'?
Axle Counters
What is the frequency of submitting a statement regarding Level Crossing Gate details to the Sr.Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer/Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer?
Bi-annually
What is the purpose of maintaining a register by SSE(Signal)/Incharge?
To keep a record of Level Crossing Gate details
What is the role of the concerned department in regards to road traffic protection?
To arrange for the protection of road traffic
What is the primary purpose of adjusting the friction clutch in an electric lifting barrier?
To de-clutch when the boom is raised or lowered fully and the power supply is not cut off
What is the purpose of Annexure 14-A1?
To provide safety measures to be provided at Level Crossings
What is the recommended frequency for examining and oiling gate locking apparatus?
Regularly, but the frequency is not specified
What is the authority that can modify or supplement the maintenance schedules?
PCSTE of the Railway
What is the provision mentioned in the chapter regarding the approach warning at Level Crossing Gates?
Provision of approach warning and flash lights
What is the purpose of track circuits/axle counters in level crossing gate maintenance?
To detect the presence of trains on the track
What is the purpose of maintaining a register by SSE(Signal)/Incharge regarding the provision of communication?
To monitor the communication systems at Level Crossing Gates
What is the primary purpose of the communication system between Level Crossing gates and the adjoining stations?
To ensure the safe operation of the level crossing gate
What is the recommended action when contact surfaces of the electric lifting barrier are pitted?
Replace the contact surfaces
What is the purpose of the shock absorber at the boom rest (stop post) of the electric lifting barrier?
To absorb shocks and ensure smooth operation
Who is authorized to carry out heavy repairs, renewals, or alterations to gate interlocking?
Senior Engineer
What is the primary purpose of the audio/visual warning system in level crossing gate maintenance?
To alert pedestrians of approaching trains
What is the primary factor considered by the Engineering Department for classifying road-rail surface level crossings?
TVU (Traffic Volume Units)
Which category of Level Crossing Gates is installed and maintained by the Engineering Department?
Non-Interlocked Gates
What is the minimum TVU required for a road to be classified as 'A Class'?
30,000
Which department is responsible for providing and maintaining communication equipment at manned gates?
S&T Department
What is the purpose of interlocking equipment at Level Crossing Gates?
To ensure safe passage of trains and road vehicles
Which category of Level Crossings has a TVU of less than 30,000 and up to 20,000?
B Class
Which of the following is NOT a category of Level Crossing Gates?
Manned Barriers
What is the purpose of referring to Chapter 9 of IRPWM, Para 902?
To understand the classification of Level Crossings
What is the primary factor considered by the Engineering Department for classifying road-rail surface level crossings?
TVU and line capacity utilization
What type of gates may be in the form of lifting barriers or swing/movable gates of approved design?
Non-Interlocked Gates
Which category of Level Crossings has a TVU of less than 30,000 and up to 20,000?
B2 Class
Who is responsible for maintaining the communication equipment at manned gates?
S&T Department
What is the purpose of referring to Chapter 9 of IRPWM, Para 902?
For classification of road-rail surface level crossings
Which category of Level Crossing Gates is installed and maintained by the Engineering Department?
Non-Interlocked Gates
What is the minimum TVU required for a road to be classified as 'A Class'?
50,000
Which department is responsible for providing and maintaining interlocking and communication equipment at interlocked gates?
S&T Department
Where should the Gate Stop Signal be located in Single Distant territory?
At least 1 kilometer in rear of the Gate Signal
What should be provided on both sides of the road at Level Crossing gates in automatic sections?
Audible warning and road user signal
In Double distant territory, where should the Gate Distant signal be located?
At least 2 kilometers in rear of the Gate Signal
What should be interlocked with signals at Level Crossing gates in automatic sections?
Lifting barrier gates operated mechanically or electrically
Where should the Gate Inner Distant signal be located in Double distant territory?
At least 1 kilometer in rear of the Gate Signal
What should be exhibited by the road user signal when there is a train on the approach or the gate is in closed condition?
Stop aspect
In what type of sections are Level Crossing gates worked by lifting barrier gates?
Automatic sections
What is provided on both sides of the road at Level Crossing gates in automatic sections, in addition to audible warning?
Road user signal and warning bell and lamp bracket
What is the minimum distance from the gate where a Stop Signal should be provided on sections with two aspect signaling?
400 meters
On sections with multiple aspect signaling, where should the Gate Stop Signal be located?
At 180 meters in rear of the gate
What is the purpose of the 'G' marker on the Gate Stop Signal?
To identify the Gate Stop Signal
What is the minimum distance from the Gate Signal where the Warner signal should be provided on sections with two aspect signaling?
1.2 km
What should be ensured regarding the roller fitted to the rope drum?
It enters the trunnion bracket and activates the boom for closure/opening.
In Double Distant territory, where should the Gate Distant signal be located?
At 2 km in rear of the Gate Signal
What is the requirement for the boom at electric lifting barrier installations?
It must be segmented for easy transport and installation.
What is the purpose of interlocking the LC gates with signals?
To ensure the safe passage of both road and rail traffic
What is the authority responsible for notifying norms for interlocking of gates?
Railway Board
Where should the power supply equipment be installed in RE areas?
In a Gate goomty with Up AT and Dn AT power supply.
What should be provided at the centre of the boom in electric lifting barrier installations?
A red reflector.
What is the purpose of providing an audible warning by a bell/buzzer at interlocked gates?
To alert road users of an approaching train
What is the requirement for the boom in case of power supply failure?
It should remain in the position last assumed.
What should be provided for emergency operation of the lifting barrier?
A hand crank.
What should be ensured regarding the guy rod?
It should be given sufficient tension for smooth operation of the boom.
What should be ensured regarding the interlocking at mechanical interlocked gates?
It should be achieved through approved means.
What is the primary purpose of relocating the neutral section in RE area?
To provide a minimum distance between gate signals and neutral section
Where should the equipment for communication be fixed in a gate lodge?
On a wooden or approved type shelf/box at an appropriate height
What is the primary purpose of providing a separate fracture segment in Mechanical Lifting Barriers?
To allow for the break of the segment without endangering the mechanism
What is the power supply requirement for Level Crossing gates in RE area?
Power supply from both UP and DN AT supply, in addition to local supply
What is the primary purpose of providing warning bell and lamp bracket during gate closing?
To provide a warning to road users
What is the recommended location for the winch in Mechanical Lifting Barriers?
At a place, including cabin, not exceeding 150 meters from the gate and having clear visibility of the road
What is the primary purpose of providing a neutral section in Level Crossing gates?
To provide a minimum distance between gate signals and neutral section
What precautions should be taken while interlocking a Level Crossing in RE area?
Taking proper precautions as stipulated in Chapter 22 of SEM
Study Notes
Level Crossing Gates
- Level Crossing Gates are interlocked and protected with signals.
Engineering Gates and Traffic Gates
- Engineering Gates: Located beyond the outermost stop signals, manned and operated by Engineering staff, and may be non-interlocked or interlocked with signals.
- Traffic Gates: Located between the outermost stop signals, manned and operated by Traffic staff, and shall be interlocked with station signals.
Normal Position of Gates
- The normal position of Interlocked gates is as per para 904 and 907 of IRPWM.
Equipment at Level Crossing
- Level Crossings shall be provided with equipment as per para 910 of IRPWM.
- Equipment is provided and maintained by Engineering or Traffic department.
- Working instructions, including gate working diagrams, shall be provided at the gate lodge and a copy kept at the controlling station.
- Safety measures for different classes of level crossings include interlocking with signals, provision of telephone communication, and approach warning arrangement.
Maintenance and Inspection
- SSE (Signal) / Incharge shall maintain a register indicating details of each class of Level Crossing Gate.
- A statement shall be submitted on first January and first July every year to the Sr. Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer / Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer.
- Maintenance schedules shall be followed as per Annexures, which may be modified/supplemented by PCSTE of the Railway to suit local needs.
Safety Measures
- Safety measures to be provided at Level Crossings include lubrication of the bearing surface and moving parts of the electric lifting barrier, keeping contacts clean and in proper adjustment, and ensuring the satisfactory functioning of the lifting barrier by a hand crank.
- Gate locking apparatus shall be examined regularly and working parts kept oiled.
- Approach warning arrangement and track circuits/Axle counters shall be maintained in accordance with instructions.
Installation of LC Gates
- Power supply for Level Crossing shall be made available from both UP and DN AT supply in addition to local supply.
- For interlocking a Level Crossing in RE area, neutral section shall be relocated wherever minimum distance between gate signals and neutral section is not available.
- Proper precautions shall be taken as stipulated in Chapter 22 of SEM.
Installation of Mechanical Lifting Barriers (MLB)
- A separate fracture segment shall connect the boom with the mechanism near the pivot.
- Winch for the operation of the lifting barrier shall be located at a place not exceeding 150 meters from the gate and having clear visibility of the road.
- Warning bell and lamp shall be provided to give required indication to road users.
Classification of Level Crossings
- Level crossings are classified as Special class, A Class, B Class, and C Class based on the TVU (Traffic Volume Unit) and the number of road vehicles.
- The classification of road-rail surface level crossings shall be decided by the Engineering Department as per para 902 of IRPWM.
Equipment for Communication
- Equipment for communication of approved type shall be fixed inside the gate lodge on a wooden or approved type shelf/box at an appropriate height from ground level as per space available.
- The wiring for communication equipment shall be properly secured by adopting best practices.
Installation of LC Gates in RE Area
- Power supply for Level Crossing shall be made available from both UP and DN AT supply in accordance with para 20713.2 (iii) of ACTM Vol.II (Part I) in addition to local supply.
- For interlocking a Level Crossing in RE area, neutral section shall be relocated wherever minimum distance between gate signals and neutral section is not available as per para 16.4 and 16.5 of AC Traction Manual.
- Proper precautions as stipulated in Chapter 22 of SEM shall be taken.
Installation of Mechanical Lifting Barriers (MLB)
- A separate fracture segment shall connect the boom with the mechanism near the pivot.
- Fracture segment mounting shall be of such a design that it can be transported, replaced easily and quickly, and in case of a mighty hit, shall allow for the break of the segment without endangering the mechanism itself.
- Winch for the operation of the lifting barrier shall be located at a place (including cabin) not exceeding 150 meters from the gate and having clear visibility of the road.
- It shall be ensured that while closing the gate, warning bell rings and lamp bracket also gets turned to give required indication to road users.
- Alternatively, standard audio and visual signals for road users as required for electric lifting barriers shall be provided.
Classification of Level Crossings
- The classification of road-rail surface level crossings shall be decided by the Engineering Department as per para 902 (refer to IRPWM) of Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual (IRPWM).
- Level crossings are classified as under:
- Special class: For roads having TVU greater than 50,000.
- A Class: For roads having TVU between 50,000 and 30,000 or Line capacity utilisation 80% (on single line section) and number of road vehicle more than 1000.
- B Class: TVUs less than 30,000 and up to 20,000 and number of road vehicles greater than 750.
- B Class is further subdivided as:
- B1 class: TVUs less than 30,000 and up to 25,000.
- B2 class: TVUs less than 25,000 and up to 20,000.
- C Class: All other Level crossings for road not covered in above classes.
Categories of Level Crossing Gates
- Gates can be broadly divided into the following categories:
- Non-Interlocked Gates
- Interlocked Gates
- Non-Interlocked Gates: These gates may be in the form of lifting barriers or swing/movable gates of approved design.
- Interlocked Gates: At interlocked gates, interlocking and communication equipment are provided and maintained by S&T department.
Interlocking of LC Gates
- Norms as notified from time to time by Railway Board shall be followed for Interlocking of Gates.
- Gate Signaling shall match sectional Signaling.
- Audible warning by a bell/buzzer of approved type operated by the approach of a train shall be provided at interlocked gates in accordance with para 3 of Annexure: 14-A1.
Interlocked Level Crossing Gates – Outside Station Limits
- On sections provided with two aspect Signaling:
- A Stop Signal at 400 meters from the gate shall be provided.
- Where the section is provided with separate Warner signal, such a Warner signal shall be provided at a distance of not less than 1.2 km from the Gate Stop Signal.
- On Sections provided with multiple aspect signalling:
- The Gate Stop Signal shall be located at not less than 180 meters in rear of the gate.
- In Single Distant territory, the Distant Signal shall be located, at not less than one kilometer in rear of the Gate Signal.
- In Double Distant territory, Gate Distant signal shall be located, at not less than 2 kilometers in rear of the Gate signal and Gate Inner Distant Signal shall be located, at not less than one kilometer in rear of the Gate Signal.
Installation of Electric Lifting Barrier (ELB)
- Where reliable power supply is available at any interlocked Level Crossing Gates (of special class, A, B1, B2 class & C class) in any section, electrically operated lifting barrier of approved design shall be provided.
- The boom shall be of approved type.
- The metallic type boom shall be segmented for easy transport, installation, and replacement.
- Operation of the lifting barrier may be provided from a gate control panel or by any other approved equipment.
- At the centre of the boom, a red reflector shall be provided.
- Emergency operation by hand crank shall be provided.
- The boom must be so balanced that in case of failure of power supply, the barrier shall remain in the position last assumed.
Learn about the different types of gates in railway engineering, including engineering gates and traffic gates, and how they are operated and protected with signals.
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