SWRs and Temporary Working Orders

SWRs and Temporary Working Orders

• SWRs are documents containing rules and regulations for train operations at a specific station.
• SWRs are issued in both English and Hindi.
• SWRs are created to ensure safe train operations and cover all aspects of the station, including local conditions.
• SWRs are issued by the Authorised Officer of Railway and further delegated to the Sr.DOM/DOM and Sr.DSTE/DSTE for their respective divisions.
• SWRs must comply with General Rules and Subsidiary Rules of the Railways.
• In the case of any conflict between SWRs and G&SR, G&SR takes preference.
• SWRs require sanction of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for certain situations, including relaxation of General Rules under approved special instructions, revisions due to changes described in the Indian Railway’s P.Way Manual, and the approval of works mentioned in Appendix B to Chapter XV of G&SRs.
• SWRs are prepared by the Sr.DSTE/DSTE and the Sr.DOM/DOM ensuring a comprehensive Rule Diagram and signalling plan.
• The Sr.DOM/DOM is responsible for scrutinising the Rule Diagram, signalling appendices, and verifying their site accuracy.
• The Sr.DOM/DOM is responsible for reviewing and approving Draft Working Rules prepared by the Transportation Inspector; this involves checking and approving the Rules by the Sr.DSTE/DSTE for interlocked stations; the Sr.DEE/DEE (TRD) is also involved in electrified sections.
• D/DK class stations between Block Stations are mentioned in the Block Stations' SWT's, which include special instructions for DK class stations.
• LC gates are addressed in Appendix A of the SWR and their working instructions are included.
• The detailed working instructions for Ghat sections are included in the SWRs of the adjacent block stations.
• The officers responsible for signing the SWRs are accountable for ensuring their accuracy as any deficiency in these rules can compromise safety.
• The Rule Diagram of the SWR should be compared with site conditions to verify its accuracy.
• The SWR should include the station layout, points, signals, gradients, and interlocking arrangements.
• The SWR should indicate the holding capacity of all lines (in meters), inter-signal distances, the names of adjacent stations and IBH signals with their respective distances, and other relevant information.
• The date of correction should also be mentioned.
• The SWR diagram should show actual distances, not minimum prescribed distances.
• The SWR should be signed by the Divisional Operations Manager, Divisional Signal & Telecom Engineer, and Divisional Engineer.
• The detection table, Lever Collar Chart, and Pull Sheet can be provided in Appendix 'B'.
• The Pull Sheet should be replicated on a brightly painted board above the Lever Frames in cabins.

Station Description

• The SWR includes a general description of the station's location, class, section, and electrification status.
• The SWR should state the distance from a nominated point on the Railway.
• The number of cabins at the station should be specified.
• The SWR should mention the adjacent block stations on either side, including their names, distances, and the presence of IBS signals, if applicable.
• The SWR should include details about level crossings, including their number, location, class, position, interlocking status, communication availability, TAWD provision, and mode of operation.

System and Means of Working

• The SWR should detail the system of working in force, such as Absolute/Automatic block working, Double line/Single line, Token/Tokenless Block Instruments, co-operative or non-co-operative operation, and staff responsible for operation and keys.
• The SWR should mention the availability of block telephones at the station, IBS posts, and communication between the loco pilot and station master.

System of Signalling & Interlocking

• The SWR should describe the standard of interlocking, type of signalling (MLQ/TALQ/MAUQ/MACLS), operating methods (Lever Frames/Control Panel/VDU/CTC), provisions of axle counters/track circuits, Calling-On Signals/IBS, special signalling features (fixed Warner, stop boards, emergency cross-overs, permanently locked points, motor-operated points, emergency/crank handle keys), and indications of points/trap points/signals/track circuits/axle counters.
• The SWR should detail the procedures for emergency route cancellation, clearing of blocks, and the working of stations equipped with Train Protection and Warning systems and Anti-Collision Devices.
• The SWR should specify the procedure for resetting the system in case of Axle counter failure and provide instructions on using emergency operation of points, route cancellation, and block clearing.
• Details of the Lever Frame/control panel/Video Display Unit, including routes setting, points/signal/gate control switches, individual point operation, gate operations, crank handle operation for setting points, and record keeping for emergency operation counters should be included.

Custody of Relay Room Key

• The SWR should specify the custody of the relay room key and procedures for its handover and takeover between the Station Master and S&T maintenance staff.

Power Supply

• The SWR should detail the power supply sources for signalling such as Dn AT/Up AT/ Local supply/Diesel Generator/UPS/Integrated Power Supply.
• The SWR should clarify whether the changeover between power sources is automatic or manual in case of a failure of the normal source.
• The procedure for manual changeover should be described.

Telecommunication

• The SWR should identify the telecommunication facilities at the station, including:
  • Section Control/Dy.Control/Traction Power Control
  • Auto/DOT Telephones
  • Magneto Telephone with cabins/gates
  • IBS Telephone
  • Telephone with Axle Counter reset boxes
  • Telephone for yard communication
  • VHF Sets
  • Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC)
• The SWR should outline the actions to be taken in the event of a telecommunication failure.

System of Train Working

• The SWR should detail the duties and responsibilities of the train working operational staff, such as:

  • Station Master
  • Switchman
  • Cabinman
  • Leverman
  • Pointsman
  • Platform Porter
  • Gateman.

• The SWR should provide clear references to the G&SR of the Railway and the Block Working Manual.

Station Working Rules (SWR)

• Rule Diagrams
• Preparation
  • Scrutinized and checked by Sr.DOM/DOM.
  • Signalling Appendices Checked at site.
  • Draft Working Rules
    • Prepared by the Transportation Inspector in Standard Format
    • Checked and approved by Sr.DOM/DOM personally
    • For Interlocked stations, Draft Working Rules are checked by Sr.DSTE/DSTE
    • Sr.DEE/DEE (TRD) associated in electrified sections
• Block Stations
  • Flag Station (D) and DK (Station with siding) between Block Stations
    • Block station SWRs to include a reference to the D/DK station in Appendix 'F'
    • Special instructions for DK stations are also included in Block Station SWRs
    • Rule Diagram and instructions are made available at DK stations
• Level Crossing Gates
  • Controlled by Stations
  • Rules for working are in Appendix A
• Ghat Stations
  • Working instructions for Ghat sections are in the Appendix to SWRs of adjacent Block Stations

Responsibilities of Officers Signing SWRs

• Deficiencies or Breach of Safety Rules:
  • Officers signing SWRs are held accountable
  • Along with staff involved
• Rule Diagram & Ground Verification:
  • Rule diagram compared at site to confirm accuracy
  • Up & Down lines controlled by Track Circuits, Electronic Axle Counters, & Double Line Block Instruments
  • Mention if adjacent section has Automatic Signals
  • Outlying sidings/DK Stations are mentioned with their Km in Up/Down directions and detailed instructions are in Appendix 'F'

Block Section Limits

• Table format indicating:
  • Point where the Block Section starts
  • Point where the Block Section ends
  • Between stations

Yard Gradients & Layout

• Gradients:
  • Mention gradients in the yard and adjacent Sections, with their locations
  • Mention steep gradients requiring special precautions
• Layout:
  • Number of running lines (UP Loop, UP Main, DN Main, Common Loop, etc.)
  • Location of: Goods sheds/siding, Hot Axle siding, Passing sidings, Engineering sidings, Sidings taking off from the yard, including whether they are electrified/non-electrified.
  • Method of isolation from running lines
  • Location of low/high level platforms on running lines/goods sidings

Train Movements

• Direction & Capacity
  • Direction of movement on all lines
  • Clear Standing Room (CSR) of running lines (in meters)
• Non-running Lines & Capacity
  • Capacity in CSR
• Special Layout Features
  • Any special features of the yard that affect train operation (catch siding, slip siding, non-standard turnouts, curves, spring points, etc.)
  • Responsibility for ascertaining clearance of lines and zones of responsibility of staff on duty
  • Private Number Book is under the custody of train passing staff

Assurance of Staff

• Assurance Register:
  • Every train passing staff
    • Posted newly, Leave reserve staff, Regular staff returning after 15 days absence,
  • Must go through Station Working Rules and give assurance in the Assurance Register

Line Clear Conditions

• System of Working in Force:
  • Briefly describe system working in force at the station
  • Specific points on the Track required to be kept clear
  • Mention outlying sidings if involved
• Special Conditions:
  • Setting of points against block line
  • Reception of train on blocked line
  • Reception of train on non-signalled line
  • Despatch of train from non-signalled line
  • Despatch of train from line provided with common starter signal
  • Any other special conditions with reference to the G&SR

Approaching Signals

• Reference to G&SR:
  • Instructions on taking ‘off’ approach signals
• Station Master Responsibility:
  • Ensure signals are restored to 'ON' after train passage (GR 3.36.2 (b))

Trains Receiving/Despatching

• Procedure:
  • Specific point setting for points and traps to achieve signal overlaps/isolations for shunting operations and sidings
• Simultaneous Reception/Despatching, Crossing and Precedence of Trains:
  • Details for simultaneous reception, crossing of trains and precedence of trains

Train Arrival

• Responsibility of Completion:
  • Station Master responsible for verifying complete arrival of trains before closing the block section
• Axle Counter (BPAC):
  • Procedure of block working mentioned giving reference to G&SR and Block Working Manual

Train Despatch

• Starting of Trains:
  • Particulars for starting trains from running lines and non-signalled lines
  • Issue of caution orders
  • Reference to G&SR and Block Working Manual
• IBS:
  • Procedure for despatching trains to the IBS and then to the next station

Trains Running Through

• G&SR Provisions Mentioned

Working in Case of Failure

• Details:
  • Track circuits
  • Points
  • Signals
  • Block instruments
  • Axle counters
  • Axle Counter Block
  • Procedure for working over damaged points
  • Reception of trains on obstructed lines and non-signalled lines; including failure to read the occupation of lines by trolley or light engine, etc.
• Precautions for Trolley/Motor Trolley/Material Lorries Movement:
  • Trolley/Motor Trolleys/Lorries are not allowed to run on sections with axle counters unless line is clear
  • Motor trolleys/Tower Wagon/Material Lorries may not actuate axle counters correctly, in which case the whole section is treated as one and the next train is only started after the last train has arrived complete
  • Light motor trolleys follow rules for ordinary trolleys without block protection and those for motor trolleys with block protection or following another light motor trolley or a motor trolley
  • Other restrictions on movement of trolleys, motor trolleys, material lorries, tower wagons, etc.

Blocking of Line

• Station Master Precautions:
  • Precautions to be taken by the Station Master when lines are blocked (stabled vehicles, maintenance works, etc.)

Failures

• Report of Failure:
  • Station Master or Assistant Station Master (SM/ASM) reports failures to the responsible Signalling Maintenance Staff
  • Only after receiving written memo from the Signalling maintainer for rectification of fault, can SM/ASM restore normal working
• Failure Register:
  • Entries in the Failure Register with message to the Section Controller

Total Failure of Communication

• Reference to SR and Block Working Manual:
  • Provisions for working trains in case of total communication failure
  • Actions to be taken and by whom
  • Precautionary measures with reference to G&SR

Temporary Single Line Working on a Double Line Section

• Procedures

Despatch of Train Without Line Clear or to Assist Crippled Train

• Procedures

Visibility Test Object (VTO)

• Position:
  • Location of the VTO in each zone of operation
• Officials Authorized to Check:
  • Officials authorized to check the VTO from a nominated point in the station

Essential Equipment

• Appendix 'E':
  • List of Essential Equipment

Fog Signal Men

• Procedures in Foggy Conditions:
  • Trained personnel as fog signalmen
  • Selection of personnel from Traffic and Engineering Departments
  • Entries in the Fog Signal Register
  • Assurance taken by the Station Master
• VTO Obscured:
  • If VTO is not visible due to fog, tempestuous weather, or dust storm, the Station Master deploys trained fog signalmen
  • Instructions for selecting fog signalmen from Traffic and Engineering Departments, recording their names in the Fog Signal Register and obtaining their assurance are mentioned clearly

Appendix Listing:

• Appendix 'A': Working of Level Crossing Gates
• Appendix 'B': System of Signalling and Interlocking and Communication Arrangements at the Station
• Appendix 'C': Anti-Collision Device (Raksha Kavach)
• Appendix 'D': Duties of Train Passing Staff and Staff in Each Shift

Explore the significance of SWRs (Station Working Rules) in ensuring safe train operations at railway stations. This quiz delves into the roles of authorized officers, the compliance requirements with G&SR, and the procedural nuances involved in issuing SWRs. Test your knowledge on the complexities and safety measures associated with train operations.