Chapter 1: Duties of Permanent Way Officials PDF

# Chapter 1: Duties of Permanent Way Officials ## Part 'A': Duties of Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADEN) - **General** - The Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADEN), in charge of a sub-division, is generally responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and safety of all way and works...

# Chapter 1: Duties of Permanent Way Officials ## Part 'A': Duties of Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADEN) - **General** - The Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADEN), in charge of a sub-division, is generally responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and safety of all way and works including bridges in the sub-division. - The ADEN is also responsible for the accuracy, quality, and progress of new works and control over all expenditure in relation to budget allotment. - **Knowledge of Rules and Regulations** - The ADEN should have knowledge of Rules and Regulations: - The Indian Railways Act; - Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules and Subsidiary Rules; - Indian Railways Schedule of Dimensions 1676 mm Gauge (BG); - Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual; - Indian Railways Standard Track Manual (Volume I and II); - Manual for Flash Butt Welding of Rails; - Manual for Fusion Welding of Rails by the Alumino Thermic Process; - Manual for Glued Insulated Rail Joints; - Manual for Reconditioning of Medium Manganese (MM) Steel Points & Crossings, Switch Expansion Joints (SEJs) and Cast Manganese Steel (CMS) Crossings; - Manual for Ultrasonic Testing of Rails and Welds; - Indian Railway Track Machine Manual; - Indian Railways Small Track Machine Manual; - Indian Railways Bridge Manual; - Indian Railways Works Manual; - Indian Railways Code for the Engineering Department; - Other departmental codes & Manuals; - Latest correction slips, Instruction, and circulars issued from time to time, relating to aforesaid; - The ADEN shall have up-to-date copies of these codes and manuals with all correction slips etc. - The ADEN should be well versed with the various modules of the Track Management System (TMS) and ensure that all the staff under him are acquainted with the relevant rules and working methods connected with their duties. - **Duties of ADEN** - **Inspection and maintenance of Track** - The ADEN shall conduct inspection as per the Schedules laid down (Table-1A) by the Administration from time to time. - He shall enter the inspection details in Track Management System (TMS), and ensure compliance of the instructions within a reasonable period. - **Other duties** - Bring to the notice of the DEN/Sr.DEN, any work pertaining to track, which is considered beyond the capacity of ADEN to deal with and any other item considered necessary for safe functioning of track; - Ensure that the staff are fully conversant with their respective responsibilities with regard to laying and maintenance of track; - Ensure that all remedial action for LWR/CWR showing unsatisfactory behaviour are taken in time; - Issue certificate once in a year before summer, i.e., in the month of February, that all the LWR/CWR in his jurisdiction are behaving satisfactorily and send it to DEN/Sr.DEN; - Monitoring and ensuring quality and output of all the track machines working in the sub-division. - Ensure all prerequisites, pre-block, during block and post-block activities for quality output; - Ensure sufficient lighting during night working and arrange Fuel/oil well in advance; - In the eventuality of breakdown of a machine, ADEN shall take all possible actions to clear the block section expeditiously, if the machine cannot be repaired during the line-block; - Inspect the track machines as per the prescribed schedule and check the items / checklist laid down in Indian Railways Track Machine Manual; - Preparation of plans and estimates for works and submission of detailed proposals with justifications to Division for sanction of works. - The ADEN shall also prepare special conditions, if any, specific to site for execution of work(s)/part of the work(s). - Execution and monitoring of works as per the tender conditions and approved plan & schedule of the work. - Every work should be efficiently organized and programmed to progress speedily and completed within the specified period. - The ADEN shall ensure timely measurements and preparation of bills with prescribed test checks for ensuring quality and quantity; - Measurement of Ballast. - Co-ordination with Officials of other Departments as warranted; - Monitoring of inspections, works and other records of subordinate officials. - The ADEN shall also scrutinize the inspection entries made by SEE/P.Way (In-charge) and JE/SEE/P.Way (Sectional) in Track Management System (TMS), and shall ensure compliance of the items, which need attention within a reasonable period. - Inspection and test check of USFD-Checking of work of JE/SEE/P.Way (USFD) at least once during each month or as specified by higher authority; - Inspection of Office and Stores of all SEE/P.Way (In-charge) at least once a year. - When checking stores, particular attention should be paid to the availability and proper distribution of Imprest materials, upkeep and working of small track machines, Engineering indicators, protection equipment and other important items in stores and records in offices; - Accompanying Inspection by Higher Officials. - Training of Probationers. - Material under Trial. - Dealing with staff matter. ## Part 'B': Duties of Senior Section Engineer / P.Way in Overall Charge - **General** - The Senior Section Engineer/P.Way in overall charge, abbreviated as SSE/P.Way (In-charge), is generally responsible for: - Maintenance and inspection of track in a satisfactory and safe condition for traffic. - Efficient execution of all works incidental to track maintenance, including track relaying works. - Accountal and periodical verification of stores and tools. - Maintenance of land boundaries between stations and at unimportant stations as may be specified by the administration. - Compliance of Inspection notes of higher officers in reasonable time. - **Knowledge of Rules and Regulations** - Every SSE/P.Way (In-charge) shall have in his possession up-to-date copies of the codes and manuals etc. with all correction slips up-to-date as per [Back to Para 102]. - SSE/P.Way (In-charge) shall be well acquainted with the rules, regulations and procedures concerning the work and duties as enjoined in these codes, manuals etc. - He shall keep himself in touch with the instructions and circulars issued by higher authorities from time to time and efficiently act upon them. - SSE/P.Way (In-charge) shall ensure that all the staff are well acquainted with the relevant rules and working methods and efficiently perform assigned duties. - SSE/P.Way (In-charge) shall be well conversant with the various modules of the Track Management System. - **Duties of SSE/ P.Way (In-charge)** - **Inspection and maintenance of track** - The SSE/P.Way (In-charge) shall conduct inspection in his jurisdiction as per the Schedules laid down (Table-1B) by the Administration from time to time, enter the inspections details in TMS, and ensure compliance within a reasonable time as per the guidelines. - The SSE/P.Way (In-charge) being directly responsible for the safety of the track, shall - Devote sustained attention to Permanent way as regards safety, smooth running, economy and neatness. - Be vigilant to locate all faults/irregularities in the Permanent Way and ensure prompt remedy. - Observe the behaviour of track under passing trains to detect inadequate packing during routine inspections. - Travel on the footplate of Engine / Rear brake-van/last Vehicle of fast trains, take down notes of bad running locations, and get them rectified. - Immediately bring the defects, which are beyond powers to remedy, to the notice of Assistant Divisional Engineer and obtain advice. - Ensure timely removal / cutting of trees in proximity to and liable to foul the track during a storm. - During routine inspections, independent of detailed periodical inspections, watch for any signs of weakness in bridges and structures affecting track and promptly report any matter demanding the attention of Assistant Divisional Engineer. - **Other duties** - SSE/P.Way (In-charge) of section should have a thorough knowledge of important pre-requisites for proper functioning of LWR/CWR and the limitations and precautions laid down for work on LWR/CWR and ensure that the maintenance instructions are strictly followed by all the staff dealing with maintenance of LWR/CWR. - Inspection and maintenance of Bridges. - Track Machines- Monitoring and ensuring progress and quality output of all the track machines working in the section. - Accompanying Inspection by Higher Officials. - Material Under Trial. - Other P-Way maintenance works - Co-ordination with Works, Bridge and Staff of other Departments. - Inspection and test check of USFD. - Dealing with store. - Relinquishment/Transfer of charge. ## Part 'C': Duties of Junior Engineer /Senior Section Engineer/P.Way/(Sectional) - **General Responsibilities** - The Junior Engineer/Senior Section Engineer /P.Way, working as sectional and abbreviated as JE/SSE/P.Way (Sectional) is generally responsible for: - Inspection and maintenance of track in the sub-section in a safe and satisfactory condition for traffic, lorrying out of material, including execution of all works incidental to track maintenance. - Efficient execution of Special Works, such as Renewals, Spot attention, Curve realignment and deep Screening, as per approved plans and specifications. - Making a date wise schedule and record in the Keyman's book indicating the Kms/TPs that the Keyman has to attend on each day of the month to complete the task required to be done as per his duties. - JE/SSE/P.Way (Sectional) during their inspections should check to ensure that such locations have really been thoroughly attended to and initial against the entries. - **Knowledge of Rules and Regulations** - As per provisions contained in [Back to Para 105]. - **Duties of JE/SSE/P.Way (Sectional)** - **Inspection and maintenance of track** - The JE/SSE/P.Way (Sectional) shall conduct inspection as per the Schedules laid down by the Administration ([Back to Table-1B]); enter the inspections data in TMS, and attend to the deficiencies noticed at the earliest possible. - The JE/SSE/P.Way (Sectional) being directly responsible for the safety of the track; shall - Devote sustained attention to Permanent way as regards safety, smooth running, economy and neatness. - Be vigilant to locate faults/irregularities in the Permanent Way and ensure prompt remedy. - Observe the behaviour of track under passing trains to detect inadequate packing during routine inspections. - Travel on the footplate of Engine /Rear brake-van/last Vehicle of fast trains, take down notes of bad running locations, and get them rectified. - Immediately bring the defects, which are beyond powers of remedy, to the notice of SSE/P.Way (In-charge) and obtain advice. - Ensure timely removal / cutting of trees in proximity to and liable to foul the track during a storm. - During his routine inspections, independent of detailed periodical inspections, should watch for any signs of weakness in bridges and structures affecting track and promptly report any matter demanding the attention of higher authority. - **Other duties** - Track Machines- while deputed on machine JE/SSE/P.Way (Sectional) shall be the in-charge of the supervision of the work of track machine and responsible for following duties: - Ensuring safe movement of machine from siding to block section and back as per the provisions given in IRTMM and G&SR. - Undertaking & ensuring all prerequisites, pre-block, during block and post-block activities according to track machine and for quality output. - Arranging adequate precautionary measures for the protection of the site of work and adjoining track wherever necessary along with the safety of staff working with machine in the block section against danger of trains on the adjoining line(s). - Ensuring various important Parameters of track machines like tamping depth, squeezing pressure, wear and tear of tamping tools, squeezing time, condition of cutter bars etc. as per the type of machine and provisions of IRTMM in order to ensure quality and output of machine during block. - Checking of the track Parameters and condition of track, during working of track machines, and ensuring that the track Parameters are well within the tolerances. - Ensuring that track is free of obstructions and infringements for safe passage of traffic before clearing the traffic block. As required or stipulated JE/SSE/P.Way (Sectional) shall allow traffic at suitable speed restriction based on the condition of track after machine working. - To investigate and take suitable remedial measures in coordination with JE/SEE (Track Machine), in case the quality of work done by the machine is not satisfactory. - Execution and monitoring track works. - Co-ordination with Works, Bridge and Staff of other Departments. - Relinquishment/Transfer of charge. ## Part 'E': Duties of Gang Mate, Keyman, Patrolman, Gateman and Track Maintainer - **General** - Every Gang Mate, Keyman and Track Maintainer shall be responsible for maintenance and safety of track in every situation. They shall follow the instructions of their concerned higher authorities. - **Knowledge of Rules and Signals ** - Every Gang Mate, Keyman and Track Maintainer shall have the correct knowledge of hand and detonating signals and shall be conversant with the following rules: - "Safety First" rules - Method of fixing and safety range of detonators. - Protecting the line in an emergency and during work(s) affecting the track/safety. - Action to be taken when a train is noticed to have parted, having hot axle or any other unusual(s). - Action to be taken where sabotage is suspected and patrolling in emergencies. - **Important Duties of Gang Mate ** - **Safety of the Line** - Every Gang Mate shall see that the line is kept safe for the passage of trains. - All locations needing urgent attention shall be attended to without waiting for orders from the JE/SSE/P.Way. - **Knowledge of Track Maintainer** - The Gang Mate shall ensure that every track maintainer is having knowledge of safety rules before deploying them on track. The Gang Mate shall ensure that the safety equipment and signals supplied to the Gangs are kept in good order and ready for use and that every person in the Gang has correct knowledge of all these safety equipment and signals. - **Equipment at Site of Work** - The Gang Mate shall ensure that all the requisite tools and equipment as prescribed with gang are with the trackmen at the site of work. - **Musters and Gang Charts/Diary Books** - The muster and Gang chart /diary shall be in the possession of each Gang Mate. - The Gang chart should be carefully kept in a container provided for the purpose. - The muster should normally be marked by the Gang Mate. However, literate Track Maintainer may be allowed to sign muster, which should be checked by Gang Mate. - The Gang Mate shall see that the prescribed system of track maintenance is adhered to and the tasks allotted, according to verbal instructions or entries made in his Gang chart / diary, and explained to him, are efficiently carried out including lubrication of rail joints, attention to bad spots and isolated renewed of sleepers, if capable of entering details of work done in Gang diary, the Gang Mate should do so. - **Observance of Sleeper Packing During Passage of Train** - During the passage of the first and last trains in working hours, the Gang Mate and the Trackmen should stand on the cess, each about one rail length apart, and observe the effect on the sleepers. Loose sleepers should then be marked and adequately packed. On double line, the Gangs shall invariably stand on the cess side and not in between the tracks. - **Precautions when View is Obstructed** - When working at a place from where an approaching train cannot be seen at least 600 metres away a Track Maintainer with hand signals should be sent out by the Gang Mate: - On double line in the direction of approaching trains, - On a single line in the direction the view is obstructed (in both directions if view is obstructed on both sides). - It will be the duty of such Flagman to warn the Gang Mate by means of signals when a train is approaching. - The Gang Mate will be responsible for warning the Gang in good time to enable them to get clear off the track. It may be deemed expedient, as an additional precaution, to issue portable whistle boards of the type indicated to the Gang Mates, who should fix them at least 600 metres from the work-site, in the direction the view obstructed to less than this distance. - **Tidiness of Section** - Gang Mate shall see that the entire Gang length is kept neat and tidy and that all loose materials are collected and brought to stations, gang's quarters or gate lodges. - **Safe Custody of Tools** - Gang Mate shall be responsible for the safe custody of tools used by himself, the Keymen and all Track Maintainers. - Gang Mate should see that Track Maintainers on work remove their tools clear of the track on the approach of a train. - After the day's work the Gang Mate should secure the tools in the toolbox. - In no case should Track Maintainers be permitted to take tools home. Before Track Maintainers break for mid-day meals the Gang Mate should see that the tools are kept away from track. - **Action when Line is Unsafe or in the Event of Accident** - If a Gang Mate or his Keyman considers that the line is likely to be rendered unsafe, or that any train is likely to be endangered in consequence of any defect in the permanent way or works, or due to abnormal rain or flood or any other occurrence, Gang Mate shall take immediate steps to secure the safety of trains by using the prescribed signals to "Proceed with Caution” or to “Stop” as necessity may require, vide [Back to Para 806/812], and shall, as soon as possible, report the circumstances to the nearest Station Master and the JE/SSE/P.Way. - In the event of an accident, the Gang Mate, Keymen and Track Maintainers should lookout for broken fittings of wagons and track components and see that these are not disturbed until these have been seen and recorded by a responsible official. - **Patrolling during Abnormal Rainfall** - During abnormal rainfall, the Gang Mate should organise patrolling on the gang-length, whether or not Patrolmen are on duty. In the event of damage being detected, action should be taken to safeguard traffic by protecting the line in accordance with [Back to Para 812]. - **Commencing Work Affecting Safety of Trains** - No work, which may involve danger to trains, should be under taken by the Gang Mate except under the personal supervision of the JE/SSE/P.Way, a competent Railway servant authorised by special instructions, unless it is an emergency where the requirements of safety warrant the commencement of the work. - In such cases the Gang Mate shall ensure that Engineering Signals are exhibited at the specified distances according to rules and Flagmen are posted with necessary equipment to man them before commencing the work. - **Weekly Inspection of Gang Length by Gang Mate** - Gang Mate shall inspect the entire Gang length once a week. - On that day Gang Mate will carry out the Keyman's duties; and the Keyman will remain in-charge of the Gang. - Preventing Trespass and Theft of P.Way Fittings – Every Gang Mate and the trackmen shall endeavour to prevent trespass in Railway limits by persons or cattle on the gang length, of line, and report any attempts at encroachment or unauthorised structures when noticed. - Gang Mate along with Gang, should also attempt to prevent theft of P.Way fittings and report any attempt to steal, to JE/SSE/P.Way. - **Relief arrangement in Emergencies** - Gang Mate shall arrange immediate relief for Keymen, Gatemen, Patrolmen and Watchmen when, due to sickness, they are unable to perform their duties. - **Assistance in protection of Trains** - Gang Mate and the trackmen should render assistance to Guards and Drivers of the trains for the protection of the trains in the event of an accident between stations, when called upon to do so. - **Assistance in Placing Fog Signals** - On requisition from the Station Master, the Gang Mate of a yard gang may depute, if available, two Track Maintainers for placing of detonators, during time of poor visibility, in the rear of approach signals of the station. - **Responsibilities of the Gang Mate in LWR Personal Supervision ** - The specific duties and responsibilities of the Gang Mate in LWR sections are as under: - To carry out maintenance work under personal supervision, only if in possession of valid competency certificate issued by Zonal/Divisional Training Centre to work on LWR/CWR section. - To undertake only those works of track maintenance for which Gang Mate is authorised. - To maintain additional/special equipment issued in good condition and bring to the notice of JE/SSE/P.Way, if any defective equipment need repairs. - To introduce hot/cold weather patrolling when instructed by the Supervisors and ensure that hot/cold weather patrolmen turn out on duty during the specified patrol period and carry out the patrolling duties correctly. - To be vigilant during hot weather and order patrol if the temperature is likely to reach ta+20°C and report to the supervisors any unusual occurrences that take place on the LWR/CWR in his beat. - To take prompt action to protect the track in case of rail/weld fractures and carry out emergency repairs to permit the restoration of traffic promptly and report to nearest Station Master /SSE/JE/P.Way. - To take immediate steps to secure the safety of the trains as per [Back to Para 806/812], if they consider that track is likely to be rendered unsafe. - To report any ballast deficiency or disturbance of track to the JE/SSE/P.Way. - To inspect SEJ and LWR/CWR under his jurisdiction frequently, especially during the hottest part of the afternoons in summer and report any unusual occurrence on LWR/CWR to JE/SSE/P.Way to obtain further order. - The Gang Mate shall note down the details of missing fittings and fastenings on plain track, turn-outs, SEJs, Glued Joints, bridges etc. and recoup them as soon as possible. - He will also note down the details of cracked/ broken/ notched sleepers in the track and advise the same to JE/SSE/P.Way. - On receipt of advice of a danger of buckle, - The Gang Mate should proceed to the site quickly with all available men/resources and ensure protection of affected portion at site. - Thereafter the Gang Mate should inspect the condition of track 100 m on either side of this suspected zone and commence heaping of surplus ballast, if available, on the shoulders and up to the rail head and keep on compacting the ballast with available tool. - No attempt should be made to slew or align the track or disturb the existing ballast section. - The Gang Mate should continue to remain at site till the arrival of JE/SSE/P Way. - The rail temperature will also be noted by one of these officials at the place of apprehended/actual buckle. - The rail facing the sun will be covered up to the level of rail-head on the outside by ballast or leaves etc. to bring down the temperature of the rail. - **Responsibilities of a Keyman** - The Keyman shall inspect the entire beat once a day on foot, both the tracks and bridges, and return along the opposite rail to that taken on outward journey in case of single line. - On double line, Keyman will carry out one round of inspection in morning hours by going along up line and then returning along down line or vice- versa. - On the days of Gang holidays and rest, the Keyman shall perform the usual duties and get a day's rest in the week as per the roster duties in force. - On rest days or during absence or leave or sickness, a competent Track Maintainer should be deputed in place of the regular Keyman. - The roster duty hours of Keyman for winter months should be so adjusted as to ensure one round of track inspection in early morning to enable detection of any rail or weld fractures that might have occurred during the night or early morning. - DEN/Sr.DEN of the section shall decide and notify the exact timings and the period of each section. - Keyman shall carry two red flags, and one green flag, ten detonators, a keying hammer, Alloy Spanner D/E, Spanner Tubular, Tapered Gauge, Tapered Pin, Keyman Diary, spare fittings and a rail closure of 30 mm size. - **Important Duties of Keyman** - While walking the Keyman should look for defects, such as loose fish bolts, loose bolts on joggled fish plates, SEJ, fittings in switches and crossings, fittings on girder bridges and open top culverts, broken or notched sleepers, broken plates or tie bars and attend to them as necessary. - If the Keyman finds that fittings are consistently working loose even after repeated attention, he should report the matter to the Gang Mate, JE/SSE/P.Way. - If the defects are serious, it should be informed at once to the Gang Mate, duly protecting the line in the meantime, if necessary, according to rules. - The Keyman shall keep a special watch on the rails and welds marked for observation by the USFD team. - If the Keyman notices any condition of danger, such as broken rail, broken weld or wash away of ballast, theft of fittings in large numbers etc., the line shall be protected at once as per rules, and the Keyman shall take such action as is possible and report the matter to the Gang Mate, the nearest Station Master and JE/SSE/P.Way. - Keyman, in addition to the normal round of the entire beat inspection and tightening of loose fittings, should attend one OHE mast /hectometre post on one line thoroughly on every day and carryout other works assigned by Gang Mate. - This thorough attention should consist of checking of each bolt and fittings including fittings of fishplates, joggled fishplates, & PRC sleepers in these OHE mast /hectometre post of the beat during that particular day and tightening them, wherever required. - Missing ERCs, liners, keys and other missing fittings will be recouped by Keyman, who would also ensure correct driving of fittings in this stretch. - Keyman with the assistance of Track Maintainer(s) will also carry out rail end examination, lubrication of fish plated joints as per direction of JE/SSE/P.Way. - **For imposing of caution after stopping the train or otherwise, wherever required for safety, the Keyman will be provided pre-printed paper slips by JE/SSE/P.Way. - The Keyman, after filling location and speed, will hand over the paper slip to Driver or ASM and obtain acknowledgement. - **The following are the additional duties and responsibilities of the Keyman in LWR/CWR territories:-** - Periodical (fortnightly) oiling and greasing of SEJ, checking and retightening of fastenings at SEJ and other sleepers, if necessary. - Tighten loose fittings and replacement of missing fastenings not requiring lifting or slewing of track in accordance with [Back to Para 345(5) (a)]. - To watch for sun kinks, loose or missing fastening which may result in buckling or any damage to LWR/CWR and SEJ. - On noticing any buckling or damage to track, the Keyman shall take necessary action to protect the track and report the same immediately to JE/SSE/P.Way (sectional), SSE/P.Way (In-charge), and Station Master. - However, the Keyman will continue to perform duties of daily inspection. - To keep a sharp vigil in cold mornings, especially during winters to detect any fractures which may occur, in case of rail/weld fracture, the Keyman shall take prompt action to protect the track and carry out emergency repairs to permit the restoration of traffic promptly and report to SSE/P.Way (In-charge), JE/SSE/P.Way (Sectional) and nearest Station Master. - **The Keyman shall promptly report to Gang Mate/SSE/JE/P.Way any encroachment or unauthorised structures as and when they take place in the Railway land.** - **After completing inspection of the beat, the Keyman should assist the Gang Mate in the day's work being done.** - **When Materials, such as dynamo-belts, engine parts and personal articles of passengers, are found on line, the Keyman should collect them and arrange for handing them over to the nearest Station Master.** - **The Keyman will remain in-charge of the gang in absence of the Gang Mate once a week. - On that day, the Gang Mate is required to carry out the work and duties of Keyman.** - **Whenever directed the Keyman will supervise rail dolly working. However, the Keyman must have competency certificate for the same.** - **The Keyman shall watch height gauges for any damage. - In case of any such damage, the Keyman shall also look for any damage/shifting of girder, infringement to track or damage to overhead electrical installations and shall report the matter to the Gang Mate, the nearest Station Master and JE/SSE/P.Way and also protect the line as the situation warrants.** - **The Keyman shall maintain the Keyman's book supplied to them up to date wherein-** - All special work done, missing fittings and their recoupment with location and date are to be entered. - Special locations to be watched by the Keyman should be entered. - The special fittings like joggled fishplates and other Material provided in the section, which are vital for safety and for restoration of traffic should also be mentioned in the book. - **Duties of Patrolman / Stationary Watchman** - It is of paramount importance that patrolmen and watchmen thoroughly understand what they have to do in the event of emergency. - Every effort should be made to instruct and drill the persons for their duties. - In the event of an emergency the patrolmen should devote their whole time and energy to the protection of the line and summoning of assistance. - Having protected the line and summoned assistance, they should resume their patrolling. - **Monsoon Patrolman: ** - The duties of a Patrolman undertaking monsoon patrolling are as follows - Walk to and fro over the beat in accordance with the chart pertaining to the "patrol- section" looking out for subsidence, slips, signs of erosion, trees blown across the track during storms or any other causes likely to endanger the safety of line. - The bridges and their approaches should especially be watched. - Apprehend damage to line when- - the flood exceeds danger level at any of the bridges, or - when there is damage to the protection work on bridges or on their approaches even before danger level is reached, or - the water on one side of the embankment is at a much higher level than on the other side, or - When any obstruction such as a fallen tree is blocking the waterway of a bridge. - If the track shows signs of a settlement; take immediate steps in accordance with [Back to Para 1004 (8)] to stop trains when any portion of the line is likely to be rendered unsafe due to abnormal rain or flood or any other cause. - When no danger is apprehended, stand on the cess on the left hand side facing the train and exhibit his number plate, turning the light of his lamp on to it, so that the number can be seen from the passing train. - The Patrolman should also blow the whistle, when the engine and the brake-van of the train passes. - Obtain the signature of the Station Master/Block Hut-in-charge on duty at the Station/Block Hut concerned for arrival and departure and exchange patrol books with adjacent patrolmen. - Exchange the reports as to the conditions on their beats with adjacent patrolmen and stationary watchmen on the way. - Heed instructions from drivers, who may report a condition of danger at any location, and proceed to the place indicated, and take necessary measures. - **Hot Weather Patrolman** - The duties of a Patrolman undertaking hot weather patrolling are as follows - - Patrol the track during the hottest part of the day, to look for prominent kinks, incipient buckles or tendency towards buckling. - Protect the track at the site of the prominent kinks, incipient or actual buckles and report the same to nearest Station Master and JE/SSE/P.Way immediately. - Walk over his beat slowly over one rail in one direction and on the other rail in the return direction. - On double lines, repeat this procedure alternately on UP and DN tracks. - Be vigilant and look out for kinks in the rail especially during the hottest part of the days. - When a kink is observed, immediately examine at least 100 sleepers ahead and in the rear of the kink for any floating/misaligned condition of track. - Should the track reveal a floating/misaligned condition, under which a buckle may be anticipated or the patrolman has detected actual buckling of track, the patrolman will take immediate steps to protect the affected portion by display of hand signals as per rules in force. - After protecting the track, the patrolman will arrange to advise the Gang Mate, JE/SSE/P.Way of his apprehension of a buckle/actual buckle. - **Cold Weather Patrolman** - The duties of a Patrolman undertaking cold weather patrolling are as follows - Patrol the track during the coldest part of the night and lookout for weld/rail fractures and excessive gaps at SEJ. - Protect the track at the site of weld/rail fractures, or excessive gaps at SEJ, or shearing/snapping