ARRANGEMENT OF RULES

CHAPTER-1

PRELIMINARY
Rules--- Page

1.01 Short title and commencement 1

1.02 Definitions 1
1.03 Classification of stations 8

CHAPTER-II

RULES APPLYING TO RAILWAY SERVANTS GENERALLY

2.01 Supply of copies of rules 9

2.02 Upkeep of the copy of rules 9
2.03 Knowledge of rules 9
2.04 Assistance in observance of rules 10
2.05 Prevention Of trespass, damage or loss 10
2.06 Obedience to rules and orders 10
2.07 Attendance for duty 10
2.08 Absence from duty 10
2.09 Taking alcoholic drink, sedative, narcotic stimulant 10
drug or Preparation
2.10 Conduct of railway servants 11
2.11 Duty for securing Safety 11

CHAPTER-III
SIGNALS

A. General Provisions

3.01 General use of signals 13

3.02 Kinds of signals 13
3.03 Use of night signals by day 13
3.04 Placing of signals and signal arms Painting of signal arms 13

B. Description of Fixed Signals

3.05 Use of fixed signals 13

3.06 Description of Warner signals and their indications 14
3.07 Description of Distant signals and their indications 17
3.08 Description of Stop signal and their indications 20

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Rules Page

3.09 Kinds of fixed Stop signals for approaching trains 22

3.10 Kinds of fixed Stop signals for departing trains 23
3.11 Intermediate Block Stop signal 23
3.12 Kinds of fixed Stop signals in Automatic Block territories 23
3.13 Calling-on signals 24
3.14 Shunt signals 27
3.15 Co-acting signals 29
3.16 Repeating signals 29
3.17 Distinguishing markers and signs for signals 31
3.18 Signals out of use 34
3.19 Placing of Stop signals at diverging junctions 34
3.20 Placing of Stop signals at converging junctions 34
3.21 Signals on bracket post or signal bridge or gantry 34
3.22 Placing of more than one signal on the same post 35
3.23 Electric repeater 35
3.24 Back-lights 35

C. Equipment of Signals

3.25 Obligation to provide fixed signals at stations 35

3.26 Commissioning of fixed signals 36
3.27 Minimum equipment of fixed signals at stations provided
with manually operated multiple-aspect signalling 36
3.28 Minimum equipment of fixed signals at stations provided
with modified lower quadrant signalling 36
3.29 Minimum equipment of fixed signals at other stations
provided with two aspect signaling 36
3.30 Additional fixed signals at stations generally 36
3.31 Signals at class 'D' stations 38
3.32 Provision of an Advanced Starter, Shunting Limit Board 38
or Block Section Limit Board
3.33 Exceptions to Rules 3.27, 3.28, 3.29 and 3.32 39
3.34 Fixed signals at level crossings 39
3.35 Protection and working of points of outlying sidings 39

D. Working of Signals and Points

3.36 Fixed signals generally 39

3.37 Normal aspect of signals 41
3.38 Points affecting movement of train 41
3.39 Locking of facing points 42
3.40 Conditions for taking 'off' Home signal 43
3.41 Conditions for taking 'off' Outer signal 44
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Rules Page

3.42 Conditions for taking 'off' last Stop signal or 45

Intermediate Block Stop signal
3.43 Conditions for taking 'off' Warner signal 45
3.44 Conditions for taking 'off' gate Stop signal 45
3.45 Conditions for taking 'off' Calling-on signal 45
3.46 Use of fixed signals for shunting 45
3.47 Taking 'off' signals for more than one train at a time 45
3.48 Stoppage of trains out of course at stations provided 46
with two aspect signalling
3.49 Care and lighting of signal lamps 46
3.50 Traps, slip sidings and catch sidings 47
3.51 Points 48

E. Hand Signals

3.52 Exhibition of hand signals 49

3.53 Stop hand signal 49
3.54 Proceed hand signal 50
3.55 Proceed with caution hand signal 51
3.56 Hand signals for shunting 52
3.57 Banner flags 54
3.58 Knowledge and possession of hand signals 54

F. Detonating Signals

3.59 Description of detonating signals 55

3.60 Method of using detonators 55
3.61 Placing of detonators in thick, foggy or tempestuous 55
weather impairing visibility
3.62 Placing of detonators in case of obstruction 60
3.63 Replacement of detonators on the line 60
3.64 Knowledge and possession of detonators 60

G. Signals to warn incoming train of danger ahead

3.65 Description of warning signals 63

3.66 Use of warning signals 63
3.67 Knowledge and possession of warning signals 63

H. Defective fixed Signals and Points

3.68 Duties of Station Master generally when a signal is defective 64
3.69 Duties of Station Master when an approach Stop 67
signal is defective
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Rules Page

3.70 Duties of Station Master when a departure Stop 69

signal is defective
3.71 Warner or Distant signals defective in the 'off' position 70
3.72 Warner not to be used when a Stop signal is defective 69
3.73 Passing of gate Stop signal at 'on' 69
3.74 Absence of a fixed signal or a signal without a light 71
3.75 Passing of Intermediate Block Stop signal at 'on' 73
3.76 Intimation to officials when defects remedied 74
3.77 Defective or damaged points 74
3.78 Duties of engine crew in respect of signals 75
3.79 Duties of Loco Pilot in respect of a Calling-on signal 77
3.80 Duties of Loco Pilot when an approach Stop signal is 77
'on' or defective
3.81 Duties of Loco Pilot when a departure Stop signal is 78
'on' or defective
3.82 Permission before entering on or crossing a running line 79
3.83 Assistance of the engine crew regarding signals 79
3.84 Duties of Loco Pilots as to signals when two or more 80
engines are attached to train
3.85 Reporting of defects in signals 80

CHAPTER – IV
WORKING OF TRAINS GENERALLY

A. Timing and Running of Trains

4.01 Standard time 81

4.02 Adherence to advertised time 81
4.03 Setting watch 81
4.04 Time of attendance for train crew 81
4.05 Proper running line 81
4.06 Direction of running 81
4.07. Supply of Working Time Table and Schedule of
Standard Dimensions 81

B. Speed of Trains

4.08 Limits of speed generally 82

4.09 Caution order 83
4.10 Limits of speed over facing points 83
4.11 Limits of speed while running through stations 83
4.12 Engine pushing 84
4.13 Limits of speed with engine tender foremost 84
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Rules Page
C. Equipment of Trains and Train Crew

4.14 Head light and marker lights 85

4.15 Tail and side lights 86
4.16 Tail board or tail lamp 87
4.17 Responsibility of Station Master regarding tail board 88
or tail lamp of passing trains
4.18 Means of communication 89
4.19 Guard's and Loco Pilot's equipment 89
4.20 Manning of engine in motion 92
4.21 Driving an electric train 93
4.22 Riding on engine or tender 100
4.23 Brake-vans 101
4.24 Position of brake-van on train 103
4.25 Guards 104
4.26 Couplings 104

D. Vehicles and Crane

4.27 Cranes 104

4.28 Loading of vehicles 104
4.29 Damaged or defective vehicles 106

E. Precautions before Starting Train

4.30 Loco Pilot and Guard to examine notices before starting 108
4.31 Examination of trains before starting 108
4.32 Examination of train by Loco Pilot 109
4.33 Examination of single and multiple units by Loco Pilot 110
4.34 Duties of Guard when taking over charge of a train 111
4.35 Starting of trains 111
4.36 Guard to be in charge of train 113
4.37 Subordination of Guards in station limits 113
4.38 Firemen and Assistant Loco Pilots to obey Loco Pilots 113
4.39 Loco Pilot to obey certain orders 113

F. Duties of Staff Working Trains during Journey

4.40 Loco Pilots and Fireman or Assistant Loco Pilot to keep 114
a good look-out
4.41 Loco Pilot and Fireman or Assistant Loco Pilot to look back 114
4.42 Exchange of signals between Loco Pilot, Guard and 114
station staff
4.43 Guard to keep a good look-out 117
4.44 Train held up at first Stop signal 117
4.45 Attracting attention of Loco Pilot 117
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Rules Page

4.46 Assistance from Guard's hand brake 118

4.47 Application of Guard's hand brake 118
4.48 Permission of Guard to detach engine from train 118
4.49 Starting and stopping of train 118
4.50 Sounding of engine whistle 118
4.51 Bell signals between Loco Pilot and Guard 121
4.52 Throwing out water, fire or cinders 122
4.53 Hose or water crane 122
4.54 Passengers 122
G. Duties of Staff on Arrival
4.55 Shutting off power 122
4.56 Guard to see that train is stopped clear of fouling marks 122
4.57 Detaching engine 123
4.58 Loco Pilot to see that train is stopped clear of fouling marks 123
4.59 Moving of train carrying passengers after it has been 123
stopped at a station
4.60 Guard not to leave train till handed over 124
4.61 Loco Pilot not to leave engine when on duty 124

H. Working of Material Trains

4.62. Working of a material train in a block section 124

4.63 Workers on material train 125
4.64 Protection of material train when stabled 125
4.65 Working of track maintenance machines 126

I. Private Engines and Vehicles

4.66 Private engines and vehicles 135

CHAPTER - V

CONTROL AND WORKING OF STATIONS

5.01 Responsibility of the Station Master for working 136

5.02 Supply of copies of rules and distribution or exhibition of 137
other documents
5.03 Obedience to orders and keeping of books and returns 137
5.04 Signal cabins 137
5.05 Report of neglect of duty 137
5.06 Station Working Rules 138
5.07 Forms 139
5.08 Access to and operation of equipment 140
5.09 Reception of a train on an obstructed line 140
5.10 Reception of a train on a non-signalled line 140

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Rules Page

5.11 Departure of a train from a non-signalled line 141

5.12 Departure of a train from a line provided with 141
a common departure signal
5.13 Control of shunting 141
5.14 Responsibility for shunting 142
5.15 Shunting at stations under Centralised Traffic Control 144
5.16 Shunting during reception of trains 144
5.17 Shunting near level crossing 144
5.18 Drawing of a train to an advanced position at night or in 145
thick, foggy or tempestuous weather impairing visibility.
5.19 Obstruction of running line 145
5.20 Shunting on gradients 146
5.21 Loose shunting 146
5.22 Leaving vehicles in sidings outside station limits 147
5.23 Securing of vehicles at station 147

CHAPTER - VI

ACCIDENTS AND UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES

6.01 Accident or obstruction 149

6.02 Working in case of accident or failure of communications 149
6.03 Protection of trains stopped between stations 149
6.04 Trains unusually delayed 154
6.05 Sending advice of accident or breakdown 155
6.06 Train in a block section without authority to proceed 156
6.07 Report of conditions likely to affect running of trains 156
to Controller or Centralised Traffic Control Operator
6.08 Train parting 158
6.09 Portion of train left in a block section 159
6.10 Fire 161
6.11 Vehicles escaping from station 162

CHAPTER - VII

SYSTEMS OF WORKING

7.01 Systems of working 163

7.02 Applicability of General Rules referring to the 163
working of signals and trains

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 CHAPTER - VIII

THE ABSOLUTE BLOCK SYSTEM

A. Essentials
Rules Page

8.01 Essentials of the Absolute Block System 164

B. Conditions for granting Line Clear

8.02 Conditions for granting Line Clear at a class 'A' station 164
8.03 Conditions for granting Line Clear at a class 'B' station 165
8.04 Conditions for granting Line Clear at a class 'C' station 166

C. Obstruction - Double line

8.05 Obstruction on double line at a block station when 166

a train is approaching
8.06 Obstruction on double line in the block section 167

D. Obstruction-Single Line

D. 1. Class 'A' Stations

8.07 Obstruction on single line at a class 'A' 167

station when a train is approaching
8.08 Obstructing the block section at a class 'A' station 167
on single line

D. 2. Class 'B' Stations

8.09 Obstruction in the face of approaching train at a 167

class 'B' station on single line
8.10 Obstruction within station section at a class 168
'B' station on single line
8.11 Obstruction outside station section at a class 'B' 168
single line station equipped with two-aspect signals
8.12 Obstruction outside station section at a class "B' single 168
line station equipped with manually operated multiple
aspect signals.
8.13 Obstruction outside the first Stop signal at a class 'B' 168
station on single line

E. General Provisions

8.14 Block back or Block forward 168

8.15 Authority for shunting or obstruction in block section 168
8.16 Illustrative diagrams 169

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 CHAPTER - IX

THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK SYSTEM

A. Rules applicable to Double Line

Rules Page

9.01 Essentials of the Automatic Block System on double line 176

9.02 Duties of Loco Pilot and Guard when an Automatic Stop 176
signal on double line is to be passed at 'on'

B. Rules applicable to Single Line

9.03 Essentials of the Automatic Block System on single line 178

9.04 Minimum equipment of fixed signals in Automatic Block 179
territory on single line
9.05 Additional fixed signals in Automatic Block 179
territory on single line
9.06 Conditions for taking 'off' Manual Stop signals in 179
Automatic Block territory on single line
9.07 Duties of Loco Pilot and Guard when an Automatic 180
Stop signal on single line is to be passed at 'on'
9.08 Person in charge of working trains on Automatic 181
Block System on single line

C. Rules applicable to both Double and Single Lines

9.09 Working of trains on Centralised Traffic Control territory 180

9.10 Protection of a train stopped in an Automatic block 182
signalling section
9.11 Loco Pilot to report failures 182
9.12 Procedure during failure of Automatic signalling 182
9.13 Movement of trains against the direction of traffic 182
on the Automatic Block System
9.14 Procedure when Semi-Automatic Stop signal is 'on' 183
9.15 Passing a gate Stop signal at 'on 'in Automatic 183
signalling territory
9.16 Illustrative diagrams 184

CHAPTER - X

THE FOLLOWING TRAINS SYSTEM

10.01 Essentials of the Following Trains System 185

10.02 Report to the commissioner of Railway Safety 185
10.03 Conditions to be observed in working trains on 185
the Following Trains System
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Rules Page

10.04 Delivery of authority to proceed to Loco Pilot or 186

Guard on the Following Trains System
10.05 Authority to proceed on the Following Trains System 187
10.06 Responsibility as to proper preparation of authority to 188
proceed on the Following Trains System
10.07 Obstruction in face of approaching train or trains on 188
the Following Trains System
10.08 Cessation of working on the Following Trains System 188
10.09 Protection of trains on the Following Trains System 188
CHAPTER - XI
THE PILOT GUARD SYSTEM

11.01 Essentials of the Pilot Guard System 189

11.02 Conditions to be observed for following trains on 189
the Pilot Guard System
11.03 Pilot Guard's dress or badge 189
11.04 Pilot Guard to accompany train or give authority to 189
Proceed
11.05 Pilot Guard's Tickets 189
11.06 Protection of trains on the Pilot Guard System 189

CHAPTER – XII
THE TRAIN-STAFF AND TICKET SYSTEM

12.01 Essentials of the Train-staff and Ticket System 190

12.02 System where applicable 190
12.03 Conditions to be observed for following trains
on the train-staff and Ticket System 190
12.04 Loco Pilot to have Train-staff or Train-staff Ticket 190
12.05 Train-staff or Train-staff Ticket: by whom to be delivered
to Loco Pilot 190
12.06 Train-staff or Train-staff Ticket: when to be delivered to
Loco Pilot 190
12.07 Train-staff to be kept on engine 191
12.08 Trains not to be started until Train-staff returned 191
12.09 Train-staff or Train staff Ticket to be given up and 191
Ticket to be cancelled on arrival of train 191
12.10 Procedure when engine is disabled on the Train-staff 191
and Ticket System
12.11 Train-staff Tickets: how kept 191
12.12 Train-staff: how kept 191
12.13 Distinguishing marks on train-staff Tickets and boxes 191
12.14 Form of Train-staff Ticket 192
12.15 Record of Train-staff Tickets issued 192
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Rules page

12.16 Obstruction outside the Home signal 192

12.17 Protection of trains on the Train-staff and Ticket System 192

CHAPTER – XIII

THE ONE TRAIN ONLY SYSTEM

13.01 Use of the One Train Only System 193

13.02 Essentials of the One Train Only System 193
13.03 Authority to enter the section 193
13.04 Procedure in case of accident or disablement on 193
the One Train Only System

CHAPTER – XIV

BLOCK WORKING

A. General Provisions

14.01 Means of granting or obtaining Line Clear 194

14,02 Provision of instruments 194
14.03 Consent required before interfering with block 194
working equipment

B. Block Stations at which Electrical Block Instruments,

Track Circuits or Axle Counters are provided

14.04 Certificate of competency 194

14,05 Bell code 195
14.06 Acknowledgement of signals 196
14.07 Train Signal Register 197
14.08 Authority to proceed 197
14.09 Loco Pilot to examine authority to proceed 198
14.10 Conditions for closing the block section 198
14.11 Responsibility of Station Master as to authority to proceed 199
14.12 Special responsibility as to electrical token 199
instruments and to the token
14.13 Failure of electrical block instruments or track 200
circuits or axle counters
14.14 Closing of Intermediate Block Post 200

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 C. Block Stations at which Electrical Block Instruments
are not provided
Rules page

14.15 Transmission of signals 200

14.16 Train Signal Register 200
14.17 Forms for messages and written authority to proceed 200
14.18 Distinction of messages 201
14.19 Writing and signing of messages and written authorities 201
to proceed
14.20 completion of messages 201
14.21 Preservation of messages and written authorities 201
to proceed
14.22 Cancellation of Line Clear 201
14.23 Loco Pilot to have authority to proceed 201
14.24 Authority to proceed : when to be given to Loco Pilot 201

D. Line Clear Tickets

14.25 Line Clear Tickets 202

E. Use and Operation of Block Working Equipment

14.26 Use and operation of block working equipment 205

CHAPTER - XV
PERMANENT WAY AND WORKS

A. Railway Servants Employed on the Permanent Way or Works

15.01 Condition of Permanent Way and Works 206

15.02 Maintenance of line 206
15.03 Keeping of material 206
15.04 Inspection of Permanent Way and Works 206
15.05 Patrolling of lines 207
15.06 Work involving danger to trains or traffic 207
15.07 Work in thick, foggy or tempestuous weather 208
impairing visibility
15.08 Precautions before commencing operations which 208
would obstruct the line
15.09 Showing of signals 211
15.10 Assistance in protection of trains 215
15.11 Gangmate in each gang 215
15.12 Knowledge of signals and equipment of gang 215
15.13 Inspection of gauges, signals, tools and implements 215
15.14 Responsibility of Gangmate as to safety of line 215

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Rules page

15.15 B1asting 216

15.16 Putting in or removing points or crossings 216
15.17 Duties of Gangmate and Gangman when 216
apprehending danger
B. The Working of Lorries, Trollies and Motor Trollies

15.18 Distinction between trolley, lorry and motor trolley 216

15.19 Red flag or light to be shown 217
15.20 Equipment of trolley, lorry or motor trolley 218
15.21 Efficient brakes 218
15.22 Qualified person to be in charge of lorry or 219
trolley when on the line
15.23 Attachment to train prohibited 221
15.24 Time of running 222
15.25 Motor trolley 223
15.26 Protection of trolley on the line 227
15.27 Protection of lorry on the line 228
15.28 Lorries and trollies out of use 230

CHAPTER – XVI
LEVEL CROSSINGS

16.01 Knowledge of signals 231

16.02 Supply and care of equipment 231
16.03 Road traffic 232
16.04 Gateman to observe passing trains 234
16.05 Channel for flange of wheels 235
16.06 Defects at level crossings 235
16.07 Obstructions at level crossings 235
16.08 Parting of a train 236
16.09 Trespassing 236
16.10 Transfer of charge of gate 236
16.11 Height gauges 236
CHAPTER - XVII

WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

17.01 Applicability of General Rules 237

17.02 Special definitions applicable to this chapter 237
17.03 Inspection of electrical way and works 238
17.04 Permit-to-work on electrical equipment 246
17.05 Warning to staff and public 251
17.06 Alterations to track 252

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17.07 Tripping of circuit breakers of locomotives and 253

electrical multiple units at neutral sections
17.08 Tower wagon 254
17.09 Additional rules for electrified sections 256

CHAPTER – XVIII
MISCELLANEOUS
18.01 Repeal and Saving 260
APPENDIX—‘A’

Unified Rules. regarding Caution Order 261

APPENDIX-‘B’

Station Detonator Register 268

Supply and use of Detonating (fog) signals 272
Duties of Fog Signalman 275
APPENDIX-'C'

General and Subsidiary Rules, applying to certain Categories of

Staff
Part Category of Staff

I. Station Masters and Asstt. Station Masters 276

II. Guards 277
III. Cabinmaster 278
IV. Cabinman, Leverman, Pointsman and Shunting Staff 279
V. Loco Running Staff 280
VI. Signalling Staff 281
VII. Engineering Staff 282
VIII. Electrical Staff 283
APPENDIX - ‘ D’
1. List of Standardised Operating Form 285
2. Specimen of Engineering and Electrical Forms 287

APPENDIX - ‘E’

Rules and Regulations for Working of trains during failure of the 292
Automatic Block System

INDEX TO GENERAL RULES 304

INDEX TO SUBSIDIARY RULES 312

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 INDIAN RAILWAYS
(OPEN LINES)

GENERAL RULES
1976

together with the

SUBSIDIARY RULES
(up to correction slip 21)
of the Eastern Railway

FOR THE GUIDANCE OF

RAILWAY SERVANTS

xv
 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( RAILWAY BOARD )
----------------------

No. 69-RR/4

DATED THE 11TH FEBRUARY, 1976

NOTIFICATION

IN EXERCISE OF THE POWERS CONFERRED BY SECTION 47 OF THE

INDIAN RAILWAYS ACT, 1890 ( 9 OF 1890 ) THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
HEREBY MAKE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL RULES FOR ALL THE
RAILWAYS IN INDIA ADMINISTERED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND FOR
THE TIME BEING USED FOR THE PUBLIC CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS,
ANIMALS OR GOODS.

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