Unified Subsidiary Rules GR 9.12 Quiz

Unified Subsidiary Rules under GR 9.12

• Issued by the Railway Board on 16.08.2024
• Unified Subsidiary Rules under GR 9.12 will be implemented in Zonal Railways after issuing an addendum and corrigendum slip of G& SR from concerned Railway.

Procedure during Automatic Signaling Failure

• When automatic signaling failure is likely to last a while or cause delay, trains are to be worked from station to station over the section or section(s) concerned under special instructions. (GR 9.12)

Unified Subsidiary Rules to General Rules 9.12

• Main objective of the committee was to provide clear instructions to station master, loco pilot, and train manager for the working of trains during automatic signaling failure.
• The committee recommended the following provision in the Unified Subsidiary rules to GR 9.12. A new paragraph 9.12/1 states that during signal failure in an automatic block system, train operations will be in accordance with rule 9.02 (DL) and rule 9.07 (SL).

Forms T/A 912, T/D 912, T/B 912, T/C 912, T/B 602 & T/512

• Forms are reframed for issues including one or more of the following authorities: obtaining line clear; Proceed without line clear; circumstances under which authority given; caution order specifying the speed to be followed.
• Line clear ticket T/C-912 used for sending Relief Engine/Train in case of obstruction or accident in Automatic Block Signaling section.

Unified SR 9.12

• Standardizes procedures for temporary single line working on double line automatic block signaling territories.
• The unified rule caters to common failures across zonal railways.
• The special cases of double-line and single-line operations are handled.

Forms T/369(3b)

• Standard forms are used along with the Unified Subsidiary Rule for Passing a Signaling given at 'ON' Condition for automatic signals. A standard format for this process is in place.

Unified Subsidiary Rule 9.12/1

• In case of failure of signal(s) between two or more block stations in an automatic block system, train working should normally be done in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9.02 or 9.07, as the case may be.

Unified Subsidiary Rule 9.12/2 (A) and (B)

• Failure of signal(s) between two or more block stations in an automatic block system, likely to last for some time (or) cause serious delay when means of communication are available.

Procedures for Train Working in Case of Prolonged Failure of Signal(s)

• Intimation of prolonged failure is to be given to concerned duty SM by Section Controller under exchange of private number
• Before any train is allowed to enter the affected section, it shall be brought to a stand and the Loco Pilot/ Train Manager of the train shall be advised of the circumstances
• The section between the two block stations will be treated as a single block section
• Before introducing this working, ensure trains dispatched in the affected section have completely arrived in advance.

Semi-Automatic/Manual Dispatch and Reception of Signals

• Ensure Semi-Automatic/Manual Dispatch Stop Signals and Reception Stop Signals of all stations are in manual mode in ON position initially.
• Station Master to provide advice to the other Station Master on suspension of Automatic working.

Different Procedures & Forms

• Different forms, such as T/A 912, T/D 912, and various other forms are used for different procedures during train operations for clarity and standardization.
• The instructions on usage of certain tools and processes are also detailed

Additional Procedures (Train Working)

• Loco Pilot of the first train must follow authority form T/D 912 and speed restrictions.
• Before any train to enter the block section, the SM must ensure private numbers received from gatemen under his control, ensuring all points are correctly set and locked.
• If view restrictions are in place (fog, curve or other reason), speed should not exceed 10 KMPH. Speed over facing points must be restricted to 15 KMPH.
• When approaching train reception station, Locomotive Pilot must observe aspects of Semi–Automatic/ Manual Reception Stop signal/Calling on signal
• When approaching the station, inform Loco Pilot and Train Manager about Automatic, Semi–Automatic/ Manual Signal requirements to be passed.
• When signals fail, Locomotive Pilot must pass relevant signals in ON and have railway servant sign confirming the passing of the signals at ON position.

Methods of Communication during Fault

• Use station to station fixed telephones when available
• Use railway auto phone & BSNL/MTNL phone with caller ID
• Use of Control telephones
• Utilize VHF (under instructions, not the sole means)
• Using fixed telephone with CUG where possible

Section Clearance & Messages

• Section clearance by each train is to be intimated to the rear station
• Section controllers to be kept advised of ongoing activities
• Signals to be put right by S&T officials,
• Permission to resume normal train operation required by train controllers
• Messages exchanged with private numbers (when communicated)

Train Working Records

• All records related to train working on the system should be retained
• Transportation Inspector must review and submit a report to the Sr. DOM within 7 days of resuming normal working.

Rules and Regulations for Single Line Working

• Rules and regulations for single line working on double line sections in an Automatic Block System are addressed.
• These rules come into play whenever the obstruction causes one line to be used, or if no means of communication are possible.
• There are rules to take in consideration locations where the view ahead is restricted (such as fog, curve or other reason).
• The designated official of the Engineering Department will issue a certificate indicating that the other line on which single line working will be introduced is free.

Additional Train Working Procedures & Forms

• Clarifies forms and processes for passing signals when one line is obstructed, in both right and wrong lines.
• Forms like T/E 912, T/A 912 and other supporting forms
• Procedures for trains passing signals, with focus on cautious movement, point locking, and caution orders.
• Instructions concerning when a train can proceed, with line clear, and when the authority to proceed without line clear must be sought. This includes procedures at tunnels, using hand signals and other safety measures.
• Procedures for trains running on the wrong line, including the speed limits to be maintained and the procedure for bringing the train to a stop outside the appropriate signals. Additional forms like T/510 and a written authority/form are required.

Special Cases

• Clarifies specific conditions, like when one or more signals are likely to last for some time and/or cause serious delay, as well as conditions with no means of communication. Specific rules cover those circumstances for single or double line sections and trains operating on them.
• Clarifies actions for different cases involving obstruction on one line of a block section, when signals are operative. Procedures for temporary single line operation and their restoration.

Resumption of Normal Working

• To restore normal working, the signals must be restored, and the stations must ensure all trains and engines are accounted for prior to restoring the system to normal work.
• A clear message stating this is exchanged between stations via private numbers. The message details the specific train(s) that occurred during that time of system interruption.

Additional Guidelines (Rules and Regulations)

• Rules and regulations for signaling during interruptions and obstruction
• Guidelines on issuing and usage of forms for various actions.
• Procedures for restoring normal train operations after a disruption of communication on a double line section, especially if it causes a complete failure of communication.