Railway Power Plan and Goods Train Operations

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of allowing a newly promoted driver to work as a co-driver for a month?

To assess the driver's knowledge of railway operations.

To complete necessary paperwork for certification.

To familiarize the driver with driving techniques and clarify doubts. (correct)

To ensure the driver meets the physical requirements for driving.

What is required for a candidate to receive a competency certificate after their training?

Complete additional hours of supervised driving.

Pass an interview with the AEE(OP)/SR.DEE(OP) and Safety Officer. (correct)

Submit a written examination for a driving license.

Obtain a satisfactory report from fellow drivers.

What must a candidate do if they are not confident in completing road learning within the prescribed period?

Obtain a letter from a fellow driver for an exemption.

Complete additional training before the deadline.

Seek permission to skip road learning entirely.

Request an extension from their depot in-charge. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for an assistant driver to be promoted to goods driver on an ad-hoc basis?

Submit a recommendation from a senior driver. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for providing the certification that indicates a driver is fit to work independently?

The nominated loco inspector. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a power plan in railway operations?

To provide the information for planning goods trains Signup and view all the answers

What information is included in the power plan regarding locomotives?

Outage of the locomotive on a division Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor considered when planning goods trains?

Train drivers' preferences for routes Signup and view all the answers

How often is the performance of goods traffic reviewed on a railway division?

Every six months Signup and view all the answers

What does the requirement of power for inferior services in a power plan include?

Shunting work and engineering department tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which office is responsible for issuing the zonal railway power plan?

Office of the Chief Operating Manager Signup and view all the answers

What does 'target utilization of locomotives' refer to in the context of a power plan?

The operational capacity based on different division conditions Signup and view all the answers

What does the double head train count signify between BSL and NGN?

There is 1 double head train scheduled. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the average running time differ between sections?

Due to differences in section length and traffic pattern. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the data presented in the train schedule?

To calculate the requirement of running staff. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'pre-departure detention of the crew'?

The elapsed time from crew sign-on to train departure. Signup and view all the answers

How many total engine kilometers are reported in the table?

33722 Signup and view all the answers

Which section has the highest number of single head trains scheduled?

BSL-BADNERA Signup and view all the answers

Which office is responsible for maintaining the average sectional running time data?

SR.DOM Office Signup and view all the answers

What does the abbreviation 'TRO' stand for in the context of this document?

Traction Rolling Stock Operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sections has no double head trains scheduled?

BSL-ODHA Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the promotion process from assistant driver to shunter?

Passing a screening test conducted by a committee Signup and view all the answers

Which officers are involved in the committee for promoting candidates to Goods Driver?

DEE (OP), DPO/APO, and DME Signup and view all the answers

What is a general practice given to candidates promoted to shunter after the screening test?

Two weeks of handling training under supervision Signup and view all the answers

Why might assistant drivers be directly promoted to Goods Driver instead of shunters?

Shunters may have a low literacy level and did not pass exams Signup and view all the answers

What must candidates achieve in order to be considered for selection as a driver?

Pass the Driver promotion course in either Diesel or AC Signup and view all the answers

What does the screening test for assistant drivers aim to determine?

Their suitability and competency for promotion Signup and view all the answers

How many assistant drivers and shunters are typically called for consideration relative to vacancies in drivers?

Three times the number of actual vacancies Signup and view all the answers

What has changed regarding the promotional training course for assistant drivers to shunter?

It has been completely revoked in most divisions Signup and view all the answers

What document certifies a candidate's ability to work as a shunter after training?

A competency certificate issued by the loco inspector Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criterion for promoting assistant drivers to shunters?

Results from the screening test Signup and view all the answers

What is the eligibility criteria for conducting a departmental examination to fill vacancies?

Matriculate class IV staff with 5 years of continuous service Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total vacancies can be filled by lateral induction of skilled artisan staff?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum qualification required for direct recruitment of assistant drivers?

Matriculate with ITI Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to estimate the total vacancies for assistant drivers?

Calculating expected retirements, promotions, and existing vacancies Signup and view all the answers

Which of these positions is NOT part of the promotion hierarchy for running staff?

Chief Engineer Signup and view all the answers

What is the age limit for candidates applying for the assistant driver position?

35 years Signup and view all the answers

Which category of staff can lateral induction be applied to when filling vacancies?

Skilled artisan staff of electrical/diesel loco sheds Signup and view all the answers

What additional qualification is necessary for departmental selection of Assistant Loco Pilots?

Matric and ITI Signup and view all the answers

Who is eligible for direct recruitment as assistant drivers if vacancies persist?

Matriculate candidates with ITI training Signup and view all the answers

How are vacancies to be created due to promotions assessed?

By predicting promotions to higher positions within the next year Signup and view all the answers

What is the required lie over period for trip inspection after a locomotive reaches its terminus station?

10 to 12 hours Signup and view all the answers

How should the loco link planning consider the withdrawal of a locomotive for inspection?

Integrate working schedules for timely arrival at the homing shed Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of schedule inspection should be planned after a locomotive has operated for 35 to 40 days?

Withdrawal for monthly schedule inspection Signup and view all the answers

What time frame is optimal for a locomotive to reach the homing shed after being withdrawn for inspection?

0 to 1 hour after arrival Signup and view all the answers

What time is typically allocated for the placement of electric locomotives for schedule inspection?

2 to 3 hours during the 0-8 shift Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of engine kilometers reported in the schedules provided?

33722 Signup and view all the answers

Which section has the least number of scheduled double head trains?

NANDGAON – IGATPURI Signup and view all the answers

What is pre-departure detention of the crew best defined as?

The period from sign on of crew to actual departure of the train Signup and view all the answers

Which section has the highest number of scheduled single head trains?

BHUSAWAL – ODHA Signup and view all the answers

In the context of average sectional running time, why might results differ across various sections?

Length of the section and traffic patterns Signup and view all the answers

What must be determined before calculating the requirement of running staff?

The average sectional running time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of the movement section of the SR.DOM Office?

To maintain data about average running times for different sections Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the crew's sanctioned strength is considered reasonable as a trainee reserve?

10% Signup and view all the answers

How many shunters are required per shunting engine if it operates round the clock?

4 shunters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a task performed by shunters in the yard?

Detaining incoming drivers Signup and view all the answers

What should divisions consider when justifying the requirement of trainee reserve posts?

The existing working conditions Signup and view all the answers

In a trip shed, how should the number of shunters be determined?

Based on the workload of loco movements Signup and view all the answers

Which activity does an indoor shunter NOT typically perform?

Supervising outdoor shunting activities Signup and view all the answers

Why is there no specified yardstick for trainee reserve posts?

Because of differing division requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of duty hours a driver can work in a fortnight?

104 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of shunters as described in the guidelines?

Support shunting work in the yard Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of creating a crew link?

To ensure maximum utilization without exceeding duty limits Signup and view all the answers

What is typically required for the operation of shunters in a yard?

Coordination with incoming drivers Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when making a crew link based on train timings?

Optimizing the use of driver resources Signup and view all the answers

Why should the crew link not be slack?

To prevent under-utilization of drivers Signup and view all the answers

What factors are crucial in determining the arrival and departure timings for crew change points?

The timings of Mail/Express and Passenger trains Signup and view all the answers

If a driver works for 80 hours in one fortnight, how many hours can they work in the subsequent fortnight without exceeding the limit?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What role does rest play in the planning of duty hours for drivers?

It is integral to maintaining safety standards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the relationship between duty hours and driver safety?

Appropriate duty hours decrease the risk of accidents and fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of recording crew availability timings?

To create effective schedules for crew assignments Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary reasons for calculating the requirement of shunters in a yard?

To avoid unnecessary detention of drivers Signup and view all the answers

When are train engine drivers required to perform shunting operations?

When slip coaches are near the engine Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of shunters when dealing with private sidings?

They perform shunting work using a shunting engine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the information provided in a train notice number?

Destination of the goods train Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to issue a train notice about 2 hours and 30 minutes in advance?

To coordinate the crew change effectively Signup and view all the answers

What additional information related to goods trains is essential for understanding their operations?

The system of ordering goods trains Signup and view all the answers

Which task is generally performed by shunters when it comes to yard operations?

Avoiding the extra post-departure detention of drivers Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the requirement of shunters for sidings?

Provisions must be made when the railway performs work Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence if the shunters' requirement is not accurately calculated?

Excess delays for train departures Signup and view all the answers

How does the role of shunters change based on the location of slip coaches in a train?

Their involvement depends on the engine’s position Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Power Plan and Ordering of Goods Trains

Power plans guide goods train scheduling divisionally, section-by-section
Key elements of a power plan include: divisional power plans, running staff needs, and goods train ordering
Divisional power plans are reviewed every six months to assess actual vs. planned goods train operations.
Information in a power plan includes: trains to be run (UP & DN), power for inferior services, locomotive outages (average number available daily), target locomotive utilization, and power movements (e.g., moved, LELA, dead).

Procedure for Power Plan Issue

Every six months, each railway division reviews its goods train operations.
Actual numbers of goods trains are tracked
The planned goods trains for the next six months are assessed based on planned traffic.
Railway's locomotive availability also plays a key role in the planning
Zonal railway power plans are issued by the Chief Operating Manager (COM).

Calculation of Staff Requirements

Pre-departure detention: Time from crew signing on to train departure. It should not exceed 30 minutes
Post-arrival detention: Time from train arrival to crew signing off
Average sectional running time: Data collected over the previous six months on train running times is used to estimate running times for specific sections.
Personnel: Calculate staff needs based on average sectional running time along with other factors including pre-departure and post-arrival detention.

Goods Crew Requirements

Driver numbers: Estimate the average number of drivers needed to operate a pair of trains UP and Down
Average crew hours: Track actual fortnightly crew work hours. A target of 104 hours per driver is often used to ensure adequate crew time for train duties
Loco outage data: Estimate the standard number of crew required for a locomotive based on average loco outages
Power plan training: Based on the anticipated number of trains in the power plan to determine manpower requirements

Trainee Reserve Posts

Training is provided regularly for drivers and assistant drivers.
A portion of the authorized staff is typically assigned to training at any one time.
10% trainee reserve is frequently used as a rule of thumb. Personnel divisions must justify the needed level of training staff.

Shunter Requirements

Shunters fulfill tasks like attaching/detaching coaches, loading/unloading cars, and handling other yard operations that involve shifting trains inside train yards.
In the case of round-the-clock shunting, shunters are needed at a rate of 4 personnel per shunting engine.

Ordering of Goods Trains

The Chief Controller (Goods) or Area Controller estimates expected train arrival times at crew change points or yards.
Ordering times are affected by factors like train status, crew change needs, and expected availability of locomotives
Information such as train notice numbers, train numbers, and estimated arrival times are included in notices for drivers.

Power Through Staff Change (PTSC) Trains

Dispatching trains without complete locomotive exchange or maintenance procedures.
Staff time requirements for changeover and paperwork are taken into account, with expected arrival times at crew change points providing a crucial time parameter.
These types of orders are crucial for optimizing personnel use for goods trains.

Yard Formed Trains

Staff needs are assessed based on the status of goods trains in yards.
The plan also considers factors, such as locomotive arrival times, time required for vacuum/pressure creation in trains, and driver's turnaround times at the yard.

Calculation of Sanctioned Strength

Staff calculation formulas for goods trains.
Leave and additional training time are accounted for when establishing the sanctioned staff strength.

Loco Link

Loco link: Locomotives are assigned to particular trains for efficient scheduling.
Factors: Loco availability, inspection schedule, trip inspections, and lie-over times factor into the scheduling
Yard layout: Yards and trip sheds impact the required time for locomotive movement.

Policy of Recruitment of Running Staff

Personnel policies established by Railway Board regarding filling staff vacancies in assistant driver position.
Vacancies are filled by lateral induction, promotions, and examinations
Specific methods for promotion from various staff ranks within the operation of trains, including assistant driver to shunter, shunter to goods driver, goods driver to passenger driver, and passenger driver to Mail/Express driver, are all outlined.

Competency Certification

Criteria for drivers receiving competency certificates after appropriate training and experience requirements have been met.
Specific training requirements, such as handling training for locomotives and road learning programs for specific sections of train routes, are identified and addressed.

Promotion of Passenger Drivers

Criteria for promotions for various categories of drivers based on seniority, relevant certification, and completed training programs.
This includes the procedures for promoting passenger drivers to Mail/Express drivers and loco operating supervisors, specifically from driver ranks within the operational system.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the intricacies of power planning and ordering for goods trains in railway operations. Learn about the key components of power plans, the processes involved in assessing actual train operations, and the importance of locomotive availability. Test your knowledge on how divisional power plans are structured and reviewed.