Eastern Railway => Office of Pcom. 47, N. S. Road, Fairlie Place, Kolkata-700-001. : Safety Circular No. ERHQ/24/2025. TG.257/2/Safety Circular/05(2)/25 Dated; 09.05.2025. Sr. Divisional Operations Manager, Eastern Railway, HWH, SDAH, ASN, MLDT. ‘Sub: Safety Circular for the month May 2025 Enclosed please find an at a glance copy of extant rules and procedure regarding Total Failure of Communication in Absolute Block System and Automatic Signaling System as ready reference. In this context, it is advised that all concerned staff should thoroughly be counseled in light of Block Working Manual para 3.47 (a) & (b) and G&SR 9.12 This is for information and necessary action please. Copy to: Secy. to PCOM : for kind formation to PCOM. Principal/MDZTVBhuli: for information and necessary action please (Rui Chief Transportation Planning Manager.Total failure of communication on Double Line in Absolute Block System : ‘When line clear for a train can’t be obtained from adjacent station by any of the means of communication available at the station, such a situation is termed as total failure of communication, ‘The means of communications as referred above are as under i. Block Instrument/Block phone li. Axle Counter ii, Track circuit iv. Auto/BSNL phone v. VHF set vi. Control Phone. vii, Station CUG set. Duty of Station Master: ‘Step :1 Introduction of train working and authority 1. The SM will stop the trains to go towards the affected block section 2, The Train Manager & LP of the train willbe informed about the fact and situation by the SM on duty. 3. If the LP is not convergent with the rules for working of trains under such situation the SM shall explain it in presence of Train Manager. 4. The SM will issue form 1/C 602 to the LP and obtain the signature of TM & LP on the form. 5, The form 1/C 602 includes the following items: a) Authority to proceed without Line Clear b) Authority to pass departure signals at ‘ON’ ©). Caution Order: The Speed of the train will be restricted to: c 25 kmph during day and visibility clear. i 110 kmph during night or visibility not clear. ii, Walking pace In thick, foggy or tempestuous weather or dust storm, Step :2 DISPATCHING OF TRAINS: 6. Route shall be set correctly and all facing point shall be locked proper. 7. Fixed Signal, except LSS shall be taken ‘OFF" (if possible). 8. 2nd & subsequent trains will be dispatched after 30 minutes of interval along with the same forms & with same speed restriction as already mentioned above till normal working is resumed, NOTE: 1. In case train is disabled in block section it should be protected by placing detonators at 250m, 500m & 510 m in rear by TM. 2. Normally, backing of train is prohibited but In case of emergency it should be protected by placing detonators at 250m, 500m & 510 m in rear by Guard frst then backing should be done. Step:3 RECEPTION OF TRAIN: 9. The train will stop at the foot of FSS, there from it wil be received by taking ‘OFF’ signal/signals or otherwise. 10. On arrival of the train at the station, the LP wll hand over the form T/C 602 to the SM on duty. 111, The SM will keep this form in his safe custody for inspection by THM) who will prepare a report on the working of trains and shall forward the same to DRM, within 7 days of resumption of normal working. 12, The SM will record all particulars in the TSR, Step: RESTORATION OF NORMAL WORKING: 13, The train must continue to work on this system until anyone of the means of communication is restored and T/1 602s fille.Total failure of communication on Single Line in Absolute Block System When line clear for a train cannot be obtained from adjacent station by any of the means of communication available at the station, such a situation is termed as total failure of communication ‘The means of communications as referred above are as under i. Block Instrument’Block phone ii, Axle Counter lil, Track circuit iv. Auto/BSNL phone v. VHF set vi. Control Phone. vii. Station CUG set. In the above circumstances trains work in the following manner: * The SM who has train to despatch through the effected section, first ofall he has to open communication by sending any of the following sources available in order of preference: ~ Duty of Station Master: Introduction of train working and authority: © Light Engine © Train Engine ‘Motor Trolley or Tower Wagon ‘+ Trolley/Cycle Trolley/Mopade Trolley Diesel Car/ Rail Motor Car ‘+ EMU rake; after ensuring that all passengers has derailed. ‘THE LP WILL BE GIVEN FOLLOWING FORMS PHASE- | ile going to open communication or while going to bring line clear for an awaiting train: + 1/8 602 - It includes following items: a) Authority to proceed without line clear. b) Authority to pass the departure at ‘on’ condition. ©) CAUTION ORDER. SPEED ‘15 KMPH — During day and view ahead is clear. ‘10 KMPH During night or when view ahead is not clear. ‘WP During thick foggy weather, the train will be piloted by two men with red hand signal and detonator. d) Line clear enquiry message for the waiting train ) Conditional line clear message with private no. for the engine to return as light engine or with load as the situation demands. 1, After handing over the above form, the SM will despatch the light engine/vehicles etc. 2. After the light engine/ vehicle etc have dispatched, no other train/engine/self propelled vehicle/ other vehicle shall be allowed to proceed in the same direction and no obstruction shall be allowed beyond the outermost facing point until the ight engine/ vehicle returns. NOTE: However, it doesn’t prevent an engineering official to go into the block section on his push trolley , Where push trolley do not run on line clear. 3. _ DUTIES OF CREW WHILE ON RUN TOWARDS OTHER END STATION: a. In thick and foggy weather impairing visibility, two men will be deputed to pilot the train. One will show hand signal from an adequate distance in ahead of Locomotive and 2nd will move in advance position being vigilant enough and keep ready to place detonators if required. b. A tunnel must not be entered until its clearance has been ensured both in day and night. If its clearance is doubtful, the Locomotive/vehicles shall be piloted by railway employee equipped with hand signal and detonators. While entering into the tunnel, the headlights, side-lights and tail lights shall also be switched on. ©. Ian engine/vehicle meets in the block section coming from the opposite direction, the LP/ TM/ SM. shall decide as to which station. They should proceed taking into consideration the following facts: - + Availability of room at the station.The importance of the train. The distance of nearest station Gradient The presence of catch/slip siding ete. 4, Before proceeding, the Locomotive or self propelled vehicle shall be coupled (if possible) otherwise they should proceed maintaining an adequate distance between them. In case of push trolley/ motor trolley/ cycle trolley/ moped trolley. It shall be loaded into Locomotive / diesel car/ rail motor car/ EMU rake (if possible). 4, RECEPTION OF TRAIN :- a. On reaching near the next station engine/ vehicle shall stop at the FSS and should sound long whistle to apprise the station staff who will arrange to receive it by taking ‘off’ signal/ signals or otherwise. After the train has been received at the station T/B 602 will be handed over to SM on duty. ©. On receiving the above mentioned paper the SM will arrange to return the engine/ vehicle with or without train (iF any) as instructed in form. PHASE- I RETURNING OF LIGHT ENGINE WITH LINE CLEAR (WITH OR WITHOUT LOAD) 1. The SM will issue the following forms: - a. 1/6 602 (for UP) oF T/H 602 (for DN) ~ CLCT b. 1/369 (3b) — To pass Departure Signal at ‘ON’ ¢. 1/409 — Caution order, OR T/A 409 — Nil caution order 4, T/€ 602 - Line clear enquiry message (if required) e. T/F 602~ Conditional line clear reply message. 2. The SM will hand over the mentioned form to LP and dispatch the Locomotive/Train. 3. On reaching the next Station the Driver of the Train / Light Engine will hand over the following forms to SM: a.1/G 602(UP) or T/H 602(0N) b.T/€ 602 (if given) c.T/F 602. PHASE- II 1. On getting the relevant paper, the SM will arrange to dispatch the train (or trains) for which line clear is. received, by issuing the following papers:- .1/G 602(up) or T/H 602(DN) b.1/369(3b) to pass the Departure Signal at ‘ON’ €.1/409 or T/A 408 d.T/€ 602 (if required) e.1/F 602 (if required) 2. After handling over the above mentioned form the Train shall finally be despatched with speed restriction of 25kmph (straight line & visibility clear)/10 (curve or visibility not clear). 3. If line clear for more trains has been obtained the 2nd & subsequent train will be despatched after interval of 30 minutes. 4. In this case the particulars of last train along with its departure time will be endorsed on line clear and also particulars of train would follow it 5. Trains will continue to work on this system until any one of the means of communications mentioned earlier is restored by the Competent Authority and when anyone of the means of communication is established the form T/1 602 is duly filled up, 6. Line clear shall not be obtained or given by means of communication restored until both the SM are satisfied that all trains or engines etc. dispatched from their station had arrived at the other end station. This will be confirmed under exchange of private number. The resumption of normal working will be intimated to the section controller & all particulars of the train operation shall be recorded inTSR & station diary. SeonProlong Failure Of Signals & Communication Not Available On Single Line In Automatic Block System (As Per Usr - 9.12/4) 1. In the event of failure of all automatic signals occurring in an area consisting of two of more stations worked under Automatic Block System in single line and when line clear cannot be taken by any of the following means, viz. v Track circuit and Axle counter where indication of the section between two stations is available on VDU panel. Station to Station fixed telephones. Railway auto phone & BSNL/MTNL phone with caller ID. Rallway control telephone. VHF set under special instructions, but not as the sole means of communication on sections where passenger trains run. Fixed Telephone with CUG sim which have been provided to the station only for offical use by the on-duty Station Master. 2. The SM who has train to despatch through the effected section, first of all he has to open communication by sending any of the following sources available in order of preference: Light Engine Train Engine Motor Trolley Rail Motor Car Tower Wagon Empty Emu Rake. 3. The Station Master on duty shall also satisfy himself that the Loco Pilot/Motorman/Train Manager/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 they are 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. PHASE-1 The LP Will Be Given Following Forms : - While Going To Open Communication Or While Going To Bring Line Clear For An Awaiting Train: i.T/8 602 - It includes following items a) An ‘Authority to Proceed Without Line Clear’ b) A Caution Order, i. 15 KMPH — During day and view ahead is clear. ii, 20 KMPH ~ During night or when view ahead is not clear. ill, WP ~ During thick foggy weather, the train will be piloted by two men with red hand signal and detonator. ©) A Line clear enquiry message for the waiting train.4) A Conditional Line Clear Message to the Station Master of the block station at the other end of the affected section permitting him — i. To return the Light Engine/Train Engine, either light or attached to a train waiting to bbe despatched from his station, or attached with another engine; or li. To return Tower Wagon/Diesel Car/Rail Motor Car/EMU Rake running by itself; or il To return Motor Trolley/ Trolley/ Cycle Trolley/ Moped Trolley either running by itself oF loaded in a train waiting to be despatched from his station. ii, T/A-912-- tt includes :« ‘* Authority to pass automatic/semi automatic/manually operated/gate stop signals. ‘* Number ofall signals to be thus passed 5. Acknowledgement by Loco Pilot/ Motorman/ Train Manager/ Station Master going to open ‘communications - signing on original and carbon copy of 1/8 - 602 and 1/A-912 in token of his having understood its contents. 6. The Semi-Automatic/Manual Despatch 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. After the light engine/ vehicle etc have dispatched, no other train/engine/self propelled vehicle/ other vehicle shall be allowed to proceed in the same direction and no obstruction shall be allowed beyond the ‘outermost facing point until the light engine/ vehicle returns. 8. Duties Of Crew While On Run Towards Other End Station: - Switch ON Flasher light ‘© LP shall proceed at a speed i 15 KMPH during day when the view ahead is clear ji. 20 kilometers per hour during night or when the view is obstructed. iii, Frequent use of whistle/horn. Iv, The speed over facing points, if any, being restricted to 15 KMPH. 9. Atunnel must not be entered until its clearance has been ensured both in day and night. If its clearance is, doubtful, the engine/vehicles shall be piloted by railway employee equipped with hand signal and detonators. While entering into the tunnel, the headlights, sidelights and tail lights shall also be switched on, 10.if an engine/vehicle meets in the block section coming from the opposite direction, the Driver/ Motorman/ Guard/ SM shall decide as to which station. They should proceed taking into consideration the following facts: - Availability of room at the station. The importance of the train. The distance of nearest station. Gradient, The presence of catch/slip siding ete. 11.Before proceeding, the engine or self propelled vehicle shall be coupled (if possible) otherwise they should proceed maintaining an adequate distance between them. In case of push trolley/ motor trolley/cycle trolley/ moped trolley. it shall be loaded into engine/ diesel car/ rail motor car/ emu rake (if possible). 12, RECEPTION OF TRAIN: - i On reaching near the next station engine/ vehicle shall stop at the FSS and should sound long whistle to apprise the station staff who will arrange to receive it by taking ‘off signal/ signals. or otherwise. ji, __After the train has been received at the station T/8 602 will be handed over to SM on duty. iii, On receiving the above mentioned paper the SM will arrange to return the engine/ vehicle with or without train (if any) as instructed in form PHASE -I1 Returning Of Light Engine With Line Clear (With Or Without Load) : ‘THE SM WILL ISSUE THE FOLLWING FORMS: 1) T/G 602 (for UP) or T/H 602 (for DN) —CLCT 2) 7/409 — Caution order, OR T/A 409 - Nil caution order 3) T/€ 602 - Line clear enquiry message (if required) 4) T/F 602 — Conditional line clear reply message.(by TM/LP) 5) T/A-912 — Authority to pass automatic/semi automatic/manually operated/gate stop signals. Note : - Authority to pass signal at ON in T/B - 602 should be Stroked out for Automatic Block Signaling. 13.The SM will hand over the mentioned form to the LP and dispatch the Engine/Train, 14. Train will run as per sectional speed 45. On reaching the next Station the LP/TM of the Train /' Light Engine will hand over the following forms to ‘SM: a) T/G 602(UP) or T/H 602(DN) b) T/€ 602 (if given) )T/F 602 PHASE - IIL 16.0n getting the relevant paper, the SM will arrange to’ dispatch the train (or trains) for which line clear is received, by issuing the following papers:- a) T/G 602(up) or T/H 602(DN) b) T/A- 912: to pass automatic/semi automatic/manually operated/gate stop signals. ©) 1/409 or T/A.409 4) T/E 602 to Train Manager (if required) ) T/F 602 (if required) 17.After handling over the above mentioned form the first train shall finally be despatched with sectional speed next and subsequent train with speed restriction of 25 kmph (straight line & visibility clear)/10 (curve or visibility not clear) after interval of 30 minutes. NoTe: 1 In case train is disabled in block section it should be protected by placing detonators at 250m, 500m & 510 m in rear by Guard2. In case train is disabled in block section it should be protected by placing detonators at 250m, 500m & 510 min rear by Guard. 18.Trains will continue to work on this system until any one of the means of communications mentioned earlier is restored by the Competent Authority and when anyone of the means of communication is established the form T/1 602 is duly filled up. 19. Precaution Before Restoration: i. Complete arrival of last train ensured. ii, Information to section controller. NOTE: If 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.PROLONG FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC SIGNAL AND COMMUNICATION NOT AVAILABLE (AS PER USR - 9.12/2(B)) 1._ In the event of failure of all signals occurring in an area consisting of two or more station worked under ‘Automatic Block System and when train cannot be worked by taking line clear by any one of the following means:- Track Circuit Axle Counter VoU Panel Station to Station fixed telephones Railway auto phone & BSNL/MTNL phone with caller 1D. Railway control telephone ‘VHF set under special instructions, but not as the sole means of communication on sections where passenger trains run. Fixed Telephone with CUG sim which have been provided to the station only for official use by ‘the on-duty Station Master. . Before any train is allowed to leave the station, it shall be brought to a stand and the LP and the TM of the train shall be advised of the circumstances by the Station Master. 3. All the points over which the train will run within the affected section shall be correctly set and facing points are locked before the movement of any train is authorized over them. |. SM shall give the LP of each train T/B 912 which shall consist of three parts:- a) An authority to proceed without line clear. b) An authority to the Loco Pilot/Motorman indicating the distinguishing numbers of departure, Automatic, Semi-Automatic, Manual and Gate signal/signals required to be passed, shall also be indicated on the Authority authorizing the Loco Pilot/Motorman to pass them at ‘ON’ position. For a Starter signal / Manual/ Midsection Gate signal, the Loco Pilot/Motorman shall pass the signal only when he receives 2 proceed hand signal from a railway servant in uniform. In the case of midsection gate signals the Loco Pilot/Motorman shall cautiously pass the level crossing only after ensuring that the gates are closed and locked for road traffic. ¢) SPEED i) Not exceeding 15 KMPH under any circumstances, subject to other speed restrictions in force. li) Ifthe view is restricted due to fog, curve or any other reason, speed shall not exceed 10 KMPH il) The speed over facing points, if any, being restricted to 15 KMPH. 5. No train shall be allowed to enter an affected section unless there is a clear interval of 25 minutes between the train about to leave and the preceding train. 6. Piloting in case of view ahead is not clear, by the Assistant Loco Pilot/motorman or the Train Manager. 7. Atunnel shall be entered only after it has been ascertained that itis clear. If there is any doubt on this point, the train shall be piloted by a railway employee equipped with hand signals and detonators.10. 1. 2. 2B. 14, 15. 46. The Train Manager shall keep a sharp look out in the rear and be prepared to exhibit a danger signal to prevent the approach of a train from rear side and to protect it, if necessary, as per extant rules. If the train is unable to move further due to any reason, then the train manager should protect the train in rear by placing one detonator at 250 meters from the train on the way out and 2 detonators, 10 meters apart, at 500 meters from the train. When approaching the next station the LP shall bring his train to a stand outside the first stop signal and sound one continuous long whistle. Reception: By 7/369 (3b) + Piloting. Trains must continue to work on this system until either the signals are put right or any one of the means of communications is restored by the S&T officials in writing. ‘As soon as the signals are put right, normal working of trains shall be resumed. However, where signals continue to remain in-operative but any of the means of communication is restored, the Station Masters at both end shall immediately exchange a message in the prescribed format. In case of any of the means of communication is restored, train operation resumed as per USR- 9.12/2(A\. TI report to the Sr. Divisional Operations Manager / Divisional Operations Manager (in-charge) within 7 days of the resumption of normal working after scrutiny of necessary documents.