Railway Line Patrolling

Patrolling of the Railway Line

• There are six types of patrolling: Key man's daily patrol, Gang patrol during abnormal rainfall or storm, Monsoon Patrolling, Hot/Cold weather patrolling for long welded rails/continuous welded rails, Watchmen at vulnerable locations, and Security patrolling during civil disturbances and special occasions.

Key Man's Daily Patrol

• The key man of the beat is responsible for inspecting every portion of the permanent way daily on foot.
• The interval between inspections can be increased to once in two days for specified sections of lines with light and infrequent traffic under special instructions from the Chief Engineer.
• The Keyman should be provided with a GPS tracking device to monitor his movements.

Gang Patrol during Abnormal Rainfall or Storm

• In the event of abnormal rainfall or storm, the Gang Mate should organize patrolling over the affected length, independently of other patrolling.
• The patrol should inspect known points of danger, such as cutting or culverts likely to scour, banks affected by tanks likely to breach, and bridge approaches.
• In case of high winds, the patrol should inspect the length of track likely to be fouled by falling trees.
• Arrangements exist with the Meteorological Department for sending electronic communication regarding warnings.

Equipment of Monsoon Patrolmen

• Each Patrolman should be provided with the following equipment:
  • One staff (preferably foldable)
  • Number plate (15 cm square) with white letters on black background
  • 10 detonators in a tin case
  • Warning signals (red flashing rechargeable LED torch/hand signal lamp at night or red flag during day)
  • Protective clothing according to local dress regulations
  • One match box
  • Two red flags and one green flag (day patrol only)
  • Patrol book in a tin case
  • One three-cell electric torch
  • Whistle thunderer
  • One haversack

Selection of Patrolman

• Literate, intelligent, experienced, and trustworthy track maintainers should be selected as Patrolmen and Watchmen.
• Twice the number required should be selected to serve as relief, in case of illness, to provide for rest giver Patrolman, etc.

Certificate to be Submitted by SSE/P.Way (In-charge)

• The SSE/P.Way (In-charge) should submit a certificate to the DEN through ADEN, a month in advance before the commencement of the monsoon.
• The certificate should state that all arrangements for monsoon patrolling and watching vulnerable locations/bridges have been made.
• The patrolmen and watchmen have been made conversant with their duties, rules for the protection of the line, and vulnerable locations in their beats.

Action When Damage is Observed

• In the event of any portion of the line being breached or otherwise rendered unsafe for traffic, the following procedure should be observed:
  • Protecting the line by exhibiting the danger signal in both directions
  • Two patrolmen should proceed in opposite directions, showing the danger signals, and place detonators on the rail at specified distances

Check Over Patrolling at Nights

• JE/SSE/P.Way should inspect night patrolling once a fortnight by train
• SSE/P.Way (In-charge) should inspect night patrolling once a month by train
• ADEN should cover his entire sub-division once in a month by train and check the patrolmen

Action by ADEN and JE/SSE/P.Way on Receipt of Information Regarding Damage to the Line

• On receipt of information of any damage to the line, ADEN and SSE/P.Way (In-charge) and JE/SSE/P.Way concerned should proceed to the site by the quickest possible means and take necessary action for restoration.

Hot and Cold Weather Patrolling for LWR/CWR

• Hot weather patrolling is introduced when the rail temperature rises above:
  • td + 25° C on PSC sleeper track with sleeper density 1540 nos./ km and above
  • td + 20° C on PSC sleeper track with sleeper density less than 1540 nos./ km
• Patrol beat for hot weather patrolling is:
  • One patrolman for 2 km on single line or where only one road in a double line section is having LWR/CWR