BWM-96-104 PDF: Rules and Regulations for Working of Trains

CHAPTER - VII RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR WORKING OF TRAINS DURING TOTAL INTERRUPTION OF COMMUNICATIONS ON SINGLE LINE 7.01. Rules for Working of Trains on the Single Line in the event of Total Interruption of Communications. – The following procedure shall be adopted for...

CHAPTER - VII RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR WORKING OF TRAINS DURING TOTAL INTERRUPTION OF COMMUNICATIONS ON SINGLE LINE 7.01. Rules for Working of Trains on the Single Line in the event of Total Interruption of Communications. – The following procedure shall be adopted for train passing in the event of total interruption of communications occurring between two block stations i.e. when “Line Clear” cannot be obtained by one of the following means stated in order of preference viz. (a) Block Instruments; Track circuits or Axle Counters; (b) Telephones attached to the Block Instruments; (c) Stations to Stations fixed Telephones wherever available; (d) Fixed Telephones such as Railway Auto Phones, BSNL Phones under Special instructions. (i.e. “Line Clear” shall be obtained with identification number separately for each train as detailed in Appendix – “A” of BWM. (e) Control Telephone; (f) V.H.F. sets under special instructions, but not as sole means of communication on sections where Passenger trains run. Provided further that – (A) The order of p ref ere nc e, as mentioned above, should not be violated under any circumstances. Any violation should be treated with utmost severity for taking up the defaulters. (B) In case of failure of all other means of communication, leaving VHF as the only alternative, it can be used for line clear only under special instructions specifying the circumstances, duration and manner in which VHF will be used till restoration of any one of the other means of communication. The use of VHF sets for prolonged duration will be permitted only in presence of supervisory staff in terms of the following instructions – i. In a single line station, in case of any defect in block instrument whereby paper line clear ticket has to be introduced, SSE/JE (S&T) should reach the station immediately, within one hour of occurrence of such failure. ii. In case the failure is not rectified within three hours, the Sectional TI or any other nearby supervisory Station Master should go to the station for assisting the staff there and to ensure that all rules are meticulously adhered to and appropriate authority for each and every train issued, taking care that there are no mistake. 91  iii. In such incidents, Section Controller should also ensure that no crossing or precedence is arranged at a station where such failure is continuing. iv. Similar precaution to b taken during introduction of single line working in double line sections. v. In case of failure of block instruments in double line section, similar action should be taken for rectifying the failure in three hours. Section Controller should not allow precedence at such stations till the instruments are put right. vi. Further, in case the senior supervisors mentioned above do not reach station where such failure occurred within the stipulated period and if there is mishap, they should be held equally responsible for the same. In case, the non-attendance is due to orders of the Superiors, the Superiors even of officers level should be held accountable. This procedure should be introduced immediately. The speed restriction of 30 Kmph, however, being imposed on this account should be discontinued. A speed restriction of 30 kmph be imposed additionally if working train on PLC exceeds duration of 24 hrs. of PLC working introduction. (Authority : Ply. Board's Letter No. 2005/Sofety (A&R) /19/16. dated :16/01/2007) (C) VHF sets can, however, be used as the only means of communication, under separate special instruction, for specific sidings / sections where only freight trains are running. (D) In all cases where line clear is obtained / granted by a means of communication other than Block Instrument / Track Circuit / Axle Counter or telephone attached to Block Instrument, the system of calling station name, followed by establishing identity of the Station Master on duty by either cross checking by Private Numbers given for line clear to preceding three trains, or Identification Number Sheet should be prescribed. (E) Further, wherever Global System of Mobile Radio has been / is being provided, the use of VHF sets for the purpose of line clear should not be permitted. The instructions laid down in the succeeding paragraphs, shall be followed for working trains between block stations. Note: These instructions shall also be followed whenever during total interruption of communications, an accident to a train or track or other obstruction precludes the use of the one of the lines on a double line section or whenever total interruption of communications occurs during single line working on a double line section. 7.02. The Station Master who has a train to despatch through the affected block section shall open communications by establishing contact with the Station Master of the block station at the other end of the affected block section by sending an engine or self propelled vehicle or any other vehicle, enumerated below, in the order of preference laid down. (i) Light engine; 92  (ii) Train engine after it is detached from the train by the Loco Pilot on instructions from the Station Master on duty; (iii) Motor trolly/Tower wagon duly accompanied by a Guard or by a Station Master other than the Station Master on duty; (iv) Trolly/Cycle Trolly/Moped trolly duly accompanied by a Guard or by a Station Master other than the Station Master on duty; (v) Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU/MEMU/DMU Rake after ensuring that all passengers have detrained. 7.03. Before the light engine / train engine / Motor Trolly / Tower wagon / Trolly / Cycle Trolly / Moped trolly / Diesel car / Rail motor car / EMU / MEMU / DMU rake is sent into the affected block section to open communications, the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master being sent to do so shall be advised by the Station Master on duty of the circumstances in which and the purpose for which he is being sent. The Station Master on duty shall also satisfy himself that the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master being sent to open communications, thoroughly understands the rules for working of trains during total failure of communications on the single line. If the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master who is being sent to open communications, is not conversant with the Rules for working of trains during total failure of communications on single line, the Station Master on duty shall explain these rules to such staff. The Station Master on duty shall also obtain the signature of the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master on Authority for Opening of Communication during Total Interruption of Communication on Single Line Section (Form T/B 602) in token of such staff having fully understood the circumstances in which and the purpose for which he is being sent and the Rules for Working of Trains during total failure of communications on single line. 7.04. (1) Before despatching the light engine/train engine/Motor trolly/Tower Wagon/Trolly/Cycle Trolly/Moped Trolly/Diesel Car/Rail Motor car/EMU/MEMU/ DMU rake the Station Master on duty shall hand over Authority for Opening of Communication during Total Interruption of Communication on Single Line Section to the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master who is being sent to open communications, which includes – (i) An “Authority to Proceed without Line Clear”. (a) A Caution Order, specifying the speed upto which the engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle referred to in para 2 may run to the affected block section. (b) An Authority to pass the last stop signal in the “On” position in case there is a last Stop Signal at the station. (c) A Line Clear Enquiry message addressed to the Station Master of the block station at the other end of the affected block section asking for “Line Clear” for the train waiting to be despatched to his station. (d) A conditional “Line Clear” message to the Station Master of the block station at the other end of the affected block section permitting him- (e) To return the Light Engine/Train Engine, either light or attached to a train waiting to be despatched from his station, or attached with another engine; or 93  (f) To return Tower Wagon/Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU Rake running by itself; or (g) To return Motor Trolly/Cycle Trolly/Moped Trolly either running by itself or loaded in a train waiting to be despatched from this station. 7.04. (2) The Line Clear Enquiry message asking Line Clear for the trains to be despatched through the affected block section, and the Conditional Line Clear message for the return journey or the engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle referred to in para 2, as the case may be, shall be written out on Form T/B 602. N.B. : The particulars of engine either running light or attached to a train or attached to another engine/Tower Wagon/Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU Rake/Motor Trolly or Trolly or Cycle Trolly or Moped Trolley running by itself or loaded in a train, as may be applicable, shall be correctly filled in while preparing the message. 7.04. (3) The Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master going to open communications shall on receipt of “Authority for opening communication during total interruption of communication on single line section” and sign on its original and carbon copy in token of his having understood its contents. In case the Loco Pilot is illiterate, the contents shall be explained to him by the Station Master on duty, in the presence of the Guard concerned if any. 7.04. (4) In case a light engine or an engine and brake van is to be despatched to proceed to the next block station and then continue its journey onward after arrival at the next station and is not meant for opening communications, the Loco Pilot of engine or the engine and brake van, shall be given with the “Authority for opening communication during total interruption of communication” and the items “Line Clear Enquiry Message and Conditional Line Clear Message” shall be striked out in form. Such engines or engine and brake van shall be issued only the “Authority to Proceed Without Line Clear”, the Caution Order and the Authority to Pass the Last Stop Signal in the ‘On’ position, referred to in para 4.1 (i), (ii) and (iii) where necessary. Should it be necessary to dispatch another light engine or another engine and brake van in the same direction, an interval of at least 30 minutes shall be allowed to elapse before it is despatched. 7.04. (5) The Last Stop Signal shall not be taken ‘OFF’, while permitting an engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle to proceed to the next station on “Authority for opening communication during total interruption of communication on single line section”. 7.05. After an engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle is despatched to the next station to open communications with Line Clear Enquiry Message and a Conditional Line Clear Message to the next station for the return journey of the engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle no other train or engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle shall be allowed to leave the station and proceed in the same direction until the engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle sent to open communications returns. This does not, however, prevent and engineering officials going into the section on his push trolley for his work on section on which push trolleys do not run on Line Clear. 7.06. (a) The engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle proceeding on “Authority for opening communication during total interruption of communication on single 94  line section” shall switch on the Flasher light wherever provided and shall proceed at a speed not exceeding 15 kilometres per hour by day and when the view is clear and 10 kilometres per hour during night or when the view is obstructed, making free use of engine whistle or horn of the self propelled vehicle, where provided. In thick, foggy or tempestuous weather or in dust storm etc. when visibility is impaired, the engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle proceeding on “Authority to Proceed Without Line Clear” shall proceed at walking pace only making repeated use of the engine whistle or horn of self propelled vehicle, where provided, preceded at an adequate distance by two men on foot, one displaying a red light and the other carrying fog signals ready for immediate use. Normally one of these men will be provided by the Station Master from his Group-D staff and the other from the crew of the engine or the person whose Motor Trolly/Trolly/Cycle Trolly/Moped Trolly is being used. In case of single manned self propelled vehicle, both these men shall be provided by the Station Master. The Station Master on duty shall explain to both of them their duties, in the presence of the Loco Pilot / Motorman / Guard / Station Master incharge of the self propelled vehicle or other vehicle being sent to the next station and satisfy himself that they understand the same. (b) Both by day and night a tunnel must not be entered until the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master has ascertained that it is clear. should there be any doubt on this point, the engine or other vehicle etc. should be piloted by a railway servant equipped with hand signal and detonators. Before entering the tunnel the head lights, side and tail lights and other lights (where provided) shall also be lit. (c) No obstruction on the line beyond the outermost facing points shall be allowed until the return of the engine/Tower Wagon/Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU Rake/Motor Trolly/Cycle Trolly/ Moped Trolly. 7.07. In the event of an engine/self propelled vehicle/other vehicle, proceeding on “Authority for opening communication during total interruption of communication on single line section” meeting in the mid-section, an engine self propelled vehicle/other vehicle sent from the other end, the Loco Pilots/Motormen/Guards/Station Masters, as the case may be, shall taking into consideration the importance of the train for which they are proceeding to get Line Clear, the distance from the nearest station, gradients to be encountered, the presence of catch siding etc. decide to which of the two stations, the engines/self propelled vehicles/vehicles should proceed. Before proceeding, the engines or self propelled vehicles shall, if possible, be coupled up. If the engines/self propelled vehicles cannot be coupled up they should run at a safe speed and adequate distance apart. In the case of Motor Trolly/Push Trolly/Cycle Trolly/Moped Trolly, meeting an engine and Brake Van/Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU Rake, the Motor Trolly/Push Trolly/Cycle Trolly/Moped Trolly shall, if possible, be loaded in the Brake Van/Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU Rake. 7.08. On sighting the station to which the engine/self propelled vehicle/other vehicle running by itself or with another similar unit coupled together or separately, to which it is/they are proceeding, the leading engine/self propelled vehicle/other vehicle shall stop out side (i.e. in rear of) the first Stop signal of the station. The engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle following the leading engine/self propelled vehicle/other vehicle, shall stop at a safe distance behind the leading engine/self propelled vehicle/other vehicle. The Station Master shall be advised of the stoppage out side the first stop signal either by using the engine whistle/horn of the self propelled vehicle, if provided, or by sending a man if necessary. They shall not enter 95  the station till permitted by the Station Master to do so either by taking ‘Off’ the relevant signals or otherwise. 7.09. When the engine or engines/self propelled vehicle or self propelled vehicles/other vehicle or vehicles have been admitted into the station, the “Authority for opening communication during total interruption of communication on single line section” T/B 602 with the Line Clear Enquiry Message and the Conditional Line Clear Message giving the Line Clear for the return journey shall be delivered to the Station Master on duty who shall keep this document in his safe custody and also post the Line Clear Enquiry Message and the Conditional Line Clear Message in his Line Clear Books. On the Authority of the Conditional Line Clear Message for the return journey the Station Master on duty shall make out a Conditional Line clear Ticket T/G 602 (UP) or T/H 602 (DN) and hand over it to the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master to return to the block station from where he came with his engine (either light or attached to a train or another engine or a self propelled vehicle if one is waiting to proceed in that direction)/self propelled vehicle/other vehicles. 7.10. In case of the engine or self propelled vehicle or other vehicle returning to the station from which he was sent without reaching the next station the “Authority for opening communication during total interruption of communication on single line section” shall be taken back by the Station Master on duty of the station from which this was issued and cancelled. The original entries shall also be cancelled. 7.11. Station Master on duty before dispatching the engine either light or attached to a train/self propelled vehicle/other vehicle, on the return journey shall hand over to the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Guard/Station Master, ‘Conditional Line Clear Reply Message’ for the ‘Line Clear Enquiry Message’, giving Line Clear for the train waiting at the other station, thereby authorizing the Station Master at that station to start the train waiting there on complete arrival of the engine, either light or attached to a train/self propelled vehicle/other vehicle at his end. 7.12. The Conditional Line Clear Reply Message in Form T/F 602 shall be worded as follows:- Message No ……………………… Your Message No ……………………… on arrival of * Train Engine with/without train/self propelled vehicle/other vehicle No ……………………… at yours line will be clear and kept clear for following train/s -: ……………………… * (i) Train No ……… Private No. (in words) ………..(in figures) ……….. (ii) Train No ……… Private No. (in words) ………..(in figures) ……….. (iii) Train No ……… Private No. (in words) ………..(in figures) ……….. (iv) Train No ……… Private No. (in words) ………..(in figures) ……….. * Strike out whichever is not applicable. * The particulars of engine either returning light or attached to a train or attached to another Engine/Tower Wagon/Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU Rake/Motor Trolley or Trolley/Cycle Trolley or Moped Trolley running by itself or loaded in a train as may be applicable shall be correctly filled in while preparing the message. 96 7.13. On the return journey, engine either light or attached to a Train/Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU Rake/Train loaded with Motor Trolly/Push Trolly/Cycle Trolly/Moped Trolly may run at booked speed observing speed limits in the Working Time Table and other relevant rules. The Motor Trolly/Push Trolly/Cycle Trolly/Moped Trolly returning by itself may run at their normal speed observing the rules governing their running on Line Clear. 7.14. On reaching the station, the engine either light or attached to a train/Self-propelled vehicle/other vehicle shall again stop outside (i.e. in rear of) the first Stop Signal of the station and thereafter be guided by the instructions from the Station Master, who may arrange to receive it by taking ‘Off’ the relevant signals or otherwise. 7.15. On arrival at the station the “Conditional Line Clear Reply Message” shall be handed over to the Station Master who shall record in the Line Clear Message Book and on its authority issue a Conditional Line Clear Ticket for the waiting train. 7.16. If there be an even flow of trains in both directions, Enquiry and Conditional Line Clear Messages for each succeeding train may be sent through the Guard of the preceding train. 7.17. The arrival and departure time of all trains, engines, trollies etc. which are passed under the above rules must be carefully recorded in the Line Clear Enquiry and Reply Books, and also in the counterfoil of the “Authority to Proceed Without Line Clear” and in the Train Signal Register. 7.18. If the Station Master at one end of the interrupted section has more than one train to dispatch in the same direction before another train is normally expected from the opposite direction, he shall, in such cases, send the available engine of a train to obtain “Line Clear” not only for that train but also for the following trains which may be waiting or expected at his station. In the Line Clear Enquiry Message, it shall be stated that these latter trains will be despatched after the first train at intervals of 30 minutes. After the Loco Pilot returns with the Line Clear for the required number of trains to the station at which he had left the train, the Station Master shall dispatch the first train on the authority of the Line Clear for the trains and shall also endorse on that Line Clear that a particular train (giving its number and description in full) shall follow at a specified interval. The Station Master shall give similar information to the Guard also in writing. The Loco Pilots of the second and subsequent following trains shall be given a caution order restricting the speed to 25 kilometres per hour over the straight line when the view ahead is clear and to 10 kilometres per hour when approaching or passing any portion of the line where the view ahead is not clear due to curve, obstruction, rain, fog or any other cause. When dispatching the second and subsequent trains, the particulars of the last preceding train along with its time of departure will be endorsed on the Line Clear as also the particulars of the train which would follow. The Line Clear for the last train of the series should be endorsed with the particulars of the proceeding train together with its time of departure. While adopting this procedure, the Guard and the Loco Pilot should be instructed to keep a sharp look out and be prepared to stop short of any obstruction. 7.19. When a train is stopped in the block section the Guard shall immediately exhibit a hand danger signal towards the rear and check up that the tail board/ lamp or the tail light is correctly exhibited. If the stoppage is on account of accident, failure obstructions or other exceptional cause and the train cannot proceed, the Loco 97  Pilot shall sound the prescribed code of whistle to apprise the Guard of the fact, where upon the Guard shall protect the train by placing one detonator at 250 metres from the train on the way out and 2 detonators, 10 metres apart, at 500 metres from the train, irrespective of the gauge, When a train is detained outside signals and if the detention exceeds or is likely to exceed 10 minutes it shall also be protected accordingly. In the absence of the Guard the duty of protecting the train shall devolve on the Loco Pilot. 7.20. When trains follow one another no train shall be backed. In exceptional circumstances when it may be unavoidable to back a train, the train shall be backed only after providing protection by placing one detonator at 250 metres and two detonators, 10 metres apart, at 500 metres from the point up to which the train is to be backed. 7.21. Trains must continue to work on this system until anyone of the means of communications, mentioned in rule (1) is restored by the competent authority. 7.22. As soon as anyone of the means of communications has been restored, the Station Master must send a message to the Station Master at the other end of the section on the form T/I 602 ; From Station Master_______________ To Station Master______________ Date_________Time________ hours_______minutes Message No.___________ Train (No. and description)______________arrived complete at__________ hours_______minutes. Last train (No. and description)______________ dispatched to your station at__________ hours_______minutes. Cancel the Conditional Line Clear Working of trains/ Present method of working of trains. Line Clear must be obtained by means of __________________________________________ Acknowledge. Private No. (in words) ____________________________________ (in figures)___________. Signature of Station Master On receipt of the above message, the Station Master at the other end of the section must acknowledge in the following form :- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT From Station Master_______________ To Station Master______________ Message No.___________. Your Message No.___________. Understand that train (Number and description)______________ which was the last train to leave my station has arrived complete at station at__________ hours_______minutes/not arrived. Conditional Line Clear Working of trains is being/will be cancelled immediately after 98 the complete arrival of train number_____________. Line Clear for the next train will be obtained by means of_________________________________________. Private No. (in words) ______________________ (in figures)___________. 7.23. Line Clear shall not be obtained or given by means of communication restored, until both the Station Masters are satisfied that all trains and engines etc. despatched from their stations have arrived complete at the other station. Even if the communication is restored immediately after the departure of the light engine/self propelled vehicle/any other vehicle referred to in rule 2, sent under “Authority for opening communication during total interruption of communication on single line section” normal working should not be resumed until the light engine/self propelled vehicle/any other vehicle reaches the next station and both the Station Masters are satisfied under exchange of Private Numbers that no light engine/self propelled vehicle/any other vehicle is on the section. Thereafter an intimation about this shall be given to Section Controller also on controlled sections, if communication with Section Controller has also got restored and normal working resumed. If, however, communication with Section Controller has not got restored along with restoration of communication between two stations, the Section Controller shall be advised of the position immediately on restoration of communication with him. 7.24. On the section where total interruption of communication occurs, the Transportation Inspector of the section, must scrutinize the train passing records of the station and submit his report to the Divisional Railway Manager within 7 days of the resumption of communication. 99