Chapter 14: LC Gates PDF

Chapter 14: LC Gates Section 1: LC General 14.1.1 Codes: This chapter shall be read in conjunction with chapter III and Chapter XVI of General Rules, Chapter 7 and Chapter 20 of SEM. 14.1.2 Classification of Level Crossings (Ref: Para...

Chapter 14: LC Gates Section 1: LC General 14.1.1 Codes: This chapter shall be read in conjunction with chapter III and Chapter XVI of General Rules, Chapter 7 and Chapter 20 of SEM. 14.1.2 Classification of Level Crossings (Ref: Para 902, Chapter 9 of IRPWM) The classification of road-rail surface level crossings shall be decided by the Engineering Department as per para 902 (refer to IRPWM) of Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual (IRPWM). Level crossings are classified as under: (a) Special class: For roads having TVU greater than 50,000. (b) A Class: For roads having TVU between 50,000 and 30,000 or Line capacity utilisation 80% (on single line section) and number of road vehicle more than 1000. (c) B Class – TVUs less than 30,000 and up to 20,000 and number of road vehicles greater than 750. ‘B’ Class is further subdivided as following: B1 class… TVUs less than 30,000 and up to 25,000 B2 class… TVUs less than 25,000 and up to 20,000 (d) C Class: All other Level crossings for road not covered in above classes. Note: Please refer to chapter-9 of IRPWM, Para 902 & other Engg. Dept`s notifications on latest norms 14.1.3 Categories of Level Crossing Gates Gates can be broadly divided into the following categories: (a) Non-Interlocked Gates, Interlocked Gates: (i) Non-Interlocked Gates: These gates may be in the form of lifting barriers or swing/ movable gates of approved design. These gates are installed and maintained by engineering department. Communication equipments of approved type are provided and maintained at such manned gates by S&T department. (ii) Interlocked Gates: At interlocked gates, interlocking and communication equipment are provided and maintained by S&T department. These gates are interlocked and protected with signals. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 300 of 530  (b) Engineering Gates, Traffic Gates: (i) Engineering Gates: Gates beyond the outermost stop signals are called Engineering gates and are manned and operated by Engineering staff. These gates may be non-interlocked or interlocked with signals. (ii) Traffic Gates: Gates located between the outermost stop signals are called Traffic Gates and are manned and operated by Traffic staff. These gates shall be interlocked with station signals. 14.1.4 Normal Position of Gates: Normal position of Interlocked gates shall be as per para 904 and 907 of IRPWM. 14.1.5 Equipment at Level Crossing (a) The Level Crossings shall be provided with equipment as per para 910 of IRPWM. These equipments are provided and maintained by Engineering or Traffic department. (b) The Working instruction including the gate working diagram of level crossing equipped with gate signals and situated outside the station limits, shall be provided at the gate lodge. A copy of the working instruction shall also be kept at the controlling station. These instructions shall be provided in vernacular language. (c) Safety measures for different classes of level crossings such as interlocking with signals, provision of telephone communication and approach warning arrangement shall be as per Annexure: 14-A1. (d) Communication of approved type shall be provided between the Gate-lodge and the Station Master's office/cabin man in accordance with para 2 of Annexure: 14-A1. Such communication may be provided to the authorized operating official instead of Station Master's Office/cabin man to suit the local operating condition. One to one communication shall be ensured. The communication of Gateman shall also be with CTC (where provided). (e) Audible warning by a bell/buzzer of approved type operated by the approach of a train shall be provided at interlocked gates in accordance with para 3 of Annexure: 14-A1. 14.1.6 Interlocking of LC Gates (a) Norms as notified from time to time by Railway Board shall be followed for Interlocking of Gates. (b) Gate Signaling shall match sectional Signaling. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 301 of 530 14.1.7 Interlocked Level Crossing Gates – Outside Station Limits (a) On sections provided with two aspect Signaling, (i) A Stop Signal at 400 meters from the gate shall be provided. (ii) Where the section is provided with separate Warner signal, such a Warner signal shall be provided at a distance of not less than 1.2 km from the Gate Stop Signal. (b) On Sections provided with multiple aspect signalling, (i) The Gate Stop Signal shall be located at not less than 180 meters in rear of the gate. Note: Existing LC gates at 120 meters in automatic signalling/Suburban sections may continue (ii) In Single Distant territory, the Distant Signal shall be located, at not less than one kilometer in rear of the Gate Signal. (iii) In Double Distant territory, Gate Distant signal shall be located, at not less than 2 kilometers in rear of the Gate signal and Gate Inner Distant Signal shall be located, at not less than one kilometer in rear of the Gate Signal. (c) The Gate Stop Signal shall be provided with 'G' marker except where prohibited under special instructions. The 'G' marker shall consist of letter 'G' in black on yellow circular disc. The instructions in Chapter 20, Section 1 shall apply to signals protecting Level Crossing Gates in Automatic Signalling Block territory. (d) Approach locking shall be provided, which shall be effective from a distance not less than the Emergency braking distance of the trains running on the section at the maximum permissible speed. Where there are no track circuits in the rear of the Gate stop signal or the total length of such track circuits in rear of the Gate stop signal is less than the Emergency braking distance, Dead approach locking with delay as per para No. 21.1.21 (Table-1) shall be provided. 14.1.8 Interlocked Level Crossing Gates within Station Limits (a) Where interlocked level crossings within station limits are operated from a place other than the place of operation of the signal protecting the gate, arrangements of interlocking should be such that the last operation before taking off the signal should be, the closing of the gate and the first operation after the train has cleared the level crossing and the signal has been put back to 'ON' position, should be the opening of the gate by the Gateman. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 302 of 530  (b) On sections provided with two aspect Signalling: (i) The Outer Signal shall be located at a minimum distance of 400 meters from the gate. (ii) Where the Outer Signal cannot be so located and the Outer Signal falls in between Home Signal and Gate, a separate Gate signal may be located at a distance of 400 meters in rear of the gate. (iii) Where there is adequate visibility of the Outer Signal (1.2 km if sectional speed is 100 kmph above and 0.8 km if sectional speed is less than 100 kmph) the Gate Signal shall work independent of the Outer Signal. (iv) Where the visibility of Outer Signal is not adequate, the Outer Signal shall be shifted and combined with the Gate Signal where feasible or inter-slotting arrangement shall be provided between the Outer Signal and the Gate Signal. (c) On sections provided with Multiple Aspect Signaling: when the interlocked gates are situated between Distant and Home Signal: (i) The Gate Stop Signal shall be located, at not less than 180 meters in rear of the gate. (ii) In Single Distant territory, the Distant Signal (which shall function as Gate Distant as well) shall be located, at not less than one kilometer in rear of the Gate Signal. (iii) In Double distant territory, Gate Distant signal shall be located, at not less than 2 kilometers in rear of the Gate signal and Gate Inner Distant Signal shall be located, at not less than one kilometer in rear of the Gate Signal. 14.1.9 LC Gates in Automatic Block Signalling/Suburban Sections (a) Operation & Audible Warning (i) Level Crossing gates in automatic sections shall be worked by lifting barrier gates operated mechanically or electrically and shall be interlocked with signals. (ii) They shall also be provided with audible warning on both sides of the road, actuated by approaching trains. In addition, road user signal shall be provided on both sides of the road, which shall exhibit ‘stop’ aspect, if there is any train on the approach or whenever the gate is in closed condition and it shall display ‘Caution’ aspect when gate is in open condition. (iii) The audible and visual train approach annunciation shall be such that the Gateman gets adequate warning time, which shall be a minimum of 60 seconds for the train with maximum permissible speed, for closing the level crossing gates before the train approaches within the sighting distance of the relevant gate signals. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 303 of 530  (b) Approach Locking in Automatic Block Signalling/Suburban Sections (i) Both Approach locking and back-locking shall be provided by track circuits/Axle Counters on the interlocked level crossings situated on sections provided with automatic signalling. (ii) The approach locking shall be effective from the moment the train occupies the track circuit in rear of the signal, which has assumed, ‘OFF’ position when the Gate Signal is taken 'OFF' and the back locking shall be effective until the train clears the level crossing. The audible warning (for Road Users) shall stop as soon as gate is closed and locked but ‘stop’ aspect (for road users, where provided) shall continue to be displayed till the gates are re-opened for traffic. (iii) Approach locking should be effective from a distance not less than emergency braking distance required for maximum permissible speed on that section. 14.1.10 Emergency Provisions Due to Failures (a) Level Crossing Gate Unable to Close (i) Emergency Sliding Booms shall be provided at all interlocked gates to work trains on signals in case of failure of lifting barrier. (ii) Fixing of Emergency Sliding Boom shall be outside lifting barrier to ensure safety of road users & trains. Painting scheme of sliding boom shall be same as lifting barrier. (iii) Stop indicator Board (Retro reflective type) shall be provided on Emergency Sliding Booms. Also road signal, if provided shall display ON aspect to avoid confusion to road traffic. (iv) Normal aspects of signals as per interlocking may be provided during use of Sliding Boom Barrier with following arrangements:  Sliding Boom should be directly locked by ‘E’ type lock or by any suitable means.  E-type locks of same ward (matching with working lifting barrier) should not be used in sliding boom type. (b) Level Crossing Gate Unable to Open (i) An Emergency key shall be provided at the gate lodge at all interlocked gates and shall be kept in "EKT sealed box with pad lock", to enable Gate man to open the gate and allow road traffic in case of failure of lifting barrier to open. (ii) Counter should be provided for logging gate man’s extraction of emergency key to open LC gate. (iii) Record of use of emergency key shall be maintained in a register with reason. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 304 of 530  (iv) Emergency key IN and OUT contact must be proved in relevant interlocking circuit so that; Signal shall be taken off only when Emergency key is proved IN and signal Taken OFF must be put to Most Restrictive aspect, if emergency key is taken OUT from EKT. (v) There shall be a facility provided for Gateman to put back Gate Signal to danger in case of emergency. Section 2: Installation of LC Gates 14.2.1 Instructions for Mechanical/Electrical Lifting Barriers (a) At stations, it is desirable that level crossings should not be located at fouling reception, stabling lines, berthing track and signal overlaps. As far as possible, level crossings should be provided at a place, which gives an uninterrupted view not only to drivers of approaching trains but also to the road users. (b) Lifting barrier of approved type shall be installed. (c) Interlocking arrangement at the interlocked gate shall be as per approved plan and wiring diagram. (d) The minimum distance of lifting barrier from the centre line of nearest track shall be minimum 3.5 meters. (e) Foundation for pedestal shall be of adequate strength. (f) Lifting barrier shall have two booms, one each on either side of the track. The boom of the barrier shall extend across the full width of the road. It shall be installed perpendicular to the road. In case of wider roads provided with road divider, provision of two half barriers, each set operated diagonally by a separate winch in mechanical lifting barrier or operating panel in electric lifting barrier may be provided. Pedestals should be outside the road. (g) For Mechanical Lifting Barrier, the boom rest (stop post) shall be in alignment with the boom. The open position of the lifting barrier shall be within 80° to 90° from the horizontal and the closed position shall be within 0° to 10° from the horizontal. Colour Light road user signal shall be provided to indicate whether the gate is closed or open. (h) When the gate is closed to road traffic, clearance between the road surface level and the boom shall be 0.8 to 1 meter. The road surface level shall be maintained as per concerned para of IRPWM. (i) The open position for Electric Lifting Barrier, shall be as specified in the relevant specification. (j) Lifting barrier shall be so installed that it shall be possible to stop or reverse its movement at any point during operation without damage. (k) At the centre of the boom, the lifting barrier shall be provided with a 600 mm dia red disc having red reflector/luminous strip facing the road traffic. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 305 of 530  (l) The boom shall be either painted with 300 mm bands of alternate black and yellow colour or provided with approved type of retro-reflective strips. Fluorescent or any other approved type of yellow color paint shall be used. (m) Warning boards shall be provided as mentioned in Para No. 7.2.1 to 7.2.5. (n) Markers on signals in automatic Signaling territory shall be provided as mentioned in Para No.20.1.6. (o) Rumble strip, speed breakers and warning signs to road user shall be provided by Engineering department as per extant instruction. (p) In semaphore Signaling territory, where distant/separate warner signal is worked with electric signal machine, indication locking shall be provided on gate signal lever. (q) Wherever required in accordance with Para-3 of Annexure: 14-A1 approved type of train detection device shall be provided for initiating approach warning to Gateman. The device shall be so located as to provide the approach warning at least 60 seconds before arrival of the trains running in the section at the maximum permissible speed. The warning shall continue till the train reaches the level crossing. (r) A gate working diagram shall be provided at the place of operation for all interlocked engineering Level Crossing Gates. At all interlocked LC gates having independent operations of signals, indication panel shall be provided. (s) All relays, batteries, etc. for operation of gate and gate signals shall be housed in signalling goomty/masonry structure. (t) Equipment for communication of approved type shall be fixed inside gate lodge on a wooden or on any other approved type shelf/box at an appropriate height from ground level as per space available. The wiring for communication equipment shall be properly secured by adopting best practices. 14.2.2 Installation of LC Gates in RE Area (a) Power supply for Level Crossing shall be made available from both UP and DN AT supply in accordance with para 20713.2 (iii) of ACTM Vol. II (Part I) in addition to local supply. (b) For interlocking a Level Crossing in RE area, neutral section shall be relocated wherever minimum distance between gate signals and neutral section is not available as per para 16.4 and 16.5 of AC Traction Manual. (Volume II, Part II) (c) Proper precautions as stipulated in Chapter 22 of SEM shall be taken. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 306 of 530 14.2.3 Installation of Mechanical Lifting Barriers (MLB) (a) A separate fracture segment shall connect the boom with the mechanism near the pivot. Fracture segment mounting shall be of such a design that it can be transported, replaced easily and quickly and in case of a mighty hit shall allow for the break of the segment without endangering the mechanism itself. (b) Winch for the operation of the lifting barrier shall be located at a place (including cabin) not exceeding 150 meters from the gate and having clear visibility of the road. (c) It shall be ensured that while closing the gate, warning bell rings and lamp bracket also gets turned to give required indication to road users. Alternatively standard audio and visual signals for road users as required for electric lifting barriers shall be provided. (d) It shall be ensured that the roller fitted to the rope drum enters the trunnion bracket and activates the boom for closure/opening. (e) It shall be ensured that Boom locking is effective and it is not possible to lift the boom by more than 10° from closed position. (f) The wire rope shall not overlap at the winch and rope drums. (g) The guy rod shall be given sufficient tension for smooth operation of the boom. (h) Oil holes, grease nipples, etc. shall be provided with spring loaded covers. (i) It shall be possible to extract the key from the winch only when the gate is fully closed. (j) At mechanical interlocked gates, interlocking shall be achieved through 'E' type locks or by approved means. 14.2.4 Installation of Electric Lifting Barrier (ELB) (a) Where reliable power supply is available at any interlocked Level Crossing Gates (of special class, A, B1, B2 class & C class) in any section, electrically operated lifting barrier of approved design shall be provided. (b) The boom shall be of approved type. The metallic type boom shall be segmented for easy transport, installation and replacement. (c) Operation of the lifting barrier may be provided from a gate control panel or by any other approved equipment. (d) At the centre of the boom, a red reflector shall be provided. (e) Emergency operation by hand crank shall be provided. (f) The boom must be so balanced that in case of failure of power supply, the barrier shall remain in the position last assumed. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 307 of 530  (g) Power supply equipment shall be installed in a Gate goomty. In RE areas, Up AT, Dn AT in Double line or single AT in Single line shall be provided along with local power supply. In Non-RE areas, Local power supply, Generator supply, Solar power supply shall be provided. (h) Road user signal shall be provided to indicate whether the gate is closed or open. While closing/opening the Electric lifting barrier, a hooter shall sound and road user signal shall exhibit red. In closed condition of ELB, the hooter shall stop and road user signal shall display steady red. In open condition of ELB, the road user signal shall display steady yellow. (i) At least two types of operations should be provided i.e. Power operation and Manual Cranking operation. Hand Generator operation type may also be provided where feasible. Section 3: Maintenance of LC Gates 14.3.1 Maintenance of Mechanical Lifting Barrier (MLB) (a) All moving parts shall be properly lubricated. (b) Gears, rope drums and wire rope shall be doused with soft grease. (c) Cleaning of rodding and wire transmission should be done properly. Cleaning of all pipes and ducts to prevent obstruction by accumulation of dirt shall be ensured. (d) All bolts and nuts shall be tightened and split pins shall be split properly. (e) Worn out pins, if any, in the crank shall be replaced. (f) It shall be ensured that both the booms are parallel in open condition. (g) Proper adjustment of wire sag and tension shall be made. (h) Integrity of interlocking and boom locking shall be checked. (i) Rusty wires and rodding shall be replaced. (j) It shall be ensured that 'E' type lock which locks the winch should also lock winch handle in closed position of barrier. (k) All gate locking apparatus must be examined regularly and working parts kept oiled. Gate locks must be kept in good working order. (l) Proper working of audio/visual warning shall be ensured. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 308 of 530 14.3.2 Maintenance of Electric Lifting Barrier (ELB) (a) Machines must be kept in good condition, free from rust, dust and dirt. (b) The bearing surface and moving parts of the electric lifting barrier shall be lubricated properly. (c) Contacts must be kept clean and in proper adjustment. If contact surfaces are pitted, they must be replaced. (d) Commutator and Brushes (i) Commutator must be clean, smooth and have a bright appearance. (ii) Brushes must be kept clean and properly bedded on the commutator. Brushes should have proper pressure and should be free in brush holders. (e) Friction clutch must be so adjusted that the same should get de-clutched when the boom is raised or lowered fully and the power supply is not cut off. (f) The shock absorber at the boom rest (stop post) must be kept properly adjusted. (g) The time of operation of electric lifting barrier shall not exceed stipulated time. Measured value of current should not exceed rated values. (h) The satisfactory functioning of the lifting barrier by a hand crank shall be checked. (i) All gate locking apparatus must be examined regularly and working parts kept oiled. Gate locks must be kept in good working order. (j) Proper working of audio/visual warning shall be ensured. (k) Approach warning arrangement where provided, is working satisfactorily and effectiveness of Approach and Back locking provided shall be ensured. (l) Track circuits/Axle counters, if provided, shall be maintained in accordance with instructions laid down in Chapter 17 of SEM. (m) Communication of approved type, provided between Level Crossing gates and the adjoining stations shall be checked in regard to their satisfactory functioning. (n) Heavy repairs, renewals or alterations to gate interlocking must not be carried out until Jr. Engineer/Sr. Section Engineer (Signal) concerned has arranged for the protection of the road traffic by the concerned department and the work shall be carried out under proper disconnection. Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 309 of 530  (o) SSE(Signal)/Incharge shall maintain a register indicating details of each class of Level Crossing Gate in regard to its location, number, type of gate provided, provision of communication, interlocking arrangement, provision of approach warning and flash lights etc. pertaining to his section. A statement in regard to the above should be submitted on first January and first July every year, to the Sr. Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer/Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer. (p) Maintenance Schedules as given in Annexures shall be followed. These may be modified/supplemented by PCSTE of the Railway to suit local needs. Note: Where ever ‘Track Circuit’ is mentioned in this chapter, it also applies to Axle Counters. Note: This Chapter has under mentioned Annexures S.No. Annexure No. Description 1 14-A1 Safety Measures to be Provided at Level Crossings Note: This Chapter has under mentioned Maintenance Schedule in Appendix I S.No. Annexure No. Description 1 14-MS1 Maintenance Schedule of Mechanical Lifting Barrier 2 14-MS2 Maintenance Schedule of Power Operated Lifting Barrier 3 14-MS3 Maintenance Schedule of Sliding Boom Chapter 14: LC Gates Page 310 of 530 Para No. 14.1.5(c), 14.1.5(d), 14.1.5(e), 14.2.1(q) Annexure 14-A1 Safety Measures to be Provided at Level Crossings Spl. Class A Class B1 Class B2 Class C Class (Manned) >30000 >25000 >20000 >3000 Cat I Other Stipulations TVU-> >50000 and and and and 25000 >20000 >3000 Cat I Other Stipulations TVU-> >50000 and and and and 25000 >20000 >3000 Cat I Other Stipulations TVU-> >50000 and and and and