Level Crossings and Gate Men PDF

CHAPTER - 9 LEVEL CROSSINGS AND GATEMAN ********************* 901 General Location: – As far as possible, new Level Crossings may not be provided in the interest of safety of road...

CHAPTER - 9 LEVEL CROSSINGS AND GATEMAN ********************* 901 General Location: – As far as possible, new Level Crossings may not be provided in the interest of safety of road users and public on any line. However, in case of new line projects sanctioned on socio-economic considerations with Rate of return (RoR) less than 10%, provision of manned Interlocked level crossing may be considered with the approval of Railway Board. The Level Crossing would be located outside the outermost facing points. Level crossing at cuttings or near cuttings should be avoided as far as possible. For Level Crossings already located within busy station yards affecting Railway operations and causing heavy detention to the road traffic, efforts should be made to replace them by Road Over/Under Bridges as per extant rules or shift them outside the outer most facing points, especially during planning of gauge conversions, yard re-modeling and doubling works. 902 Classification of Level Crossings: – (1) The classification of level crossings, based on the volume of rail and road traffic, shall be as under: Class of LC Criteria Special…….for roads TVUs greater than 50,000 ‘A’ class……for roads TVUs from 50,000&up to 30,000; or Line capacity utilization 80% (on single line) and number of road vehicles greater than 1000 ‘B’ class…….for roads 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 ‘C’ class…… for roads All other level crossings for road, not covered in above classes (2) Level crossings over colliery, factory and other similar sidings where Railway traffic is light may, however, be dealt with according to local conditions, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Railway Safety being obtained in each case to the measures adopted for the safe working of trains. 903 Categories of Roads: – For the purpose of this standard, Roads shall be categorized as under – (a) Class I roads – (i) National Highways, (ii) State Highways, (iii) Important roads with in municipal towns, and (iv) Roads in and around towns where road and rail traffic is heavy. (b) Class II roads – (i) Major and other District roads, (ii) Unimportant (Other than important) roads within municipal towns, (iii) Roads within Non-Municipal towns including those within shunting limits of Railway stations, and (iv) Other surfaced roads. Page 327 of 417 (c) Class III roads – (i) Earth roads, and (ii) Cart tracks. 904 Standards for Different Classes of Level Crossings: – The standards to be followed (within the Railway limits) for the various Parameters in respect of different classes of level crossings will be as shown in Annexure - 9/1. These standards are applicable to all new constructions and also in the case of up-gradation of the existing level crossings. The existing level crossings which are of a lower standard than those prescribed in Annexure - 9/1 need not be altered or modified merely to suit these standards. 905 Gates and Locking Arrangements: – (1) Gates – (a) The gates shall be in the form of lifting barriers or swing gates of approved design. In the event of any damage, Chains or sliding boom may be used as a temporary measure. (b) At new manned level crossings, lifting barriers should normally be provided which are coupled so as to operate simultaneously. Chains or swing gates at existing manned level crossings should be replaced by lifting barriers on a programmed basis, giving priority to the important and busy level crossings. (2) Locking arrangements – (a) Lifting barriers, swing gates or chains when closed against road traffic shall be securely locked. When the locking arrangement is of the hasp and staple type with padlocks, two spare chains with loops at both ends should be provided for locking the gates when the locking arrangement goes out of order. (b) Stops should be provided to prevent level crossing gates from swinging towards the track and causing infringement. Catches should be provided to secure gates when in the open position to avoid obstruction to road traffic. (c) In the case of all manned level crossings, two long spare chains with loops at both ends should be kept as reserve for use as an alternate to the barrier/ gate, in case of damage to them. Two discs painted red with the words “stop” with arrangements for fixing them on the ground should also form part of the spare equipment. Separate rail posts should be erected near the gate, so that the chains can be fixed on them (Annexure - 9/2). 906 Skew Level Crossings: – (1) All roads should preferably cross the railway line at right angles. In special cases, when modification is required to suit the road approaches the angle of crossing should not be less than 45°. (2) At all level crossings the gate posts shall be fixed square to the road. 907 Normal Position of Gates: – (1) General – Subject to such Special Instructions in that behalf as are permitted by GR 16.03, all gates at level crossings shall be kept constantly closed and securely fastened across the through fare on both sides of the railway and shall only be opened when it is necessary and safe to open them for the passage of road traffic; provided that any Railway Administration may from time to time issue special instructions for any particular level crossing or class of level crossing and may by such special instructions permit the gates at any level crossing or class of level crossings to be normally kept open to road traffic and may therein prescribe the conditions under which gates are to be kept closed against road traffic for the passage of a train or trains or for the purposes of any other railway operation. Page 328 of 417 (2) Based upon classification of level crossings over which trains are required to pass, the normal position of gates may be as under – (a) Interlocked level crossings: All interlocked level crossings shall be kept ‘Normally Open to Road Traffic’ and may only be closed against the road traffic for the passage of trains or for any other Railway operation by taking off the signals. (b) Non-Interlocked Level crossings: The gates must normally be kept closed and securely fastened against road traffic and may only be opened for the passage of road traffic when it is necessary and safe to do so. The Railway Administration may under special instructions permit gates of level crossings not protected by signals to be normally kept open to road traffic prescribing the conditions under which they may be kept closed against road traffic for passage of trains or any other railway operation. (c) The normal position of gates at level crossings within station limits shall be as Sub- Para (a) and (b) above, fixed station signals not being regarded as affording any protection unless the gates are interlocked with signals. (d) Level crossings having heavy seasonal traffic: In case of level crossings having heavy seasonal road traffic with normal position of gates closed to road traffic, the Railway Administration may permit gates of such level crossings, to be kept open to the road traffic during the busy season, when road traffic is heavy, by issuing special instructions and prescribing the conditions, under which they may be kept closed to road traffic for passage of trains or any other railway operation. The special instructions should be incorporated in the working rules for the gates and stations concerned. (3) Gateman shall at all level crossings be prepared, wherever level crossings be open to road traffic, to show a danger signal to any approaching train and for this purpose invariably keep a hand signal lit during night to show Red throughout the period the level crossing is open to Road traffic. 908 Signals for road users:- (1) Type of signals for road users – Preferably, electric signals should be provided at gates to give correct indication to road users. As an alternative, Gate lamp along with blinders may be mounted preferably in rectangular sockets over gates so as to give correct indication to road users vide item 6 of Annexure - 9/1. The lamp should be lighted by the Gateman at sunset and remain lighted till sunrise. (2) Drivers of trains shall get no light indication from the road signal/gate lamp, except in case of level crossings on non-important lines like sidings where normal position of level crossings may be kept closed for railway 909 Traffic and Engineering Gates: – (1) Traffic Gates – (a) The manning and operation of the gates at level crossings located within the outermost stop signals shall be under the control of Operating Department. The level crossings and structures pertaining thereto shall be maintained by the Engineering Department. (b) When protected by signals the equipment shall be governed by the signals of the station/block hut and the operation as per the station working rules. (2) Engineering Gates – (a) Level crossings beyond the outer most stop signals shall be under the control of Page 329 of 417  the SSE/P.Way (In-charge) both as regards to their operation and maintenance. (b) Where the level crossing is protected by Signals, fixed signals shall be provided in each direction in accordance with the relevant General Rules (GR 3.34 New Rules) and approved special instructions. (3) The maintenance of signals, interlocking, lifting barriers at interlocked gates and communication equipment will rest with the Signal Department in the case of all level crossing gates, whether located within or outside the outermost stop signals. (4) The gate working instructions in English, local language and Hindi (wherever required) for manned gate including the signaling diagram for interlocked gate shall be incorporated in Station working Rules. A copy of gate working rules, for both interlocked and non-interlocked gates, shall also be kept at gate lodge. 910 Equipment at Level Crossings: – (1) The equipment for a Level Crossing shall be as follows; in addition to such others as may be prescribed by special instructions – (a) Two hand signal rechargeable LED lamp with tri-colour light /K Oil H S lamp, tri- color provided with bright reflectors (b) 1 hand signal flag, green (c) 2 hand signal flags, red (d) 1 staff suitable for exhibition of red lamp or red flag (e) 2 long spare chains with “stop” marked disc attachment at the centre to cover the full width of the gate, for use in case the gates/ barriers are damaged (Annexure - 9/2). (f) 2 spare small chains and padlocks for locking gates, in case locking arrangements of gates become defective. (g) 10 nos. detonators in tin case. (h) 1 tin case for flags. (i) 2 nos. Banner flags. (j) 1 canister for muster sheet.(For Engineering gates only) (k) 1 can for oil (Only at gates where K oil hand lamps are still in use) (l) 1 tommy bar. (m) 1 water pot or bucket. (n) 1 mortar pan. (o) 1 powrah. (p) 1 rammer. (q) 1 pick-axe. (r) 1 tool list (with columns drawn for checking of tools). (s) 1 book of safety rules in English and Regional language and English(This is already part of gate working instructions) (t) Duty roster. (u) Complaint book for road users. (v) Inspection register. (w) Level crossing working instructions containing safety rules (x) Two gate lamps (Electric/ Kerosene type). (y) Gatemen working on double line/multiple lines, ghat sections, suburban and automatic block territories shall be provided with three warning signals as prescribed in Para 817 Gatemen working on single line sections shall be supplied with two warning signal. Gates provided with rechargeable lamps with flashing red Page 330 of 417  light, will serve the above purpose. (z) Diagram indicating the method of protection to be adopted, in case of obstruction in the level crossing (Annexure - 9/7) (z)(i) Wall clocks to enable the gateman to correctly record the time of exchange of private number, expected and actual time of passage of train, time for opening and closing of level crossing, etc. (z)(ii) Whistle thunderer – 1 No. Note – In case of Level Crossings in multiple lines the hand signal flags/lamps, detonators and banner flags shall be increased suitably. (2) In place of physical private number books, it is preferable to provide automatic Private Number generating device, which generates Private Number only after closure of LC gates and thus enhances safety. (3) There should be sufficient supply of kerosene oil, wicks and matches at the gate- lodge provided with HS lamps/ gate lamps. The Gateman should always keep their hand signal lamps trimmed and ready for lighting and use at a moment’s notice. During night, one of the hand signal lamps should be kept lit through-out to show danger stop signal to an approaching train. When the level crossing is closed to road traffic, the hand signal lamps should be kept lit dimly only. (4) At every Level Crossing there should be distinct indication at 600 meters and1200 meters on Broad Gauge on either side to guide the Gateman for placing the detonators in case of obstruction at the level crossing. Indicator posts should be provided with one dot and three dots at these distances to indicate the number of detonators to be placed. Arrangements for exhibiting the danger signal at a distance of 5 meters during emergency should be made at each level crossing. (5) Height Gauges on Electrified Sections – (a) Adequate arrangements shall be made to erect standard height gauges on either side of the overhead equipment or other equipment at every level crossing so as to ensure that all vehicles and moving structures passing under the height gauge also pass under the overhead equipment or other equipment with adequate clearance. (b) The adequate clearance referred to in Sub-rule Para (a) shall be sanctioned under approved special instructions. (c) Height Gauges should be located at a minimum distance of 8 meter from gate posts. In exceptional circumstances where site conditions do not permit, Principal Chief Engineer can give exemption in these standards subject to a minimum of 8 meter distance from the centre line of the track. Road surface up to this point may be at the same level as the road surface inside the gate posts. (d) Vehicles and moving structures, which cannot pass under the height gauge without striking or touching it, shall not be permitted to pass the overhead equipment or other equipment except in accordance with special instructions. 911 Location of Gate-Lodge: – (1) Gate-Lodge shall be so located that a clear and unobstructed view is obtained of all approaching trains and road vehicles, care being taken that allowance is made for all future extensions, e.g., doubling of line or widening of roadway. (2) Where the level crossing is on a curve, the gate-lodge should be built on the outside of the curve. Page 331 of 417 912 Appointment of Gatemen, Rosters and Medical Fitness Certificates: – (1) Before appointment, the SSE/P.Way (In-charge) should ensure that competent track maintainers elected as gate men have been certified fit in class A3 by the Medical Department and that they are examined thereafter at periods stipulated by the rules in force. In all level crossings, literate Gateman capable of exchanging private numbers should be posted. (2) The selected gatemen will be given initial and periodical training in Divisional training Centre and competency certificate shall be issued as specified in Chapter 14. (3) The hours of duty for the Gateman should be laid down and must confirm to the regulations in force. The rosters detailing the hours of duty and rest for each Gateman shall be maintained at the gate-lodge. The roster should indicate clearly as to which Gateman is required to be on duty at any particular time. No Gateman shall change his hours of duty without the order of the SSE/P.Way (In-charge). (4) Full particulars regarding the periodical medical examination and vision test of each Gateman shall be maintained at the gate- lodge. (5) When handing or taking over charge, the Gateman and their relievers should jointly check all the equipment and test all the gears to see that they are in order. (6) Every Gateman shall be fully conversant with the use of hand signals, detonators and protection rules. 913 Maintenance of Level Crossing, Examination of Gate Equipment and Gateman in Rules: – (1) By SSE/P.Way (In-charge) – (a) Obstruction of view – All trees, bushes or undergrowth that interfere or tend to interfere with the view from the Railway or road way when approaching level crossings, should be cut down taking care to comply with the procedure laid down in Para 648. (b) Inspection and Maintenance – (i) Level crossings laid with PSC sleepers should be overhauled with each cycle of machine packing or more frequently as warranted by condition and in no case shall opening be delayed by more than two years. In all cases, rails and fastenings in contact with the road shall be provided with galvanized fittings. Alternatively, non-galvanized fittings should be thoroughly cleaned with wire brush and a coat of coal tar/anti-corrosive paint applied. Flange way clearances, cross level, gauge and alignment should be checked and corrected as necessary, and the track packed thoroughly before reopening the level crossing for road traffic. (ii) The painting of gates and discs should be done at regular intervals. (iii) SSE/P.Way (In-charge) should keep a manuscript register of repairs for all level crossings on his section. This register should show the date of opening, the condition of sleepers with their age and time, the date and type of each sleeper changed and other requisite particulars. (iv) SSE/P.Way(In-charge) will be responsible for the proper upkeep and maintenance of ‘Whistle Boards’ and ‘STOP’ Boards provided on the approaches to level crossings. (v) Check rails of level crossing are required to be removed for tamping operations, overhauling of level crossings, destressing of LWR or track renewals etc. Check rails should be re-fixed as quickly as possible and preferably before leaving site. Should a situation arise where check rails cannot be re-fixed for any reason and trains have to be passed, a speed restriction of 30 Kmph should be imposed Page 332 of 417  besides ensuring that road traffic is diverted till the check rails are put in place. In case such diversion is not possible, temporary arrangements should be made for passage of road traffic till the check rails are put in place. However, in both these cases, the check rails should necessarily be provided latest by close of next day. In such cases, a stationary watchman shall be posted to ensure safety. (c) Checking equipment and examination of Gateman in rules – (i) The equipment with the Gateman shall be checked by JE/SSE/P.Way once in a month by rotation. (ii) JE/SSE/P.Way shall ensure that the Gatemen have correct knowledge of rules by examining them periodically during his routine inspection and on appointment, promotion or transfer. He should not only educate them in rules, but also conduct practical demonstration of protection of level crossing in case of emergency. (d) Surprise day/night inspection of level crossing should be carried out to ensure presence and alertness of Gateman. (2) By ADEN – ADEN should inspect the equipment at every manned level crossing on the sub- division once in six months, and examine the Gateman in rules during his inspection. ADEN should scrutinize the manuscript register of level crossings maintained by the SSE/P.Way (In-charge) and inspect as many level crossings as possible, when they are completely opened out during the year. 914 Level Crossing Registers: – In the office of the DEN, ADEN and SSE/P.Way(In-charge) complete particulars of level crossings in serial order should be maintained in a register as shown in Annexure - 9/3. Whenever additions and alterations or improvement to level crossings are made, the level crossing registers should be amended and where necessary a copy of the new or revised working instructions with the revised signal and interlocking diagram pasted at the gate-lodge. 915 Level Crossing indicators: – (Back to Para 815) At the approaches of all level crossings, bilingual whistle boards as per design (Annexure - 9/4) should be erected at 600 metres along the track from the level crossing to enjoin the Drivers of approaching trains to give audible warning of the approach of a train to the road users. The Drivers of approaching trains should whistle continuously from the time they pass whistle boards to the time they cross the level crossing. 916 Provision of Speed Breakers on the Approaches of Level Crossing – Provision of rumble strips on approaches of level crossings as per the standard design is the responsibility of Road authorities. Matter may be pursued with all State Governments/Road authorities to ensure that rumble strips are provided on all level crossings as per standard design over the total width of the road i.e. edge of the berm to edge of berm with proper road warning signs as per the standard design. However, it is incumbent upon Railways to provide speed breakers as per the standard design on level crossings irrespective of whether the approach road is metalled or un-metalled, as a temporary safety measure, till such time these are replaced with rumble strips of proper design by the Road authorities. While providing speed breakers, following guidelines may be observed – (1) One speed breaker should be provided on either approach of level crossings at a Page 333 of 417  distance of about 20 m from the gate post of the Level Crossing, covering full width of the road including berms as per Annexure - 9/5. This may require construction of speed breaker by Railway outside Railway boundary. For roads with central median/One-Way Roads, speed breaker is to be provided on the entry side of the road only. For safety reasons, the paint marking should be provided and their maintenance ensured. (2) Standard warning signs for speed breakers as per Annexure - 9/6 should be invariably provided at a prescribed distance as indicated in item 19 of Annexure - 9/1. (3) Speed breakers should be constructed with suitable Material depending on the type of road and traffic. On berms and un-metalled roads, the speed breakers should be supported on proper base of compacted road metal. 917 Census of Traffic at Level Crossings – (1) Periodical census of traffic at all level crossings shall be taken once every three years. This shall be carried out for 7 days and total Train Vehicle Units (TVUs)/Day (Train Units × Road Vehicle Units) are worked out. Train, Road Vehicle, Bullock Carts and Tongas being considered as one unit, Cycle rickshaw/Auto rickshaw being considered as half unit and Motorized two wheelers being considered as 0.25 unit. The census shall be carried out by a multi-disciplinary inspectorial team consisting of representative of Engineering, S&T and Traffic Departments. The mechanism shall be setup by the Divisional Railway Manager to ensure that the representatives are present for the census by laying down advance timetable for carrying out of census of level crossings. (2) In the case of manned level crossings, the periodical census should be substituted by a census-cum-job analysis so as to avail of the opportunity of checking up the adequacy of men on consideration of Hours of Employment Regulations. 918 Track Structure at Level Crossings (Back to Para 318, 715) (1) Rail joints should be avoided in check rails and on the running rails, within the level crossings and three metres on either side from the end of level crossing. (2) In the case of SWR, the short-welded panel may be continued through the level crossing, avoiding fish plated joint on the level crossing and within six metres from the end of level crossing. (3) The level crossing should not fall within the breathing length of LWR. (4) Concrete sleepers to relevant RDSO drawings along with fittings should be provided at LC Gate. 919 Level Crossings on National Highways/ State Highways and Other Important roads. (1) In case of National Highway/State Highways or their by passes and important city roads, no new Level Crossing to be provided and only grade separators to be provided. (2) In case of the important roads, it is preferable to provide grade separators. However, depending upon the traffic density envisaged, manned Level Crossings can also be considered. (3) Relaxation of the above (1) will require Board’s prior approval. 920 Elimination of Level Crossing – A detailed review/survey of the existing level crossings should be carried out with a view to eliminate them by- (a) Construction of Subways, along with adequate drainage arrangements. (b) Construction of roads along Railway boundary to divert road traffic to the nearest Page 334 of 417  level crossing/grade separator. The roads for closure of LC gates can be diverted through existing water way bridges if the water way remaining after treating one span as closed is sufficient to cater to the requirement of design discharge. (c) Closure of low TVU gates, (d) Construction of ROB/RUB as per Para 921 below (e) During execution of Gauge conversion & doubling works, etc. 921 Criteria for Replacement of Existing Level Crossings (other than those provided on deposit terms) with Road Over/Under Bridges on Cost Sharing Basis: – (1) Minimum Train Vehicle Units (TVU) on a Level Crossing should be 1 lakh per day to become eligible for replacement with Road Over/Under Bridges on 'Cost Sharing' basis. However, this could be relaxed in the following cases : (a) Suburban sections having high frequency of train services and (b) Near stations where detentions to road traffic are very high on account of either shunting operations or multi-directional receipt/dispatch of trains or stabling of trains etc. (2) Preference should be given to the Level Crossings located on trunk routes vis-à-vis those located on branch lines. In any case, minimum number of times the level crossing is required to be closed against the road traffic should at least be 12 times per day. (3) Subject to (1) and (2) above, priority should generally be accorded by the concerned State Government giving preference to Level crossings on National/State Highways. (4) In case of Road Over/Under Bridges constructed in replacement of busy level crossings situated in Municipal/Corporation/ Metropolitan areas where Light Vehicular traffic is considerable and where the Railways are satisfied that closure of the level crossings would cause hardship, additional provision may be made for construction of the subway or a light Over Bridge with ramps for the use of light vehicular traffic at the time of framing the proposal for the construction of Road Over/Under Bridges. The proposals for providing the ramps/sub-way should be examined critically and should be provided for, only in the case of genuine hardships and not as a matter of course. The cost of these ramps/subway will be shared equally with the Sponsoring Authority on 50:50 basis. (5) Closure of the Level Crossings should be ensured before commissioning of the Road Over/Under Bridges. All such cases where State/Local Authorities do not agree to abide by this should be reported to the Railway Board promptly. (6) Railways may, based on specific request of concerned Road authorities, consider sharing cost of constructing new FOUR lane Road Over Bridge in lieu of level crossings having minimum TVU of 3 Lakh per day comprising not less than 6000 Road vehicle units. The cost sharing of Four lane Road over bridge should be resorted to only if the concerned Road authorities have converted the approach road into four lane or are simultaneously doing four laning of approach portion. Page 335 of 417  Annexure - 9/1 Para 904, 908, 916 Page 336 of 417 Page 337 of 417 Page 338 of 417 Page 339 of 417 Page 340 of 417 Page 341 of 417 Page 342 of 417 Page 343 of 417  Annexure - 9/2 Para 905, 910 Page 344 of 417  Annexure - 9/3 Para 914 Page 345 of 417 Page 346 of 417 Page 347 of 417  Annexure - 9/4 Para 915 Page 348 of 417  Annexure - 9/5 Para 916 Page 349 of 417  Annexure - 9/6 Para 916 Page 350 of 417  Annexure - 9/7 (Para 118(5)(b), 910) PROTECTION DIAGRAM FOR LEVEL CROSSINGS........................ Page 351 of 417