Signal Engineering Basics - IRISET

The Indian Railways Act, 1989 is referred to as ‘Act’ in the ‘General Rules’ document.

An arrangement in which the lighting of signals is automatically controlled by the approach of a train is known as ‘Approach Lighting'.

An ‘Authorized Officer’ can issue instructions or perform actions on behalf of the Railway Administration.

An electrical device that counts axles to determine whether a section of track is clear or occupied is called an ‘Axle Counter’.

‘Block Back’ is the term used to send the message that a block section is obstructed or to be obstructed.

A `Block Section' is the part of a track between two block stations.

‘Centralized Traffic Control’ refers to a system where trains are controlled remotely through fixed signals.

A `Commissioner of Railway Safety’ is an official appointed to carry out duties under the Indian Railways Act, 1989.

A `Competent Railway Servant’ is a person on duty who is qualified to perform duties entrusted to them.

A `Controller’ is a railway servant responsible for traffic management on a section of a railway.

The period from sunrise to sunset is referred to as ‘Day’ in the ‘General Rules’ document.

The term ‘Driver’ refers to the engine driver or any other competent railway servant who is in charge of operating a train.

Points are considered ‘facing points’ when they are approached from the toe end.

A `Fixed Signal’ is any signal permanently positioned and indicates a condition affecting the movement of a train.

The occurrence of two lines crossing or joining causing infringement of fixed standard dimension is referred to as a ‘Fouling Mark.’

A `Gangman’ is a railway servant working on permanent way or works related to permanent way.

A `Gang’ is a group of workmen who are employed in the permanent way or works related to permanent way.

A `Goods Train’ is a train that is primarily intended to carry animals or goods.

The person in charge of a train, including a brakesman who carries out guard duties, is referred to as a ‘Guard’ in the ‘General Rules’ document.

An ‘Inspector of Way or Works’ is responsible for the construction or maintenance of permanent way, points, and signals.

The arrangement of signals, points, and other appliances, which are interlocked mechanically or electrically to ensure safe and sequenced operation, is known as ‘Interlocking’.

‘Intermediate Block Post’ is a class `C’ station on a double line that is remotely controlled from the block station behind it.

The system of signalling on a double line where a long block section is divided into two shorter block sections with an intermediate block post is called ‘Intermediate Block Signalling’.

Protection of a section of track from obstructions by setting points or other means is called ‘Isolation’ in railway signalling.

The ‘Last Stop Signal’ of a station controls the entry of trains coming from the next block section.

‘Level Crossing’ refers to the intersection of roads with railway tracks at the same level.

A `Level Crossing Gate’ can refer to a chain, wicket, turnstile, or a movable barrier that is used to control traffic flow at level crossings.

The permission given from a block station to a preceding block station for a train to leave and proceed towards the preceding station is known as ‘Line Clear’.

‘Line Capacity’ signifies the maximum number of trains that can operate on a particular section within a 24-hour period.

The length of track beyond a stop signal that needs to be cleared before the next stop signal can be activated is known as ‘Overlap’.

The most restrictive aspect of a signal is known as the `On Aspect’.

Any aspect other than the ‘On Aspect’ of a signal is called the ‘Off Aspect’.

‘Position Light Signal’ displays its indications through the position of two or more lights.

‘Semaphore Signals’ are characterized by their semaphore arm, which provides the main indications for drivers during the day.

The `Service Braking Distance’ of a train is the distance required to stop the train at its maximum permissible speed without causing any discomfort to passengers.

‘Level Crossing’ is a term used to describe any intersection of roads with railway tracks, regardless of whether it is at the same level or different levels.