Working of trains on electrified sections
(Extract from IR General Rules : Chapter 17)
17.01. Applicability of General Rules
All rules referring to the working of trains also apply to
electrified sections except as otherwise provided in the rules
contained in this chapter.
17.02. Special definitions applicable to this Chapter
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires-
(1) "electrical way and works" means the traction installations
including overhead equipment and other connected works provided
on the electrified sections of the railway;
(2) "feeding post" means a supply control post, where the
incoming feeder lines from grid sub-station are terminated;
(3) "neutral section" means a short section of insulated and
dead overhead equipment which separates the areas fed by
adjacent sub-stations or feeding post;
(4) " power Block" means blocking of a section of line to
electric traffic only;
(5) "supply control post" means an assembly of interruptors,
isolator switches, remote control equipment and other apparatus
provided for controlling power supply to overhead equipment. It
includes feeding posts, sectioning and paralleling
posts. Sub-sectioning and paralleling posts and sub-sectioning
posts.
(6) "tower wagon" means a self-propelled vehicle which is used
for the maintenance and repairs of overhead equipment;
(7) "Traction Power Controller" means a competent railways
servant who may for the time being be responsible for the
control of power supply on the traction distribution system.,
17.03. Inspection of electrical way and works
The electrical way and works shall be inspected regularly in
accordance with special instruction by officials nominated for
the purpose and in accordance with the duties assigned to them.
17.04. Permit-to-work on electrical equipment
If work is to be carried out adjacent to the electrical
equipment or any other part therof by other than the competent
railways servant, such work shall be done only when and for
such time as the person-in-charge of the work has obtained a
written permit-to-work, duly signed and given by the railways
servant authorized for the purpose by special instructions. He,
in turn, shall issue the same only with the knowledge of the
Traction Power Controller.
17.05. Warning to staff and public
(1) All electrical equipment shall be regarded as being live at
all time consequently dangerous to human life,save and except
in cases, where the electrical equipment has been specially
made dead in accordance with special instructions. Caution
notices shall be prominently fixed near all vulnerable places
to warn staff and public to exercise due caution.
(2) No persons shall climb on the top of engines or tenders or
on the roofs of carriages or wagons when those vehicle are
located beneath overhead equipment except when the overhead
equipment is dead and earthen in accordance with special
instructions.
17.06 Alterations to track
Before any alteration to alignment or level of electrified
tracks is commenced, due notice shall be given to those
responsible for the overhead equipment so that the overhead
equipment may be adjusted to conform to the new conditions.
17.07 Tripping of circuit breakers of locomotives and electrical
multiple units at neutral sections
Unless otherwise allowed by special instructions, the Driver of
the locomotive or electrical multiple unit shall coast through
the neutral section , duly switching off power. Necessary
indication boards to this effect shall be provided to guide the
Driver to switch off and switch on power.
17.08 Tower wagon
The rules for the movement and working of tower wagons shall be
laid down by special instructions.
17.09 Additional rules for electrified sections
Special instructions for working of trains on electrified
sections shall be notified by the authorized officer.
