Traction Installation Breakdown Procedures

All Officers and Supervisors of the Traction Branch must follow the rules for reporting accidents and breakdowns.

Electric traction breakdowns are categorized into substations, switching stations, remote control equipment and cables, overhead lines, and transmission lines.

Maintenance gangs usually handle traction accidents and breakdowns, but specialized breakdown gangs are located in areas experiencing high traffic and overhead line failures.

Each OHE depot/sub-depot needs a specific amount of overhead line equipment (OHE) stores for breakdowns, determined by Sr.DEE (TrD).

Inspection cars, wiring trains, breakdown lorries, tools, and tackles are needed to support breakdowns.

Experienced traction staff should be stationed near traction installations, while dedicated breakdown gangs can be located in heavily trafficked areas.

Neighboring divisions can request assistance from other divisions' OHE gangs by contacting the relevant AEE(TRD) or Sr.DEE/DEE(TRD).

Supervisors must maintain constant communication with the TPC during repair, ensuring rapid response in case of breakdowns.

The first Supervisor/Officer arriving at the breakdown site must quickly assess the damage and restoration time, potentially requesting additional resources.

In serious main-line breakdowns, the Sr.DOM/DOM must directly manage traffic arrangements.

Careful documentation (and sketch) of the breakdown, especially when pantographs snag on OHE, is crucial to determine cause (faulty pantograph or OHE).

A dedicated person must constantly monitor the emergency telephone to facilitate communication between field staff and TPC during breakdowns.

Train crews and railway staff must report any overhead line equipment (OHE) defects impacting train services immediately to the TPC (Train Protection Centre).

The TPC assesses the defect, disconnects power to the affected lines, isolates the faulty section, and informs the Section Controller.

Detailed information about the location, nature, and extent of the defect, including uprooted masts or double track issues, is crucial for reporting.

The TPC, after assessing the site and consulting with traffic officials, determines the extent of service restrictions to implement.

The Section Controller, upon receiving an OHE breakdown report, manages traffic flow and issues caution orders as needed.

The TPC prioritizes isolating the faulty section and restoring power supply to unaffected areas and train operations.

If damage is minor, electric locomotives might be allowed to move at reduced speed, or even coast through the damaged area with pantographs lowered.

When driving with headlights on, drivers must slow down and stop if necessary to allow the vehicle ahead to safely pass.

When encountering emergency vehicles like fire trucks, ambulances, or police, stop in a safe location until they pass.

When driving downhill, keep the engine throttled and do not disengage the clutch.

At railway crossings and road intersections, drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.

On slippery roads, drive at lower speeds, maintain distance from other vehicles, and apply brakes until safe speeds are achieved leaving vehicle in gear.

Drivers should predict and respond to others' actions (other drivers, pedestrians, children, animals) and give clear signals of intentions.

When reversing, check for obstacles behind the vehicle. Use a signalman in poor visibility, or on hilly/congested roads.

Use horns only when absolutely necessary. Avoid unnecessary horn use near objects, this can be dangerous.

Don't allow vehicle components (doors, gates, parts of load) to dangle while driving.

Only allow passengers equal to the number of seats available in the vehicle.

Trucks carrying heavy loads should not drive with equipment elevated or partially elevated, and take measures to avoid contact with overhead lines, trees, and structures during transport.

Ensure securely transported cargo, which will not shift or fall during transit. Using a red flag/light for visibility.

The maximum number of employees allowed in a vehicle, based on safety and comfortable seating.

Non-railway employees cannot use railway vehicles without explicit permission.

Employees cannot protrude body parts or stand/sit on external vehicle sections while moving for safety reasons.

Employees are prohibited from boarding or exiting vehicles while they're in motion.

Employees can't ride on top of freight or dangerous materials transported in vehicles.

Vehicles fully loaded with personnel should avoid sudden starts and stops unless an emergency arises.

Park vehicles on the correct side of the road adjacent to the curb, avoiding obstructions to traffic.

When parking on a slope, use parking brakes, put the vehicle in gear and position wheels towards the curb and safeguard against rolling down the slope by placing bricks/stones.

Parking lights must be turned on, dimmed, when parking along highways at night.Flares to warn other drivers should be used for maintenance work.

When parking near other vehicles on opposite sides of the highway, maintain sufficient separation between vehicles.

Drivers should take the ignition key with them when leaving a parked vehicle to prevent theft and unauthorized use.

When doing repairs on vehicles on highways, vehicles should be moved to safe areas away from traffic.

Use only the curbside doors when entering and exiting a parked vehicle.Look back for oncoming traffic.

Drivers must check for obstructions, persons, or obstacles before starting a parked vehicle.

All Traction Branch Officers and Supervisors must follow the rules for reporting accidents and breakdowns.

Electric traction breakdowns are broadly categorized as sub-stations, switching stations, remote control equipment/cables, and overhead lines/transmission lines.

Maintenance gangs usually handle traction accidents and breakdowns, but specialized 'breakdown gangs' are located in high-traffic/overhead line failure areas.

Each OHE depot/sub-depot needs a specific amount of overhead line equipment stores for breakdowns, determined by Sr.DEE (TrD).

Inspection cars, wiring trains, breakdown lorries, and tools/tackles support breakdowns.

Experienced traction staff should be stationed close to traction installations, while specific gangs are in high-traffic areas.

Depot supervisors manage OHE stocks (masts, conductors, etc.), ensuring minimal required quantities are always available.

Every traction substation requires all-weather road access, in addition to rail access, for moving heavy equipment.

Road access should be provided for switching stations whenever possible for ease of maintenance and equipment movement.

Suitable tools and equipment must be available to move an Interrupter or circuit breaker from a depot to a switching station using a motor trolley or OHE Inspection Car.

Qualified staff authorized to carry out emergency switching operations manually when remote control is not possible.

Operators must familiarize themselves with the equipment, operational rules, and instructions before starting duty.

Operators must follow established telephone procedures for communication with TPC (Train Protection Centre).

A logbook must be maintained to record all switching operations, power interruptions, abnormal incidents, and equipment defects.

Train crews and railway staff must immediately report any overhead line equipment (OHE) defects affecting train services to the Train Protection Centre (TPC).

TPC assesses the defect, cuts off power to affected lines, isolates the faulty section, and informs the Section Controller.

Detailed information about the defect's location, type, and severity (including uprooted masts or double track issues) is essential for reporting.

After site assessment and consultation with traffic officials, TPC decides the extent of service restrictions to apply.

The Section Controller, receiving a report of an OHE breakdown, manages traffic flow and issues any necessary caution orders.

The TPC isolates the faulty section to restore power to unaffected areas and resume normal train operations.

If damage is minor, electric locomotives may move at reduced speed or coast through the affected area with pantographs lowered.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring all breakdown equipment, including spares and tools, are maintained in good working order.

Supervisors and officers should regularly inspect breakdown equipment during scheduled inspections.

The supervisor in charge of an OHE depot/sub-depot is primarily accountable for maintaining breakdown equipment and ensuring its readiness.

Regular reviews should be done to verify the sufficiency of spare parts and tools relevant to the specific equipment.

CTFOs (PSI and RC) must hold relevant spares and tools based on predefined scales, determined by Sr.DEE (TrD).

The TPC (Train Protection Centre) should constantly monitor maintenance gangs' movements, allowing for swift response during emergencies.

A register of staff contact details, including residential addresses and telephone numbers (office and home), especially those in railway quarters, should be maintained by the TPC.

Traction transformer breakdowns at substations usually won't affect train operation since a backup system is typically available.

Central Repair Shops need facilities to handle major repairs to traction transformers, such as lifting core and windings (which are rare).

Minimum repairs to the overhead line equipment (OHE) necessary for restoring traffic quickly.

Repair work should happen at multiple points on the OHE at once.

The supervisor personally checks the repaired area to ensure safety and order.

The officer in charge may impose speed limits on trains until permanent repairs are complete.

Arranging and completing the long-term repairs to the OHE.

Switching from electric traction to diesel/steam traction for maintaining traffic if electric restoration is delayed.

A specialized train with tools, materials, and personnel for repairing extensive OHE damage quickly.