Chapter 15: Permanent Way and Works PDF

PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS CHAPTER XV PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS A. RAILWAY SERVANTS EMPLOYED ON THE PERMANENT WAY OR WORKS 15.01. Condition of Permanent Way and Works.- Each inspector of Way or Works shall be responsible for the condition of the permanent way and works under his charge. 15.02. Maintenance of line.- Each inspector of way or works shall- (a) see that his length of line or works in his charge are efficiently maintained, and (b) promptly report to the Engineer-in-charge all accidents, or defects in the way or works, which he considers likely to interfere with the safe running of trains, at the same time taking such action as may be necessary to prevent accidents. (c) Planned maintenance and asset repair or replacement or creation work shall be executed in accordance with the „Rolling Block Programme‟. Explanation: - For the purposes of this clause, „Rolling Block Programme‟ means advance planning of traffic blocks or disconnections (civil or electrical or signal & telecommunication etc., including non-interlocked work ) over a specified duration upto 52 weeks, required for maintenance and asset repair or replacement or creation work, to be prepared on a rolling basis by adding one week plan every week by reviewing the output of the immediate preceding week and planning for the remaining weeks ahead. (Correction Memo No. 06/2023 dated 08.12.2023) (Ref: ED/Safety (Tfc)/RB letter No.2023/Safety (A&R) /19/12 dated 04.12.2023) 15.03. Keeping of material.- Each Inspector of Way or Works shall see to the security of all rails, chairs, sleepers, and other material in his charge, and ensure that such of the said articles as are not actually in use are properly stacked clear of the line so as not to interfere with the safe running of trains. 15.04. Inspection of Permanent Way and Works.- (1) Every portion of the Permanent way shall be inspected daily on foot by some railway servant appointed in this behalf by special instructions: Provided that the interval between such inspections may, under approved special instructions, be increased to once in two days in the case of lines with light and infrequent traffic. (2) All bridges and works including signals, signal wires, interlocking gear, points and crossings, overhead equipment and any other equipment affecting the safety and working of trains shall be inspected regularly in accordance with special instructions. S.R.15.04(i) The Key man of the gang shall walk over his length of line at least once daily in each direction, examining the permanent way and attending to the tightening or replacement of loose keys or fastenings. If he discovers any dangerous conditions such as a broken rail, he shall, at once, protect the line in accordance with Rules, take such immediate action as is possible and report the matter without delay to the Gangmate, JE/SSE/P.Wayand the nearest Station Master who shall immediately communicate the same to the JE/SSE/P.Way, if the latter is not available at his station. Note.- Once a week, the duties of the Keyman shall be performed by the Gangmate. 314 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS 15.05. Patrolling of Lines.- (1) In addition to the inspection referred to in Rule 15.04, whenever any portion of a railway is likely to be endangered by abnormal conditions such as heavy rains, breaches, floods, storms and civil disturbances, the line shall be patrolled in accordance with special instructions. (2) When a railway servant deputed to patrol the line notices any condition likely to affect the safety of trains or otherwise apprehends danger, he shall take action in accordance with special instructions prescribed for the purpose to protect the obstruction on line and thereafter inform the nearest Station Master by the most expeditious means. See also Rule 3.62. S.R.15.05. Special Instructions regarding line patrolling- (1) Occasions when line patrolling is necessary.- (a) During the monsoons and stormy weather, special arrangements, as detailed in the following paragraphs, shall be made to patrol the line at night. The Divisional Engineers shall decide, from the state of the weather and from any forecast from the Meteorological office and from reports of Highways and Irrigation departments that may be communicated to them, as to when it is necessary to put on the patrol. On the Nilagiri Railway, the line shall be patrolled daily from before the running of the first train, either ascending or descending, until the last train clears section. (b) Emergency patrols may be put on, on particular lengths, or taken off at any time by the Divisional Engineer, the Assistant Engineer, the JE/SSE/P.Way, or the Gangmate. Whenever an emergency patrol is put on, the Station Masters throughout the length patrolled shall be advised to enable them to comply with S.R.15.05(7)(e). (c) (i) JE/SSE/P.Way, however, shall not hesitate to order the gangs out if they receive heavy rainfall warnings or if there is a sudden cloud burst at a time when the regular patrols are not operating and also to introduce emergency patrolling. (ii) The mates of the respective gang lengths should introduce such patrolling immediately whenever heavy thunder showers occur or are anticipated in the respective gang lengths. (iii) Deep cuttings where boulders are likely to roll down, unstable cuttings where slips are likely and bridges which are prone to flooding and scouring should receive special attention. The patrolling introduced may be discontinued only after the Assistant Engineer of the section is satisfied of the total cessation of adverse conditions. (d) Security patrolling.- On the apprehension of a civil disturbance or due to any other causes, the Divisional Engineer shall, on receipt of advice, arrange for security patrolling of the line. 315 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (2) Section where there is normally no night running.- (a) On certain sections of the line where normally trains are not run at night, it is not necessary to engage Patrolmen on duty. On these sections, each Gangmate/ Keyman shall pass over his length before the first train of the day, and in the direction, if possible, from which the train is expected, so that on arrival at the commencement of each gang‟s length, the Loco Pilot may know from the exhibition of the usual “Proceed” hand signal by the Gangmates/ Keymen that their respective lengths have been examined and are in order. (b)Should it, however, be found necessary to run trains at night on these sections, the Divisional Operations Manager shall communicate, not less than twenty four hours in advance, direct with the Assistant Engineers and with all Station Masters on the section concerned, and the latter shall at once advise the JE/SSE/P.Way and nearest Gangmates who shall depute Gangman to patrol the line. (3) Beat Sections, Beat Stations and Beats of Patrolmen.- (a) Patrolmen shall patrol their beats according to the Patrol Charts issued by the Divisional Engineer, copies of which shall be given to the running shed, Control offices and stations concerned. (b) For the purpose of night patrol, the line to be patrolled is divided into “Beat Sections”. A “Beat Section” is the length between two block stations so selected that the distance from one to another is divisible into the beats of the required length (one or more intermediate block stations being omitted, if necessary, for that purpose). The block stations selected, which define the “Beat Section”, are called “Beat Stations”. Where the distance between two block stations exceeds ten kilometres, an intermediate Flag station, if any, may be used as an intermediate Beat Station. If necessary, traffic staff may be posted temporarily during the monsoon season to man such Flag stations, during the nights. (c) (i) Ordinarily, patrolling will be carried out by a single patrolman, but in regions where danger from wild animals, dacoits and other risks as in Ghat sections exists, patrolling in pairs may be introduced with the approval of the Principal Chief Engineer. Note.-(i)When a patrolman has walked the length of his beat once out, and has returned to the point from where he started, he has completed a “patrol” (ii) Each Beat Section is to be patrolled twice during the night. Normally the beat length shall not exceed five kilometres but this may be relaxed on other considerations of intensity of rainfall and train service etc. Under no circumstances, a patrolman shall be rostered to walk more than twenty kilometres. For beats upto five kilometres in length, the two patrols will be performed by the same patrolman. On sections prescribed by the Divisional Railway Manager, Beat Sections may be patrolled only once during the night. A period of at least half an hour‟s rest is desirable between consecutive beats. (ii) A Beat section may comprise of one or more beats. (iii) The interval between two consecutive patrols of a beat shall normally be about three hours, but this may be increased to about four hours where train service is light and monsoon conditions are not severe. Patrols at intervals closer than three hours may be introduced where the rainfall is very heavy and the area subject to floods or cyclones or whenever considered necessary. (iv) The speed at which a Patrolman walks while inspecting the line shall not exceed three kilometres an hour. 316 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (v) Whenever Security Patrolling is introduced, the patrol beat may be much shorter than that in the monsoon period. The intensity of patrolling will be as directed in the “Security Instructions” issued from time-to-time. (vi) The equipment of a patrolman, stationary or mobile are as under:- (1) Staff. (2) Number plate. (3) One water proof case containing 10 detonators (4) Tri-colour flashing hand signal lamp (5) One three cell electric torch with a locally made attachment to be able to give either red or white aspect. (6) One match box in water proof case. (7) One water proof cap with hood. (8) Two red flags and one green flag. (9) One patrol book in polythene sheet. (10) One water proof haversack. (11) A pocket book and a pencil. (12) One whistle. (13) A red flashing hand signal lamp. (Correction Memo 03/2021 dated 25.08.2021) Where men have to patrol in pairs, items (2), (5), (9), (10) and (11) need not be duplicated. Note.- When item (5) is not supplied, one more hand signal lamp shall be supplied. (d) Every year, the Divisional Engineer shall ensure, one month before line patrolling is likely to become necessary, that each JE/SSE/P.Wayis in possession of the night Patrol Diagrams for his section. The diagram shall show the Beat Sections, the Beat Stations, the locations and times of starting, of handing over and taking over Beat books and of return to starting point of each patrol and number of patrols to be performed. S.R 15.05 (4) Beat books.- (a) The Movements of Patrolmen are regulated by means of Beat books. The required number of Beat books shall be maintained by the Station Masters at the Beat stations as indicated in the Patrol Diagram for that section. The books shall be serially numbered to correspond with the number of patrols on each section. The Beat book shall contain the name of Patrolman. (b) Patrolmen shall be on duty at the time specified for each in the Patrol Diagram. They shall contact the Station Masters personally, obtain the Beat books directly at the prescribed time from them, with the time of departure and other particulars dully filled in and signed and commence the patrol. At Beat stations where block instruments are located in the cabin, the night Patrolman shall obtain the Beat book from the platform duty Station Master with his signature, thereafter obtain the signature of the Cabin Station Master on the Beat book and continue the patrol. The Cabin Station Master shall enter the actual time of departure of the Patrolman in the Train Signal Register in the “Remarks” column. (c ) After thus commencing the patrol, he shall proceed to the other end of his beat. If the other end happens to be a Beat Station, he shall present his Beat 317 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS book to the Station Master on duty who shall fill up the column regarding the time of arrival, time of departure etc. The Station Master shall enter the name of the Patrolman and the Staff Number and sign and return the Beat book to the Patrolman. Thereupon the patrolman shall return to the point from which he commenced his patrol. If the other end happens to be only an intermediate point in the Beat Section, the Patrolman shall exchange his Beat book with the Beat book of the Patrolman of the adjacent beat and then return to the starting station. On reaching the Beat station from which he commenced his patrol, he shall again present his Beat book to the Station Master on duty who shall fill up the time of arrival, etc., and sign. The same procedure is repeated for the next patrol, the movements being governed according to the Patrol Diagram. In this way each Patrol book shall be conveyed from one station to the other and back again. At Beat Stations where block instruments are located in the cabin, the night Patrolman while returning from the beat shall obtain the signature of the Cabin Station Master and thereafter obtain the signature of platform duty Station Master in his beat book. The Cabin Station Master shall enter the actual time of arrival of the Patrolman in the Train Signal Register in the “Remarks” column. (d) Beat books, while not in use, shall be kept in the custody of the Station Master at either end of the beat. S.R 15.05 (5) Duties of Patrolmen.- (a) Patrolling shall be carried out as per Patrol Diagrams issued by the Divisional Railway Manager. (b) While walking along the line, the Patrolman shall carry his hand signal lamp lighted. He shall examine, with the help of electric torch, carefully the banks and cuttings especially near bridges, the permanent way and the bridges and their approaches and lookout for subsidence, slips, signs of erosion, trees blown across the line during storms, or any other cause likely to endanger the safety of the line. He shall apprehend damage to line when- (i) the flood is rising or its level is higher than the High Flood Level mark in white or the “Danger” Level mark, in red. (ii) the water on one side of the embankment is at a much higher level than on the other side; (iii) any obstruction such as a fallen tree is blocking the waterway of a bridge; (iv) the river is flowing at high velocity; or (v) the track shows signs of sinkage. If he notices any condition likely to affect the safety of trains, or in cases of doubt, the Patrolman or Stationary Watchman shall be prepared to stop trains in the manner detailed in S.R. 15.05 (6) and pilot them, if necessary. 318 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (c) To show that he is present and that no danger is apprehended the Patrolman shall for every passing train, take his stand on the right hand side of the train (based on the direction of travel) and exhibit his Number Plate, focusing the light of his hand signal lamp on it so that the number can be read from the engine. After the engine has passed, the Patrolman shall turn and focus the light on the Number Plate in such a way that the number can be read by the Guard or any official from the side window of a coach or from an Inspection Carriage. Note.- (1) On the Chennai Beach-Tambaram section, the Patrolman shall take his stand on the kilometre post side of the non-suburban line in respect of all trains. (2) on other double (and quadruple) lines the Patrolman shall stand on the kilometre post side. (d) If, after a Patrolman has arrived at the end of his beat next Patrolman does not arrive to take over the Beat book, the former Patrolman shall proceed until either he meets the next Patrolman or he notices an obstruction which prevents him from proceeding further, whereupon he shall take steps to stop traffic in the manner prescribed in S.R.15.05 (6) or he arrives at the next block station. If the cause of his failure to meet the next Patrolman is other than Patrolman having been stopped by an obstruction, the former Patrolman shall report the matter to the Station Master at the next block station, who shall advise the JE/SSE/P.Way and the Gangmate by a message. (e) The primary duty of Patrolman employed on Security Patrolling shall be protecting trains against any condition of danger such as tampering of track or structures or obstruction placed on line. He shall take action to protect the line in the same way as the night Patrolman. S.R 15.05 (6) Action to be taken by Patrolman when line is obstructed or breached.- (1) A train is not fully protected until 3 detonators have been placed on the rail on both sides of the obstruction or breach at a distance of not less than 1000 metres on the Metre Gauge and the Narrow Gauge and 1200 metres on the Broad Gauge from the obstruction or breach. (2) In the event of any portion of the line being breached or otherwise rendered unsafe for traffic, the following procedure shall be observed:- (a) In the case where one Patrolman is employed- (i) on single line.- When damage is detected, that side of obstruction or breach from which the Patrolman expects the first train shall be protected first; the Patrolman shall first place a lighted red lamp in a prominent position to show danger in the direction from which the train is not expected to arrive first; the Patrolman shall exhibit a danger light and shall next proceed in the direction from which a train is expected first, exhibiting a red light throughout his subsequent movement and protect the line by placing one detonator at 500 metres on Metre Gauge/Narrow Gauge, 600 metres on Broad Gauge and three detonators, 10 metres apart at 1000 metres on the Metre/Narrow Gauge, 1200 metres on Broad Gauge; and the Patrolman shall then return to the place of obstruction and proceed to the other side with detonators and protect that side similarly; 319 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) on double line.-The Patrolman shall first place the red lamp in a prominent position so as to warn an approaching train which may approach from one direction and then proceed along the other track in the opposite direction that is from which he expects the first train and protect the line as laid down above. He shall return to the obstruction and protect the other line i.e., the line for which the red lamp was exhibited, similarly; (iii) if a Patrolman notices a train approaching before he could protect the line on that side as laid down above with one or three detonators, he shall immediately place on the line three detonators, without attempting to reach the prescribed safety distance, but exhibiting a Stop hand signal all the time towards the approaching train; (iv) as soon as the Patrolman has protected the line as above he shall return to the point of danger and shall not again leave the place until relieved by the Gangmate except to stop an approaching train; (v) While watching at the point of danger, the Patrolman shall endeavor to attract the attention of any passer-by and ask that person to carry a message to the nearest Station Master advising him all the conditions and asking him to turn out the gang and advise the JE/SSE/P.Way; (vi) the Patrolman shall also send the adjacent Patrolman when he arrives, with a similar message to the nearest Station Master; (vii) in the event of it being impossible to get at the other side of the damaged point, the Patrolman shall place a red lamp so that it could be seen from as great a distance as possible by a train approaching from that direction; (viii) if the Patrolman could attract the attention of passer-by on the other side of the breach or obstruction, he shall endeavour to get some detonators across to them to place them on the rails as they go to the station and also instruct them how to stop a train they may meet; and (ix) should the adjacent Patrolman arrive at the far side of the breach or obstruction before a train, he shall of course protect the line on that side before proceeding to the station with a message. (b) in case where two Patrolmen are employed-when damage is detected- (i) the two Patrolmen shall immediately exhibit danger signals at once in both directions; (ii) the two Patrolmen shall then proceed in opposite directions showing danger signals and protect the line by placing detonators as laid down above; (iii) on single line both sides of the obstruction or damage shall be protected by detonators. On the double line, the detonators may be placed on the line on which the train will approach; 320 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (iv) if a Patrolman notices a train approaching before he could protect the line as laid down above with one or three detonators, he shall immediately place on the line three detonators without attempting to reach the prescribed safety distance but exhibiting Stop hand signal all the time towards the approaching train; (v) one of the Patrolmen will then remain at the place of damage or obstruction and exhibit a danger signal to trains and shall not leave the place until relieved by the Gangmate except to stop an approaching train. The other Patrolman shall proceed to the nearest station exhibiting a Stop hand signal and inform the Station Master of the occurrence; (vi) on reaching gang quarters, if any, the Patrolman shall inform the Gangmate and the gang shall immediately proceed to the affected location. (vii) the Patrolman on his way to the nearest station shall inform the Gateman at level crossings, if any, and Clerk-in-charge at Class `D‟ stations, if any, on the block section who shall in turn pass on the information promptly to the adjacent block station by telephone. (viii) after informing the Station Master, the Patrolman shall return to the place of obstruction or damage and shall not leave the place unless relieved by the Gangmate except to stop an approaching train; and (ix) should the nature of the obstruction be such as to render it impossible for either of the Patrolmen to get across to the other side, one of the men should exhibit a danger signal and endeavour to stop trains approaching the place from other side while the other Patrolman should protect the line on his side as laid down above; the Patrolman arriving on the other side of the breach or damage shall on realizing the situation immediately exhibit a red signal and then proceed to protect the line on his side as laid down above. He shall remain at the place and send word about the danger through a railway employee or other persons he is able to contact at the spot itself. If there is another Patrolman on the other side, the latter may be utilised for informing the Station Master on the other side. Note.-(1)The distance of 1000 metres on Metre Gauge and Narrow Gauge/1200 metres on Broad Gauge prescribed for placing three detonators during protection is the minimum and shall be suitable increased in case of falling gradients, curves, cuttings etc. (2)Red flashing hand signal lamp shall also be exhibited by the Patrolman in Ghat sections, Suburban, Double lines, Multiple lines and Automatic territories. (Correction Memo 03/2021 dated 25.08.2021) (7) Duties of Station Masters.- (a) Station Masters should see that the patrolmen come on duty sober and fully equipped, that their lamps are trimmed and filled with oil and that they leave for their beats according to time. Whenever the patrolman reports without prescribed equipment, the Divisional Safety Officer should be told through Control who will issue further orders regarding permitting the patrolman for the beat. 321 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (b) The Station Masters of all Beat Stations on a Beat Section shall enter, in ink, the actual time of departure and arrival of the Patrolman in the Beat books and shall sign the Beat books. The Station Masters of the Beat stations on a Beat Section shall retain the Beat books in their charge by day and personally hand over the correct Beat book to the Patrolman. The Station Masters shall also enter the actual time of departure and arrival of the Patrolmen in the Train Signal Register in the “Remarks” column (Station Diary, in the case of Flag stations). Inspecting officials shall specially check these entries and initial them. (c ) If the Patrolman does not turn up within 15 minutes of his scheduled arrival, the Station Master of a Block Station on a Beat Section shall take the following action:- (i) He shall stop run through trains proceeding into the Block section and arrange to issue Caution orders to the Loco Pilots of all trains restricting the speed to 40 kilometres an hour during day when the visibility is clear and 15 kilometres an hour during night or during day in thick or foggy weather or in dust storms when the visibility is poor. (ii) He shall advise the Station Master of all the other Block stations on the Beat section and obtain their acknowledgements. (iii) He shall also advise the nearest JE/SSE/P.Way and send a written message to the nearest Gangmate instructing him to proceed along the line to ascertain the cause of his absence and also to arrange for a substitute. A copy of this message shall be sent to the JE/SSE/P.Way, the Assistant Engineer and the Divisional Engineer by the first means. Until one of the Station Masters of the Block stations on a Beat Section receives definite advice the Caution Orders referred to in clause (i) shall be issued to the Loco Pilots of both “Up” and “Down” trains in accordance with Rule 4.09, the cause being entered as follows:- Beat No……………Night Patrolman between………………station and ………………. station who was due to arrive at…….station at....…..hours has not arrived yet. Note.-(i) if the Beat station is a flag station, the clerk-in-charge shall send a written message to the nearest Gangmate instructing him to proceed along the line to ascertain the cause of absence of the patrolman and also to arrange for a substitute. (ii) if the flag station is provided with telephone, the Clerk-in-charge shall also advise the adjacent block station forthwith and the latter shall take immediate action to notify the Station Masters concerned for the issue of Caution Order to Loco Pilots and also advise the JE/SSE/P.Way. (iii) if the flag station is not provided with telephone, the Gangmate receiving the written message from the Clerk-in-charge as mentioned in clause (i) above shall also depute a Gangman to carry the message to the adjacent block station. Immediately the Gangmate or the night Patrolman or the substitute, so sent out, returns, the Station Master shall ascertain the cause of detention and discontinue the issue of Caution Order, if there is no obstruction to the line, duly advising all concerned. 322 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (d) The Station Master of a Beat station on a Beat section, on receiving a report from a Patrolman of any danger or of his having seen a red lamp, shall stop all traffic on the section affected and shall not allow any train to run on the section until he receives an authority for doing so, in writing, either from the Gangmate or JE/SSE/P.Way. After the Station Master has stopped traffic he shall advise (with copy to the Station Masters of the other Block stations on the Beat section) the JE/SSE/P.Way, the Assistant Engineer and the Divisional Engineer, giving a short account of the report and at once send for the Gangmate ordering him to turn out the gang. The Station Master shall also inform the Controller. (e) The Station Master of a Beat station on a Beat section shall be on the lookout to see that Patrolmen do their beats properly by walking and do not travel by trains and if any person other than the duly appointed night Patrolman comes on duty or presents the Beat book, shall record the fact with time, on the beat book and also report the matter to the JE/SSE/P.Way. (f) Whenever emergency patrols are put on in accordance with S.R.15.05(1)(b) or S.R.15.05(8)(b) the Station Masters concerned shall arrange to issue Caution Orders in accordance with Rule 4.09 to the Loco Pilots of trains passing over the section during the period in which emergency patrols have been operating, notifying them of the working of the emergency patrols. (8) Duties of Gangmates.- (a) The Gangmates shall see that the patrolmen thoroughly understand their duties and report for duty at the prescribed time with the proper and full equipment and shall arrange for substitutes whenever necessary. They shall turn out the gang on receiving a message from either the Station Master or the Patrolmen, proceed to the affected spot and attend to repairs and, if traffic has been stopped, do all they can to restore the line to enable traffic to be resumed as early as possible. (b) Gangmates are empowered to put on their gangs to patrol the line at night or whenever they consider that such a step is necessary. When this is done the Gangmate shall at once get the Station Master to advise, on his behalf to the JE/SSE/P.Way and the Assistant Engineer, advising them and giving reasons for the necessity (9) Duties of JE/SSE/P.Way:- (a) The JE/SSE/P.Way shall post, at each Beat station on his section, extracts from the Patrol Diagram showing the patrols for the Beat sections for which the station is the Beat station. (b) The JE/SSE/P.Way shall give a list, indicating the name, residence and beat of each Patrolman and his substitute on his section, to the Station Master on either side of the Beat section. A copy of this list shall be sent to the Assistant Engineer. The JE/SSE/P.Way shall exhibit a notice in the prescribed form, on the Engineering Notice Board at each Beat station, showing the Patrolman on duty between that station and the Beat stations on either side of it. (c)The JE/SSE/P.Way shall explain, before and during the monsoon, to all staff concerned with the patrol duty, the instructions and the patrol movements and ensure that they understand the instructions and the patrol movements. 323 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (d) Each JE/SSE/P.Way shall examine the entries in the Beat books at all stations on his section, at least once during each week and shall initial and date them in token of having done so; he shall initial these entries each time he trollies. He shall also travel by night on an engine, at least once a week, at irregular intervals, throughout his section, to check the attendance of the Patrolmen and shall promptly put right any irregularity or failure of duty he may observe or that may come to his notice. (e) During the period the patrolling is in force, the JE/SSE/P.Way shall trolley once, each month, over his section by night to inspect patrol and their equipment and to see that the line is properly patrolled in accordance with the instructions laid down. (f) On receipt of information from Station Master to the effect that the Patrolman has not arrived at his station or that the line is endangered or obstructed or breached, the JE/SSE/P.Way shall proceed to the affected place, by the quickest possible means, examine the line to see if it is safe for traffic and, if not, take all possible steps to make it so. He shall as soon as possible, inform the Assistant Engineer, advising him of the extent of the damage and the probable detention to traffic, action he is taking and assistance required, if any, duly advising the Divisional Engineer. (g) In bad weather, JE/SSE/P.Way may, at their discretion, place two men from permanent way gangs to sleep at each Gangman‟s hut or elsewhere on the line, so that they may be readily available for emergencies. They may also post a man at each station to assist the Station Master in carrying out the instructions laid down in S.R.15.05 (7). (h) Stationary Watchmen shall be posted at such bridges and other vulnerable points as ordered by the Divisional Railway Manager, during floods and heavy rain fall, whether there is imminent danger or not to the bridge bank and other structures, until the flood water subsides and reaches the normal level. The equipment for a Stationary Watchman is the same as that of a Patrolman except that, instead of a Beat book, he is provided with a Pocket Book to record details. Daily water level readings shall be taken at all important bridges as ordered by the Divisional Railway Manager and recorded in a Register, which shall be available for perusal by supervisory engineering staff. (10) High flood level and danger level marks on bridges.- (a) At every bridge, a high flood level mark shall be prominently painted in white colour. Similarly a prominent mark in red denoting the Danger level as assessed by the Divisional Engineers personally should also be marked on the bridge. When the water level rises, over the Danger level mark, the patrolman or stationary watchman, if any, posted at the bridge must be prepared to stop the trains. He must protect at once both sides of the bridge site after doing so. The Station Master must arrange to communicate the same immediately to the adjacent Station Master, the Gangmate, and JE/SSE/P.Wa yand his assistants. Pending the arrival of the JE/SSE/P.Way or his assistants ,the bridge must be protected and all trains stopped until the water level has fallen below the Danger level mark without any adverse effect on the bridge. The JE/SSE/P.Way will immediately proceed on receipt of advice to such spots and allow the trains to pass over the bridge after satisfying that the track and the bridge are safe by examining the conditions of the bridge and approaches and by taking soundings and probing, before he decides that the bridge is safe. 324 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (b) The Station Master receiving information of a high flood at a bridge shall inform the Station Master at the other end of the block section in which the bridge is situated and obtain an acknowledgement. Both Station Masters shall issue Caution Orders to the Loco Pilots of trains entering the block section duly stopping trains out of course if necessary, entering the cause as follows:- " Water reached "Danger " level mark at Bridge No..................... at KM........................ between..................station and..................... station, proceed cautiously and observe engineering hand signals at site." The Station Master shall also inform the JE/SSE/P.Way expeditiously. The JE/SSE/P.Way shall forthwith proceed to the spot and satisfy himself that any special precautions necessary are taken. He shall examine the waterway and the safety of the structures, taking soundings and probing near the piers and abutments. On the result of this, he shall decide, whether it is safe for the train to be piloted over the spot or not. As soon as the necessity for the caution is over, the JE/SSE/P.Way inspecting the site, shall advise the Station Masters at both ends of the block section and obtain their acknowledgements, a copy of the advice being sent to the Assistant Engineer and the Divisional Railway Manager. The Station Master shall then stop issuing Caution Orders. (c) At vulnerable places including bridges which are prone to damages, special types of Caution and Termination indication boards of reflective type are fixed at 600 metres from the bridge as shown in the figure below to enable the Loco Pilot to know that he is approaching a vulnerable place. The Loco Pilot noticing, such indication boards shall keep his train under control and take his train with caution over these places. These indication boards are fixed and maintained in position only during the monsoon season, and will not be lighted up at night. 325 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (11) Causeways.- (a) Indication posts, with guidance flat-bar are fixed at each dip, one at each end of the level portion at the Causeways. Stationary Watchmen shall be posted at each Causeway round the clock during monsoon seasons by the JE/SSE/P.Way. (b) Description of indication posts and flat-bars.- The indication posts (above 1.2. metres in height) shall be painted black and white, in 30 centimetres length so arranged that the flat-bars, painted white show up against the 30 centimetres length of black colour to indicate the water levels as under:- Height of the flat-bars attached to the posts about rail level Passenger Goods And Mixed trains Trains (centimetres) (centimetres) Steam Locos B.G. 30 45 M.G 23 30 N.G. 23 23 Diesel and Electric Locos 4 4 Electric Multiple Unit trains 0 0 (c )Precautions to be observed when water does not overflow the ballast level.- When water has risen on both sides of the Permanent way but does not actually overflow the ballast, the Loco Pilot of a train may pass over the Causeway cautiously. If he finds that the permanent way is likely to be affected by water or water is still rising, he shall stop the train at the next block station even if it is booked to run through and issue a message personally to the Station Masters at both ends of the block section and the JE/SSE/P.Way concerned for necessary action. (d) Precautions to be observed when water rises above ballast level but is below rail level.- Whenever an engineering employee finds that water has risen above the ballast level, he shall arrange to protect trains from either direction, in accordance with Rule 3.62. When the Loco Pilot of a train finds that water has risen above the ballast level but is below rail level, he shall bring his train to a dead stop and then the following procedure shall be adopted:- (i) If water level rises over the ballast level but is below rail level, the track should be walked over by two railway servants (Gangmen) abreast one at either end of the sleepers before each train and only if the track has not been disturbed should the train be allowed over the track. The Loco Pilot shall thereupon restart and proceed at walking speed being piloted by the two men walking abreast one at either end of the sleepers in front of the train. 326 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) If the track is not found to be safe for the passage of train, the train shall be protected in accordance with the Rule 6.03. (e) Precautions to be observed when the water rises above rail level but does not exceed the level of the flat-bars- When the Loco Pilot of a train finds that water is rising above rail level but is below the level of the flat-bars, he shall bring the train to a dead stop and the following procedure shall be observed:- (i) When water overtops the rail, the JE/SSE/P.Way should satisfy himself by walking over and probing that the track is safe for the passage of the train and then issue a certificate to the Loco Pilot accordingly and obtain acknowledgement. The Loco Pilot shall restart only if the flood level limitations for movement of various types of locomotives on the flooded track as stipulated in S.R.15.05 (11) (b) have not been exceeded and be piloted by the JE/SSE/P.Way walking ahead of the train till the cause way is passed. (ii) If the track is found not safe for the passage of trains, the JE/SSE/P.Way shall accordingly inform the Guard and Loco Pilot, who shall protect the train in accordance with Rule 6.03. (iii) If, after the train is stopped short of the Causeway, the JE/SSE/P.Way is not present, the Guard and Loco Pilot shall protect the train in accordance with Rule 6.03. When subsequently the JE/SSE/P.Way turns up the procedure prescribed above shall be followed. (f) Precaution to be observed when water rises above the level of the flat-bars.- If water has risen above the level of the flat-bars, no attempt shall be made to take or pass the train over the Causeway. (g)The JE/SSE/P.Way shall advise, the Divisional Operations Manager, Assistant Engineer and Divisional Engineer. Whenever water rises above the ballast level and again when water subsides; this shall be followed up with special reports. (12)Inspection by Engineers.- Engineers shall make frequent inspections by night to see that instructions and measures necessary to safeguard the line during the monsoon and abnormal bad weather are carried out efficiently and correctly according to procedure laid down. They shall explain the instructions to the staff before and during monsoon. They shall also check the equipment with the patrolmen/Watchmen to see that the full complement is available and serviceable. 327 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS 15.06. Work involving danger to trains or traffic.- A gang shall not commence or carry on any work which will involve danger to trains or to traffic without the previous permission of the inspector of Way or Works, or of some competent railway servant appointed in this behalf by special instructions; and the railway servant who gives such permission shall himself be present to superintend such work, and shall see that the provisions of Rules 15.08 and 15.09 are observed: Provided that, in case of emergency, when the requirements of safety warrant the commencement of any such work before the said railway servant can arrive, the Gangmate may commence the work at once and shall himself ensure that provisions of Rule 15.09 are observed. S.R..15.06 (i) (a) No work necessitating interference with track, points, lock bars, detectors, signals, interlocking gear, signalling cables etc., which is likely to involve the safety of trains or traffic, shall be commenced except with the knowledge and consent of the JE/SSE/Signal/Signal Technician/Traction Distribution Supervisor/JE/SSE/P.Way, as the case may be. While such work is in progress, the official authorising the execution of the work shall be present superintend the work and ensure compliance with the provisions of General Rules 15.08 and 15.09 personally. (b) A Signal Technician who has been granted a certificate of competency by Artisan School or as a temporary measure by the Signal Inspector declaring that he understands all the relevant rules and instructions pertaining to his duties and is competent to undertake the work which may necessitate interference with points, lock bars, detectors, signals etc., independently may also undertake such work except interference with the locking arrangement in an interlocked lever frame. The Signal Technician may, however, with the written permission of the Station Master, open the covers of an interlocked lever frame, if found necessary to release any jammed locking inside. Whenever interlocking is interfered with in this manner, the signals of the station shall remain suspended till the interlocking frame has been tested and interlocking certified by the competent authority. (c ) The JE/SSE/Signal or the Official-in-charge of the work shall, before taking in hand any disconnection of points, signals, lock bars or detectors, etc. advise the Station Master in the prescribed form and obtain his acknowledgement. After the work has been completed and the disconnected gear reconnected, he will again give written notice on the prescribed form to the Station Master and obtain his written acknowledgement. 328 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (d) In the interval between disconnection and reconnection, if it is necessary to pass train or perform any shunting movement, the Station Master on duty shall advise the JE/SSE/Signal or the Official-in-charge of the work, by a memo stating in which position the points are to be set. The Station Master or other authorised staff on his behalf, shall, with the permission of the JE/SSE/Signal or of the Official-in-charge of the work, then arrange to set and clamp the points in the desired position, making it safe for the passage of the trains. It shall be the duty of the Station Master or any of the authorised official on his behalf to ensure that the points are set, clamped and padlocked for the correct route so as to prevent any interference therewith subsequently until the completion of the train or shunt movement, as the case may be. The padlock and clamp shall be removed by the Station Master, or the authorised Official-in-charge, after completion of the train or shunt movement, and then the JE/SSE/Signal or the Official-in-charge of the work can resume work on the gear. S.R. 15.06(ii)Special Instructions regarding new works.- (1) General- (a) The instructions herein apply to works constructed subsequent to the first opening of a Railway or section of a Railway. (b) The safety of the travelling public is ensured by the rules laid down in.- (i) The Railways Act 1989; (ii) The General Rules for all Open lines of Railway; (iii) The Rules for opening of a Railway or section of a Railway to the public carriage of passengers, 2000; and (iv) The Indian Railways Schedule of Dimensions. 2004 (Revised) (Correction Memo no. 01/2014 dated 14.07.14) (c) The rules provide for the legal authorisation that should be obtained for any work which affects the running line before the work is started or brought into use and before a new section of the line is opened for public traffic. (2) Classification of works.- For the purpose of these instructions, works are divided into two classes, namely.- (I) Works requiring the sanction of the Commissioner of Railway Safety prior to execution and opening. (II) Works not requiring the sanction of the Commissioner of Railway Safety. Class I comprises the following- (a) (i) Under Section 119 of the Railways Act 1989 and Chapter VI of the “Rules for the opening of a Railway or section of a Railway for the public carriage of passengers, 2000”, the approval of the Commissioner of Railway Safety is required for the execution of any work, on the open line, which will affect the running of passenger trains and any temporary arrangements necessary for carrying it out, except in cases of emergency. (Correction Memo No. 01/2014 dated 14.07.14) 329 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) For the commencement and opening of the following works, when they are connected with or form part of the Railway already opened, the sanction of the Commissioner of Railway Safety shall be obtained:- (1) Additions, extensions or alterations to running lines. (2) Alterations to points and crossings in running lines. (3) New Signalling and Interlocking installations or alterations to existing installations. (4) New stations, temporary or permanent. (5) The construction (but not the removal) of an ash pit on a running line. (6) Heavy regrading of running lines involving raising/lowering of track in excess of 50 cms. (7) New bridges or extensions of existing ones, girder spans, whether additional or in replacement of existing ones, including temporary girders. (8) Provisions of new level crossings across running lines. (9) Temporary diversions. (10) Additions or alterations to the electrical installations of tracks equipped for electric traction. (b) (i)Application for any alterations, reconstructions or additions, that require the sanction of the Commissioner of Railway safety shall ordinarily be made fourteen days in advance of the expected commencement of such works pertaining to passenger trains and sanction obtained before such commencement. When alterations to the proposals originally sanctioned by the Commissioner of Railway Safety become necessary, the sanction of the Commissioner of Railway Safety shall be obtained for such alterations before the work is put on hand. (ii) If, for any reason, a sanctioned work is not taken up in hand within 12 months of the date of a sanction, application shall be made to the Commissioner of Railway Safety for renewal of his sanction. Class II comprises the following:- (a) Any new work, alteration or reconstruction not affecting running lines. (b) Any work which does not interfere with the existing Signalling or interlocking arrangements, or involve new Signalling or interlocking arrangements. (c) Work necessitated by accidents. The procedure detailed in S.R.15.06(14) shall however be adopted. Note:- In every doubtful case application shall be made to the commissioner of Railway safety, before commencing the work. 330 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (3) Application for sanction for works.- Application to the Commissioner of Railway Safety for sanction for carrying out works affecting the running line shall be made by the Junior Administrative grade officers in the Division and by the Divisional Railway Manager if no such officers are posted in the Division. In construction Organisations, it shall be signed by Junior Administrative grade officers of the department concerned on behalf of the Chief Engineer (Construction)/Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer (Construction)/Chief Electrical Engineer (Construction). (4) Application for running of new type of locomotive and for rolling stock and for increase in speed.- (a)Application to the Commissioner of Railway Safety for sanctioning the running of new types of locomotives or rolling stock or increasing the maximum permissible speed on a specified section or sections shall be made by the Principal Chief Engineer and accompanied by the following documents: (1) Load diagram. (2) Certificates for track strength. (3) Certificates for strength of girders. (4) Certificates of test runs (if required by the Commissioner of Railway Safety) obtained from the Transportation Branch. (5) Certificate in the prescribed form, signed jointly by the Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer / Principal Chief Engineer / Principal Chief Electrical Engineer / Principal Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer. (6) A statement in the prescribed form detailing any “infringement of maximum and minimum dimensions” involved in the running of the locomotive or rolling stock. (b)On receipt of such an application, the Commissioner of Railway Safety will, if he so desires, inspect and /or try out the new locomotives and/or rolling stock and the Railway Administration shall afford him the necessary assistance to do so. (5) A safety Certificate, in the prescribed form shall be issued before the work is brought into use. (6) Inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.-When the Commissioner of Railway Safety notifies his intention to inspect a work prior to opening for the public carriage of passengers, advice as to when the work will be ready for inspection shall be intimated to him at least 14 days before it is proposed to open it. (7) Submission of Safety Certificate.- (a) The Commissioner of Railway Safety in according his sanction may or may not propose to inspect the works. (b) (i) Should the Commissioner of Railway Safety decide not to inspect the work prior to opening, the Safety Certificate, together with the certificates referred to therein, shall be completed and submitted before the work is opened by the Engineer(s)-in-charge. Copies of the Safety Certificates shall be sent to the Divisional Railway Manager, the Principal Chief Engineer and/or the Principal Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer and/or Principal Chief Electrical Engineer. 331 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) The Safety Certificate for engineering works shall ordinarily be signed by the Assistant Engineer. In the case of works, involving tracks and bridges and/or Signalling and interlocking, the Safety Certificates may, if required, be signed jointly by the Engineers concerned. (c) If the Commissioner of Railway Safety decides to inspect the work prior to opening, he will, after inspection in the company of the officers concerned, communicate in writing his sanction to open the work. (8) Deviation from plans approved by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.- If the material deviations from the plans approved by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, which affect the layout of lines or the arrangement of signals or the Working Rules, are found necessary, his prior approval to such deviations shall be obtained with reference to the application first made. (9) Special instructions regarding Safety Certificates for signalling works.- The following instructions shall also be observed regarding the submission of Safety Certificates for works involving Signalling and/or Interlocking:- (i) Sanction of the Commissioner of Railway Safety is required under rule 4.10 for speeds over 15 kilometres an hour. Speeds in excess of 15 kilometres an hour but within the speeds permissible for the Standard of Signalling, subject to any local restrictions necessary, may be permitted on the Principal Chief Engineer‟s Safety Certificate. (ii) Only a Gazetted Officer of the Signalling department shall initiate the Safety Certificate for works involving- (a) any new signal in any way interlocked; (b) any alterations to points and crossings involving alteration to signals; (c) any alterations to signals that involve a change in the working rules. Note.- By “initiate” is meant that a signal officer certifies that the arrangements are in accordance with the signalling plan sanctioned by the Commissioner of Railway Safety. (iii) The Divisional Engineer shall in all cases impose the restrictions of speed in accordance with clauses (i) and (ii) above, and shall order their removal when authorised to do so by the Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer. (iv) In the case of Joint Works carried out by more than one department, the Safety Certificate shall be signed by Junior Administrative Grade officers in the Division and by the Divisional Railway manager if no such officers are posted in the Division. In Construction Organisations, it shall be signed by Junior Administrative Grade officers of the department concerned on behalf of the Chief Engineer (Construction)/Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer (Construction). Then it shall be submitted to the Commissioner of Railway Safety. (10) Special Instructions in connection with Signalling and Engineering works.- (a) For the purpose of these instructions, works are divided under the following heads:- (i) Routine maintenance work in connection with the Signalling and interlocking gear which do not require the issue of Special Working Rules in addition to the provisions of Rule 3.51. 332 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) Ordinary engineering maintenance work which is executed on running tracks during day light hours, inside or outside station limits under traffic and without interference to the train service and which is of such a nature as not to require the issue of Special Working rules whether or not they require the application of Rules 15.08, 15.09 and 4.09. (iii) Additions and alterations and works, other than routine maintenance, in connection with the Signalling and interlocking gear which requires Special Working Rules to be issued by the Divisional Railway Manager, in addition to the provisions of Rule 3.51(3). (iv) Additions and alterations to or works affecting running lines within station limits carried out by the Works Branch which involves interference with the normal train service and which require Special Working Rules to be issued by the Divisional Railway Manager, in addition to the provisions of Rules 15.08 and 15.09. (v) Works affecting running lines outside station limits which will or are likely to interfere with the normal train service and which require the imposition of Line Block. (vi) Works inside or outside station limits which require the opening of temporary diversions or bridges and which require the issue, of special Working rules by the Divisional Railway Manager. (b) In the case of items (iii) and (iv) of clause (a) above, the official responsible for carrying out the work shall send Special Notice to the Divisional Railway Manager, at least ten days before the work is due to commence, advising him when the work will be commenced and requesting him to issue Special Working Rules for the working of traffic during the time the work is in progress. A copy of the Notice shall also be sent to the Station Master of the station at which the work has to be carried out. The Divisional Railway Manager receiving such Notice shall at once prepare Special Working Rules and issue them to all concerned. Only after the issue of Special Working Rules the work shall be commenced. The Station Master shall be responsible for ensuring that all staff at the station responsible for the working trains understand them and carry them out. The date and time at which the work is actually commenced shall be communicated to the Divisional Railway Manager by the official who sent the special notice. (c) Overhauling of Interlocking Lever Frame, Interlocking Key Boxes and Station Master‟s Slide Control Instruments.- (i) During such overhauling, the station shall be worked under Special Instructions to be issued by the Divisional Railway Manager in conformity with Rule 3.38. JE/SSE/Signal shall issue the Disconnection/Reconnection Notice to the Station Master and obtain his signature before the commencement of and after completion of overhauling. 333 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) Overhauling of Interlocking Lever Frames.- The Station Master shall ensure that all the facing points (controlled from the Interlocking lever frame being overhauled) over which the train will pass are correctly set, clamped and padlocked and that all the trailing points over which the train will pass are correctly set before taking “Off” signals. Detailed temporary Working Rules for each phase of work shall be issued by the Divisional Railway Manager. A notification regarding the date and time of the overhauling work to be taken on hand, its probable duration, and issue of Caution Orders shall be jointly issued by the Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer and the Divisional Operations Manager to all concerned. For the portion of the yard which is controlled by the interlocking frame to be overhauled, the Loco Pilot shall be issued with a Caution Order restricting the speed of trains to 15 Kmph at the station. If the overhauling work extends beyond sunset, temporary engineering, indicators shall be provided. Only after the Station Master has assured himself that the line has been correctly set and locked for the required movement, he shall permit taking “Off” signals. The issue of Caution Orders and imposition of speed restrictions shall remain in force until the interlocking frame has been tested by the Divisional/ Assistant Signal and Telecommunication Engineer or JE/SSE /Signal and normal working is restored. (iii) Overhauling of interlocking key boxes.- The responsibility for the safe custody of the interlocking keys released from the interlocking key box as long as the locking is disconnected shall rest with the JE/SSE/ Signal in charge. He shall ensure that no conflicting key is issued when reception or despatch of a train is arranged. (iv) Overhauling of Station Master‟s Slide Control instrument.- (a) All signals shall be cleared for the reception and despatch of trains as usual. (b) The Station Master shall see that (i) no slide is pulled for taking “off” a signal without informing the inspector-in charge of the work; (ii) no electric slot or key is transmitted in an unauthorised manner; and (iii) no conflicting slot or key is transmitted by him. (11) Notification to Railway officials when opening works- Except as described in paragraph 13 below, no new work affecting the running of trains or the working of the traffic at stations shall be brought into use until staff of the concerned departments have been notified by means of a circular issued by the Divisional Railway Manager. Timely intimation of the date of the opening of works shall be sent to the Divisional Railway Manager whenever any new or revised Working Rules are to be brought into operation to enable him to give the running staff due notice. 334 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (12) Opening of temporary diversions or bridges- (a) When opening temporary diversions or bridges for traffic, the following instructions shall be observed:- (i) At least 14 days before the restriction is to come into force, the Divisional Engineer shall send a notice, in the prescribed form to the Divisional Operations Manager, the Chief Signal and. Telecommunication Engineer, the Locomotive Foreman (or the Fitter Charge men or Train Examiners) of the Depot stations at both ends of the runs of the Loco Pilots concerned, including the Locomotive Foremen (or the Fitter Charge man or Train Examiners) of the Depot stations immediately on either side of the temporary diversion or bridge, Traction Distribution Supervisors, the Transportation Inspector, the Station Masters of the headquarter stations of Guards concerned and the JE/SSE/Signal specifying the nature of the restriction and the approximate date on which it will come into force. This notice shall be followed by a second notice, in the prescribed form, giving the actual date and time at which the restriction will be applied. The second notice shall be issued at least 7 days before the actual date of commencement. (ii) The Locomotive Foreman or other Official-in-charge at each end shall issue the necessary Notices and instructions to Loco Pilots who shall sign the book maintained therefor and comply with Rule 4.30. (iii) The Station Master of the headquarters stations of Guards concerned shall issue the necessary Notices and instructions to Guards who shall sign the book maintained therefor and comply with rule 4.30. (iv) When Line Block is required, the procedure laid down in paragraph 18 or 19 below shall be observed. Note:- Temporary diversions or bridges shall not be opened for traffic earlier than the time notified in the prescribed form except in consultation with the Divisional Railway Manager. (b) Where the opening of temporary diversions or bridges requires the issue of Special Working Rules, the Divisional Engineer shall ensure that such Rules are issued before commencement of such work. (13) Works resulting from accidents.- (1) An abbreviated procedure to be adopted in the case of accidents, as laid down in Section 24 of the Railways Act 1989, is reproduced below- “When an accident has occurred on a Railway resulting in a temporary suspension of traffic, and either the original line and works have been restored to their original standard or a temporary diversion has been laid for the purpose of restoring communication, the original line and works so restored, or the temporary diversion, as the case may be, may, without prior inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, be opened for the public carriage of passengers, subject to the following conditions, namely”:- (a) the railway servant-in-charge of the works undertaken by reason of the accident has certified in writing that the opening of the restored line and work or of the temporary diversion, will not in his opinion be attended with danger to the public and; (b) that notice of the opening of the line and works or the diversion shall be sent as soon as possible to the Commissioner of Railway Safety. 335 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (2) The certificate (in the prescribed form) shall be signed by the representative of the Works Branch in-charge of the work before opening it. This certificate shall be despatched to the Officers concerned. The Engineering representative shall hand over a copy of the certificate to the representative of the Transportation (Traffic) Department at the site of the accident; and the latter shall not permit the passage of traffic over the restored line or the diversion until he is in possession of the certificate. (14) Opening of new works within station limits.- (a) On receipt of sanction to open a new work, the Divisional Engineer, the Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer, or the Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution) shall arrange with the Divisional Railway Manager the date on which the new work is to be handed and taken over. After the new work is handed over, the Divisional Engineer, the Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer/the Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution) shall advise the Principal Chief Engineer/Principal Chief Electrical Engineer/Principal Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer/Principal Chief Operations Manager. (b) When the work is important and affects a running line, the Engineering and Operating Officers shall be present. (c) When the work is not important and does not affect a running line, the Officer of the concerned department may authorise the Inspector of his department to hand over the work, and the Divisional Railway Manager may authorise the Transportation Inspector or Station Master to take over the work. Note.-(i) The Transportation (Traffic) Officer or Supervisor, who takes over a new work, shall satisfy himself that the levers, signals, points and connections work freely‟ and properly and that the installation fulfils its object. He shall also see that the signal lights are properly focused, that the back-lights are clearly visible from the place required by the rules, and that the Electric Repeaters, where provided, correctly represent the indication of the signals which they repeat. (ii) Before issue of the certificate and taking over any interlocking installation, the Transportation- (Traffic) Officer or Supervisor shall instruct the station staff responsible for working the interlocking installation and test them in their knowledge of the signalling diagram exhibited at the station and of the rules and working instructions in connection therewith (iii) No person shall be placed in-charge at stations where interlocking installations have been provided, unless the Transportation (Traffic) Officer or Supervisor has satisfied himself that such person has a full knowledge of the working of those stations. 15. Opening of new works outside station limits.- When sanction to open a new work outside station limits has been received, the Departmental officer concerned shall, after testing and passing the new work jointly, declare it opened from that date and advise the Divisional Railway Manager and the heads of departments concerned. 16. Provisions of locking bolts, cotters and padlocks and clamps.- When new lines are opened for traffic, adequate number of bolts cotters and padlocks and clamps shall be provided by the Divisional Engineer. 17. In electrified sections, all these Subsidiary Rules are subject to the provisions of the Indian Electricity Act, wherever applicable and where the Principal Chief Electrical Engineer also functions as the Electrical Inspector in terms of this Act. 336 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS 18. Special instructions for Line Block-Single Line.- (1) When it is necessary to obstruct any portion of the line for Engineering purposes, any official of the Engineering Branch not below the rank of JE/P- Way, shall apply to the Divisional Railway Manager for the Line Block Order. The official applying for the Line Block order shall state in the application whether the Official-in-charge of the work would have the use of a portable telephone and also if the work spot, specified in the application, is on a level ground or at the lower end of a steep or long approach gradient. On sections where traffic position permits, even casual renewals may preferably be carried out under Line Block. Where breaking the road for longer periods is involved, such work shall be done under Line Block. All cases of renewals of track on a bridge or on the approach to a bridge or an embankment where the risk involved will be of a very high order, shall be done under Line Block. Note.- Relaying may be done under the protection of Rules 15.08 and 15.09 without the imposition of Line Block, on a controlled area provided. (a) The Divisional Railway manager and the station Masters of the block stations on either side of the relaying area are advised in advance; (b) The relaying is in charge of an Inspector; and (c) An official, with a field telephone, is specifically posted to be in continuous contact with Controller to ascertain the whereabouts of trains which are running so as to minimize interference with traffic. (2) (a) The time for blocking the line shall be so arranged as to interfere as little as possible with the train service. Not less than twenty four hour notice shall be given to the Divisional Railway Manager that Line Block is required, and the application shall be in the following form, from which no deviation whatever is authorised, except as provided for in clause (b) below- Please Block line between (station)…………….and (station) ……….....from after No………….clears section until…………….hours on..…...........(date). Note.- Application for more than one Line Block period falling on the same date and between the same stations may be consolidated in one letter as required, provided the standard form of application laid down above is repeated for each of the Line Block periods applied for. (b) (i) If the work spot is on a level ground, permission for blocking the line can be granted as from immediately after the last train (to pass the work spot prior to the commencement of the work) clearing section at the other end. 337 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) If, on the other hand, the work spot is at the lower end of a steep or long approach gradient and if the last train to pass the work spot prior to the commencement of the work, will have to negotiate this long or steep approach gradient, permission for blocking the line, as from immediately after the last train clearing the section, may be granted only if the work spot is on a controlled length and if the Engineering official-in-charge of the work will have a portable telephone for use during the period of the Line Block. If the work spot is not on a controlled length or if the Engineering official will have no portable telephone for use, permission for blocking the line shall be granted only as from 10 minutes after the last train, passing the work spot, would clear the section at the upper end, in case it is a passenger train, and 15 minutes after, it is a goods train, taking into consideration the probable running time of the train to traverse the length from the work spot to the block station at the upper end. (3) The Divisional Railway Manager shall issue Line Block orders to the Station Masters of the Block stations between which the line is to be blocked. (4) The Divisional Railway Manager shall be equally precise in his orders, which shall be issued by letter, in the following form, from which no deviation whatsoever is authorised. From DRM/TPJ to SMs., 'TJ' and ALK. Block line between yours from...................... after No................ clears section until.............. hours on................ (date) for Engineering purposes, Copy A.E.N. or SSE/JE, TJ ( as the case may be) and SMR/TPJ, MV and VM. Note:- Line block orders with regard to more than one line block period falling on the same date and between the same stations may be consolidated in one letter, provided, the standard form laid down above is repeated for each of the Line Block periods ordered. (5) The official receiving the Line Block Order shall immediately acknowledge the order in the following terms, the Engineering official-in-charge of the Line Block work and the Station Masters of the block stations between which the line is to be blocked acknowledging by letter in all cases:- I note line between (Station)…………and (Station)………….shall be blocked from……...…after No……...…clears section until............hours on …………(date). Copy SSE/JE. or A.E.N. (as the case may be). (6) When an order is received from the Divisional Railway Manager that the line is to be blocked, this order shall be copied in red ink in bold handwriting across each page of the Train Signal Register, and the Train Message Book when in use, day by day, until the Line Block actually takes effect, that is up to and including the last train that enters the section before it is blocked for Engineering purposes. Controllers shall take care that no extra train is ordered whose running would be affected by the Line Block and shall take all possible steps to ensure that the Line Block commences at the time applied for. Line Block collar/cap shall be secured on the Last Stop signal handle/knob. 338 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (7) (a) The Station Master shall issue to the Guard of the last train (specified in the Line Block Order), entering the block section before it is obstructed, a certificate (which need not be addressed to any one), in duplicate, in the following form:- The line between (station)………………and (station)………………will be blocked for Engineering purposes from…………after train No…………clears section until …………………. hours on……………….(date). Station……………….... ……………………………….. Date…………………… (Station Master) The Station Master shall hand over a Caution Order to the Loco Pilot warning him that he shall be on the look-out for a Stop hand signal from the Engineering official-in-charge, vide clause (b) (i) below. Immediately after acknowledging the “Train out of Block Section” signal for this train, the Station Master shall place the “Line Block” cap on the plunger of the block instrument and this cap shall not be removed until a traffic train is ready to enter the block section under the provisions of paragraph (8) (d) (iii) below. If the last train is a run through train, it shall be stopped out of course at the station. In Tokenless territories, the Station Masters at either end of the block section shall remove the shunt keys and keep the same in the personal custody on complete arrival of the last train at the other end and place the Line Block cap on the T.G.T. button of the block instruments. Note:.- A Caution Order need not be given to the Loco Pilot when there will be no Engineering official-in- charge at the site of the work. (b) (i) The last train shall be stopped at the site of the work by the Engineering official-in-charge by the exhibition of a Stop hand signal. The Guard shall also be on the look-out and on the train being stopped, deliver one copy of the certificate to the Engineering official-in-charge and obtain acknowledgement. The Guard shall deliver the duplicate copy to the Station Master at the station at the other end of the block section and obtain acknowledgement, the train being stopped out of course for the purpose, if booked to run through. Note:- In cases where the last train entering the block section prior to the imposition of Line Block enters the block section at such an hour as to render it inconvenient for the Engineering official- in-charge to be at the site of the work when the train arrives there, the Engineering official-in- charge need not be present at the site of the work to stop the train and the train need not be stopped at the site of the work but it shall pass through to the block station ahead where the Guard shall hand over both copies of the certificates to the Station Master and obtain acknowledgement. The Engineering official-in-charge shall before commencing the work personally obtain the copy of the certificate intended for him from this Station Master and give acknowledgement therefor. In case the Engineering official-in-charge is present at the other end of the block section, he shall personally obtain a copy of the certificate from the Station Master at that end and acknowledge the same. This Station Master shall immediately advise the Station Master at the other end of having done so. Whenever this procedure is required to be adopted, the official applying for Line Block shall specifically advise the Divisional Railway Manager who in turn shall specifically advise the station Masters at both ends of the block section and get their acknowledgements. 339 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) The Station Master shall before clearing section for the train in token territories, and tokenless handle type territories or establishing “Line Closed condition” in push button type tokenless territories, obtain the duplicate copy of the Certificate or both the copies, as the case may be. Immediately after giving the “Train out of Block Section” signal for the train or establishing “line closed” condition, in accordance with this sub-clause or clause (c) below, the Station Master shall place the “Line Block” cap on the plunger of the block instrument in token territories and tokenless handle type territories and on the “T.G.T. “button in push button tokenless territories and this cap shall not be removed until a traffic train is ready to enter the section. The Station Masters at either end of the block section shall also remove the shunt keys and keep the same in their personal custody. (c) If, on the train coming to a stand at the site of the work, the Guard is not in possession of the certificate, issued to him and on his declaring so in writing the Engineering official-in-charge shall issue a message, through the Guard, to the Station Master at both ends of the block section, with copy to the Divisional Railway Manager, intimating this fact and that the work is being taken up as arranged. Immediately on arrival at the block station ahead, the Guard shall hand over the message to the Station Master and obtain an acknowledgement. The Station Master shall, before clearing section for the train or establishing “Line Closed” contrition send the message to the Station Master at the other end of the block section and obtain his acknowledgement. (d) Line Block shall not be considered to be in operation, nor shall the work of obstructing the line be commenced, until the Engineering official-in-charge of the work is in possession of the copy of the certificate referred to in clause (b) above or has issued the message referred to in clause (c) above. (e) If the work spot is at the lower end of a steep or long gradient and if the last train to pass the work spot prior to the commencement of the work has to negotiate the steep or long grade before reaching the block station ahead, the Engineering official-in-charge of the work, if he has no portable telephone, shall not commence the work before the time specified in the certificate handed over to him. In case the Engineering official-in-charge of the work is equipped with portable telephone and if the work spot is on a controlled section, he shall ascertain from the Controller if the last train, that passed through the work spot has cleared the section at the other end and shall commence the work only after the train has cleared the section completely. (8) (a) While the Line Block is in force, under no circumstances whatsoever, shall a traffic train be allowed to enter the obstructed section. The Station Master at both ends of the obstructed section shall not ask for or give Line Clear for any train to enter the section or establish “Train Going To” condition on the block instrument. 340 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (b) Engineering material trains, break-down specials, wiring trains, motor Trollies and motor lorries/tower wagons may be allowed to enter the obstructed block section on the authority of an Engineering official not lower in rank than an Inspector. Before permitting any departmental material train/break-down special/wiring train/tower wagon into an obstructed section, the Engineering Inspector shall issue a written authority to the Station Master in the following form.:- You are authorised to allow Train No ……………description………….into the Obstructed section between (station)……………and (station)……………on (date) ………… at …… (hours). The section should be cleared before ………… (hours) ………… (minutes) The line is obstructed from (kilometre)……………to (kilometre)…………for engineering purposes. The Station Master on receipt of this authority shall despatch the above mentioned trains into the obstructed block section on the “Authority to proceed without Line Clear”(T/A602) (c) All manned level crossing gates shall be closed against road traffic for the passage of departmental trains during line block. However, the Loco Pilot / Operator shall ensure that all manned level crossing gates are closed against road traffic before passing the same. He shall whistle intermittently while approaching the level crossings and obey the aspect of the Gate Stop signal if any. In the case of non-interlocked gates, and in the case of interlocked gates in double line sections while proceeding on the wrong direction, the Loco Pilot / Operator shall bring his material train / track machine to a stop 30 metres short of the level crossing and then restart and pass the gate after confirming that the gate is closed against road traffic (Correction Memo No. 6 dated 06.11.06). (d ) (i) The running of Traffic trains over the section obstructed for Engineering purposes shall not be resumed until all the material trains or motor Trollies or motor lorries have cleared the obstructed section and the following messages have been exchanged, between the Station Masters at both ends of the obstructed section, for each material train or motor trolley that entered and cleared the obstructed section:- My/Your Private Number…………………train cleared section here at ………………hours………..minutes. My/Your Private Number……………understand…………………train cleared section here at …………hours………….minutes. 341 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS (ii) Provided that the above messages have been exchanged for each material train or motor trolley or motor lorry that has entered and cleared the obstructed section the running of Traffic trains, over the section ordered to be obstructed, may be resumed on the expiry of the obstruction period, unless the Engineering official-in-charge of the work specifically notified that the obstruction has not been removed. A Caution Order warning Loco Pilots that they should be prepared for Stop or Caution signals shall be handed over to all Loco Pilots until the Station Master has received either a written notice from the Engineering official-in-charge of the work that the obstruction has been removed or an advice from the Station Master at the other end of the block section of his written notice. The Station Master receiving the written notice shall immediately communicate it to the Station Master at the other end of the block section. The Engineering official-in-charge of the work shall send the written notice, as soon as the obstruction has been removed. (iii) The running of Traffic trains over the section ordered to be obstructed may be resumed before the expiry of the obstruction period specified in the Line Block Order, provided that- (1) the Engineering official-in-charge of the work notifies the Station Master at one end of the block section, in writing, that the obstruction has been removed; (2) the Station Master receiving the written notice from the Engineering official-in- charge of the work has communicated the notice to the Station Master at the other end of the block section and the Divisional Railway Manager; and (3) the provisions of clause (i) above have been complied with. Note.- The notice referred to above shall be recorded in the Train signal Register and/or the Train Message Book of the stations at both ends of the block section. (9) (a) If the Line Block is required to be extended beyond the time stated in the original Line Block Notice, the Engineering official-in-charge of the work shall send a written notice to the Station Master at one end of the block section, expeditiously notifying the time upto which the Line Block has been extended. The Station Master who receives the written notice shall immediately advise the Station Master at the other end of the obstructed section and the Divisional Railway Manager of the revised time upto which the Line Block has been extended by the Engineering Branch. (b) The advice extending the time of the Line Block, received from the Engineering official-in-charge of the work, shall be recorded in the Train Signal Register, and the Train Message Book when in use, of the station at both ends of the obstructed section; and, after the expiry of the extended time, traffic trains may resume running over the section. 19. Special instructions for Line block-Double Line- (1) When it is necessary to obstruct one or both lines for Engineering purposes, any official of the Engineering Branch not below the rank of an Inspector shall apply to the Divisional Railway Manager for the Line Block Order. On sections where traffic position permits, even casual renewals may preferably be carried out under Line Block. Where breaking the road for longer periods is involved, such work shall be done under Line Block. All cases of renewal of track on a bridge or on the approach to a bridge or an embankment where the risk involved will be of a very high order, shall be done under Line Block. 342 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS Note.- Relaying may be done under the protection of Rules 15.08 and 15.09, without the imposition of line block, on a controlled area, provided- (a) the Divisional Railway Manager and the Station Master of the block stations on either side of the relaying area are advised in advance; (b) the relaying is in charge of an Inspector: and (c) an official, with a field telephone, is specifically posted to be in continuous contact with the Control to ascertain the whereabouts of trains which are running so as to minimise detention to traffic. (2) The detailed procedure for imposition, extension and removal of Line Block shall be the same as for single line except that whenever both lines are obstructed, it shall be the joint responsibility of the Station Masters at both ends of the block section to ensure that no train is occupying or ready to enter the adjacent line before permitting the last train mentioned in the Line Block Order into the section. Note:- When it is necessary to obstruct only one line in a double line section, the official applying for Line Block Order shall state in the application that the Line Block Order is required for one line only indicating clearly the line (Up or Down as the case may be) which is to be obstructed. In case, it is specifically asked by Engineering Department for imposing of caution on adjacent line for working of some track machines such as BCM, TRT, TLE / PQRS & T-28 machine or due to any reason, the procedure detailed in SR 6.02 (iv) shall be followed for running of trains on the unobstructed single line with a Caution order issued to the Loco Pilot of each train till the line block is over stating as Under: “Line Block is in force on adjacent line. Observe special caution and reduce speed as necessary”. (Correction Memo No.03/2017 dated 31.05.2017) The above caution order shall also be given to Loco Pilots of trains running on the adjacent lines on a section with two or more lines of same/different gauges when line block is in force on any of the lines. The Engineering official in charge of Line Block Work shall ensure that materials conveyed through the trains running on obstructed line do not obstruct the adjacent line. 15.07. Work in thick, foggy or tempestuous weather impairing visibility.- In thick, foggy or tempestuous weather impairing visibility, no rail shall be displaced and no other work which is likely to cause obstruction to the passage of trains shall be performed, except in cases of emergency. S.R.15.07 (i) When such work has to be undertaken and is protected by temporary engineering indicators, 2 detonators shall be placed on the line 10 metres apart not less than 90 metres in rear of the Caution Indicator and a Flagman posted (at not less than 45 metres in rear of the farthest detonator) exhibiting the “proceed with caution hand signal to approaching trains. 343 PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS 15.08. Precautions before commencing operations which would obstruct the line.- (1) No person employed on the way or works shall change or turn a rail, disconnect points or signals, or commence any other operation which would obstruct the line until Stop signals have been exhibited and where prescribed detonators used; and if within station limits, he has also obtained the written permission of the Station Master and all necessary signals have been placed at “On”. Provided that the exhibition of Stop signals may be dispensed with, if such operations are performed or carried out after the necessary signals, other than Automatic Stop signals, have, in addition to bei

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