GovernmentofIndiaMinistryofRailways

Proceedingsof

PCE’sSeminar16thand17thDecember,2016

IndianRailwaysInstituteofCivilEngineering

Pune

Proceedings of PCEs Seminar held at IRICEN on

16th and 17th December 2016 Present–RailwayBoard

1. ShriAlokRanjan AM/CE2. ShriS.K.Pandey ED/CE(P)3. ShriA.K.Dubey ED/CE(G)4. ShriB.P.Awasthi ED/TK(P)5. ShriA.K.Singhal ED/CE(B&S)

ZonalRailways

1. S.K.Kulshrestha PCE/CR2. H.K.Singh PCE/ECR3. D.R.Shyamsunder PCE/ECoR4. SudhirAgrawal CBE/NCR5. P.D.Sharma PCE/NER6. V.K.Madhukar CE/TP/NFR7. K.C.Sainsi CE/G/NR8. S.S.Gupta PCE/NWR9. S.N.Singh PCE/SCR10. J.K.Verma PCE/SECR11. VishweshChaubey PCE/SER12. K.K.Sharma PCE/SR13. K.S.Kalra PCE/SWR14. NaveenChopra PCE/WCR15. K.C.Swami CBE/WR

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ShriN.C.Sharda,Director/IRICENwelcomeAM/CE/RailwayBoardandallparticipantsforthePCE's seminar in serene surroundings of new IRICEN building. Hementioned that a largenumber of agenda items have been sent by zonal railways. He hoped that duringdeliberationmeaningfuldiscussionwouldhappentoarriveatappropriaterecommendationforsubmissiontoRailwayBoard.

ShriA.K.Mittal,MemberEngineeringattendedtheseminaronseconddayandaddressedthe participants. During his address he stressed on safety and expressed concerned ondisturbingtrendonderailmentonaccountofpermanentwayespecially inyardsatslowerspeeds. He advised PCEs to monitor Unimat working for timely attention, screening ofballast on turnouts, replacement ofworn/over-aged components, procurement of fittingsand fittings for turnouts, reconditioning of crossings. He also emphasised on followingimportantissues-

• TheneedtoreviewspeedrestrictionsonplatformlinesanddeepscreeningofPFlines.

• Anticorrosivepaintingatcorrosionprone locations.effectivenessofpaintingundersideofrailfoot.

• Rail/weldfailureandfocusedUSFDtesting.

• Oilingandgreasingofjoints,gapsurvey,creep.

• Linerbitingofrails.

• Timelyde-stressingofrails.

• ReplacementofSEJsonagecumconditionbasis.EliminationofolderdesignofSEJs.

• Stretchesoverduetamping.

• Properrecordkeepingofrail/weldfailuresanddefects.

• Patrollingintwoshiftstodetectfracturesespeciallyinvulnerablesections.

• Progress/bookingofexpenditureoftrackrenewalworks.

• QualitycontrolatCSPs,includingmixdesign.

• Sequencing of deep screening and relaying and improvement in track geometry duringexecutionoftheseworks.

• Mismatchindeepscreeningandballastsupplies.

• Elimination of bridge timbers with steel channel sleepers. Replacement of corrodedchannelsleepers.ReplacementofsmallerspansteelbridgeswithPSCslabs.

• Eliminationofwoodenlayouts.

• Eliminationofunmannedlevel-crossingsandconstructionofROB/RUB.

• ProgressofBridgerehabilitationwork;andprogressatbridgeworkshops.

He informedPCEsthataproposal forempowermentofPCEs forre-appropriationof fundsacrossPUsforPayandallowancesand27,28and32isalsobeingpursuedatRailwayBoard.Placementofnecessarychecksandbalancesalsowouldbe required for increased levelofout-sourcing. He also mentioned that with the procurement of high horse power locoshaving increased tractive force; certain precautionary measures would be necessary toensuresafetyespeciallyonbridges.

ShriAlokRanjan,AM/CE,RailwayBoard,emphasisedthatsafetyistheforemostitemasfaras maintenance of assets is concerned for any engineer. In view of disturbing trend ofaccidentsonengineeringaccount,thereisneedtoimprovethemaintenancestandardandadoptionofgoodpracticesandtoensurethatmanualprovisionarecompliedwithbyfieldstaff.Hefurtheremphasisedthat-

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• Theinspectionsshouldbepurposefultonoticedeficiencies&correctiveactiontaken.

• Fortrackrenewalworks,progressneedstobeimprovedfurther.

• Winterprecautionsandcoldweatherpetrolensuredandmonitoredbyinspections.

• Timelyreplacementofswitchesandcrossingsonage/conditionbasis.

• Procurementofthickweb-switches.

• ActionplanforwashableapronwithPSR.

• Trackoverduetamping/deep-screeningandstrategytoclearbacklog.

• Creationoftrackmaintainerpostsbysurrenderofkhalasiposts.

Shri S.K. Pandey, ED/CE(P), reiterated issues concerning safety as already mentioned byAM/CE.HementionedthatMemberEngineeringhasreviewedthesafetyperformanceandcertain concerns were identified and communicated to zonal railways. He flagged thefollowingissues,amongstothers.

• ProcurementofvitalP.Waymaterials,replacementofwoodenspeciallayouts,repairtowashable aprons, utilization of track machines and elimination of unmanned levelcrossings.

• The locations, particularly station yards (especially turnouts and turn-in curves),detectablerail/welddefect/fractures,linerbitingetc.,arecauseforconcern.

• Recently a reference has beenmade toGMs, forweekly review and feedback, aboutprovision of maintenance block of 3 hours, weigh bridges, to ensure that WILD isfunctionalanddeploymentofreliableraildefectmechanism.

• The JPO regarding running of CC+6+2 and CC+8+2 should be strictly followed in fieldspecially to prohibit movement of un-weighed rake, imposition of speed restrictions,follow-upofWILDalarms.

• RegardingIOH/POHoftracks,itgotin-principleapprovaloftrafficdirectorateandapilotproject,insectionstobeidentifiedbyzonalrailways.

• Plannedeffortstobetakentoeliminateoverduetampingandoverduedeepscreeningstretches.

ShriB.P.Awasthi,ED/TK(P),mentionedthat

• Forimprovingqualityofweldingofrailsnecessaryguidelinesandinstructionshavebeenissuedregardinguseofsingleshotcrucibleandautotappingthimble.

• Availabilityofequipmentandpropergadgetsatweldingsiteneedstobeensuredatallweldingsites.

• For flash buttweldingQAP and laid downwelding parameters are to be followed toensurequalitywork.

• For IMRdefectsandUSFD,necessary information isavailable formonitoringandplanforfurtheractions.

• Effortsarebeing taken for inclusionofBscan into thesystemandcarryoutvehicularUSFD. In addition twomore vehicularUSFD testing cars are proposed for inclusion inRSP.

• SAILhasaugmentedrailrollingcapacityandin-linetestingofrails.

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• For procurement of WCMS, tenders have been invited and railways should identifylocationsforlaying.

• Forin-situreconditioningofCMScrossingonlyroboticweldingshouldbedonethroughRDSOapprovedagencies.

• Theprocurementofthickwebswitcheswithsupplier'srailshasbeende-centralizedandnecessaryguidelinesandtestingregimehasbeencirculatedbyRDSO.

ED/TK(P)alsocirculatedacopyofapresentationindicatingITinitiativesofcivilengineeringdepartmentandcurrentlyrunningapplications,whichhasbeenappreciatedathighestlevel.HealsoelaboratedonfurtheractionplanforexpansionofITenvironmenttocoverfewmoreareas and solicited suggestions regarding improvement of existing applications. For GPSsurvey and GIS mapping, zonal railways should give progress regularly. For aerialvideographyof IRnetworkandprojectmonitoringusingdrones, instructionsandprotocolhavebeenissued.Incaseofanydifficulty,zonalrailwaysmayseekassistancefromRailwayBoard.

EDCE(P) made a presentation on IOH and POH of track and briefed about the proposedmodel,whichhasbeendeliberatedinTSCandfurtherworkedupon.IthasbeendecidedbyRailwayBoardthatapilotprojectshouldbeundertakenconsideringcriticalactivitiestogainexperienceandestablishnewsystem.Furtherindepthdiscussionswereheldonthevariouschallengestobeaddressedforensuringsafetyandpropermaintenanceofassets.Itwasalsoemphasised for implementation of speed certificates of RDSO and JPOs issued at RailwayBoardlevelshouldbedoneinrightearnest.Ifrequired,speedcertificates/JSCsmayalsobere-visited considering ground realities in respect of conformity to track structure andadherencetotheprovisionsincludingWILDalarmmonitoringandfollowaction.

Shri A.K. Singhal, ED/CE(B&S),mentioned that bridge rehabilitationworks progress is notcommensuratewiththeproportionatetargetsintermsoffinancialprogress.Theproductionofbridgeworkshopsaswellaseliminationofunmannedlevelcrossingsisalsofallingshortofproportionate target for some of the zonal railways. He also requested zonal railways toexpediteworkssothatthetargetssetfortheyeararecomfortablyachieved.HeurgedSERandERforearlyeliminationofunmannedLCsinsuburbansections.

During the courseofdiscussionsonnon-agenda item regarding rail corrosion,which is animportant issue, itwasdecided toconstituteacommitteeconsistingofPCEsofNWR,SERandEDTK(P)tostudytheissueandsuggestremedialmeasuresforimprovement.

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MinutesofdiscussionsAgendaItems

1.Track-Standards,Policy,andMaintenance

1.1 SER CR

StipulatingcharacteristicsforNewWorks(Newlines,Doubling/Tripling):

Issue:

Stipulationof trackgeometry innewprojects tocater for future requirementsofhigherspeeds(forcurvedesignsetc.)inmixedtrafficconditions(useofflatcurves).

Discussion:

SERmentionedthatinmixedtrafficconditions,toincreasethespeedfrom110to130 Km/h, as envisaged by mobility directorate of Railway Board, with existingmaximum limit of cant and cant deficiency, the maximum degree of curvatureworksoutto2° i.e. (radius=875m).Similarly, forraisingspeedto160Km/hthemaximumdegreeofcurvatureworksoutto1.3°(R=1330m).However,fromcantexcessconsideration,theminimumspeedofgoodsstockworksoutto75Km/h(formaximumpermissiblespeedof130Km/h)and95Km/h(for160Km/hmaximumpermissiblespeed)withlimitingcurvatureof2°and1.3°respectively.

Inthisscenario,thefreightstockwouldconstantlyrunwithcantexcessof75mmleading togreaterpressureon inner rail,which furtheraggravate/increase, if thespeedofgoodsstockislowerthanthelimitingvaluesof75/95Km/h.TheexcessiverailstressesoninnerrailwouldleadtorailflatteningbesidesexcessivepressureontrackfasteningandGRpadofinnerrailleadingtorequirementsforreplacementofrailandfasteningatashorterlife/carriedGMTinmixedtraffic.

Thus, inordertoincreasespeedofpassengerstockto130/160Km/h, increaseofspeedoffreightstockto75/95Km/hisapre-requisite.Untilspeedoffreightisnotraised by improving right powering, trucks and trolleyswith better negotiability,bettersuspensionofgoodsstocketc.,raisingofpassengerstockspeedwillbeanexerciseinfutilityinmixedtrafficregimeonexistingroutes.

For new routes there is a need to issue instructions that all new constructionsincluding doubling/tripling etc. of lines should be in a manner such that thecurvatures are limited to 1° i.e. 1750m so that the speed potential of 130/160Km/hisavailableattheinitialstageitself.

CRsupplementedthatthetrackgeometryinprojectsshouldbesuchastocaterforfuturerequirementsofhigheraxleloads,higherspeedsupto200km/h(especiallyforcurvedesigns,formation,andbridgedesignetc.).

SCR mentioned that with the increase of speed on existing routes classificationbasedonspeedwouldalsoneedrevision.

ED/CE(P)mentionedthatforexistingspeedsandrollingstocks,theexistingmanualprovisionsareadequate,andforcurvesandSEdesignedproperly.Howeverifthespeedisincreasedonexistinglines,someofthecurvesmayhavespeedrestrictionsconsideringcant,cantdeficiency/excessconsiderations.

TheexistingdesignofCasnubbogieishavinghighun-sprungmassandcauseshighstressesbeingtrackunfriendly.Thereforethere isneedforbetteralternative likeUICbogieetc.ItwasmentionedthatworldoverCasnubbogieisnotusedinmixedtrafficconditions.InEuropeanrailwaysystemalsoCasnubbogieisnotused.PCEs

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were of opinion that over a period of time with wide experience it has beenobserved that Casnub bogie is not track friendly and an alternative need to beinvestigated.

Recommendations:

1. Fornewconstructionoflines,curvatureshouldbelimitedto1°.

2. For existing track speed cannot be increased unless track friendly and betterrolling stock (bogie) is deployed. The procurement of Casnub bogie to bediscouragedinfavourofabetteralternativelikeUICbogie

1.2

SCR ProductionandSupplyof52kgRails:

Issueanddiscussions:

Duetolimitedproductionof52KgrailsvarioustrackworkslikeTWRworks,Casualrenewals,replacementofIMR/DFWRrails,TTRworksetc.areisseriouslyaffecting.SCRmentionedthatasagainstarequirementof5,000MTof52Kgrails,only2,274MTrailsarereceived.Itwasalsomentionedthattomaintainexisting52kgtrackasper safe standards, production of 52 Kg railsmust be ensured till 52 kg track istotallywipedout.

ED/TK(P), Railway Boardmentioned that zonal railwaymay furnish consolidatedrequirementfor52Kgrail,dulyincludingrailsrequiredforswitches,SEJ,andgluedjointsetc.,forinclusionintherollingplan.

Recommendations:

Zonalrailwaytosendconsolidatedrequirementforopenlinemaintenance,for52Kgrail,forinclusioninnextrollingplan.

1.3

SR

ReviewofCorrectionSlipNo.3toUSFDManual:

Issue:

The correction slip No. 3 to USFD Manual need to be reviewed to includeprovisionsaboutOBSdefects, locatedwithin4mdistanceordetectedby twoormore probes, to be subjected to more frequent USFD testing so that thepropagationofOBSflaw ismonitoredatmore frequent intervals. If theOBSflawpropagatesintoIMRflawsizeduringsuchfrequenttesting,railrenewalhastobecarriedoutwithinthreedaysasprescribedintheUSFDmanual.

Discussedanddropped.

1.4

SECR

Permitting passenger trains on 1 in 8½ Turnouts taking off from inside of thecurve:

Issue&Discussion:

Theexistingstipulationsforpermittingpassengertrainon1in8½Turnoutstakingofffrominsideofthecurvetobereviewed.

SECRmentionedthataspercurrentstipulationsofIRPWMPara410(2)passengertrainscan’tbepermittedon1in8½T/outtakingofffromcurveinsimilarflexure.Itwasmentioned,byED/CE(P),thatthisissueisbeingdeliberatedinTSC.

Discussedandclosed.

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1.5

NFR

Replacement of existing 52 kg Points& Crossings and SEJwith 60 kg Points&CrossingsandimprovedSEJ:

Issue:

In view of limited/non-availability of 52 kg rails, due to stoppage of rolling atSAIL/Bhilai, it is not possible to issue rails for fabrication of switches & SEJ.Considering this aspect, all turnouts and SEJ with 52 kg section needs to bereplacedby60kgrailsection.

Discussion:

CTE/NFRmentioned that inN.F.Railway trackhasbeen laidwithpre-dominantly52 kg 90 UTS rails. For maintenance of track as well as for manufacturing ofswitches,SEJ,Glued joints&CombinationSEJ52kgrailsarerequired. It is learntthat rolling of 52 kg rails has already been stopped at SAIL/Bhilai. It is also notknown as towhen these railswould be rolled in future. Even after requirementsubmitted in thebeginningof financial yearaswellas lateron, thearrangementmadeforonlyonerakeisnotservingthepurpose.

Inviewofcrisisof52kgrails,Railwayhaveproposedtoreplaceexisting52kgTurnout& SEJwith 60 kg rails in the territory of track laidwith 52 kg rails. Thiswillimprove safetyof assets.However, each setof replacementwill require1 setofTurnout,Sleeperslayout,364mfreerails&2setofcombinationSEJincludingSEJsleepers& 1 set of 1m long junction fish plate. However, thiswill replace totaltrackstructurewith60kg fromSEJ toadjacentSEJand increasesafetyofassets.Though therewould bemismatch of rail section butNFR cannot avoid unless&untilrequired52kgrailsarearrangedwithin6monthtimeperiod.

Recommendations:

Discussedanddropped.

1.6

WCR

Curveswitchassembly:

Issue:

Increaseofgapbetween the topof stretcherbarand thebottomof stock rail inswitchassembly.

Discussion:

WCRmentionedthatasperIRPWM,agapof1.5mmto3.0mmbetweenthetopface of stretcher bar and the bottom of stock rail in switch assembly is to bemaintained. Previously the tongue rail was having a possibility of upwardmovementoftonguerailduringwheelimpactonfreejointatheelofswitchandtoarrestthisupwardmovementagapof1.5mmto3.0mmbetweentopofstretcherbar & bottom of stock rail was required. Now, in present design of fixed heelcurvedswitches,donotallowupwardmovementoftonguerailduringpassageofwheelofrollingstock.However,duringthejointinspectionofP&CwithS&Tstaff,thisgapismostlyfoundbeyondlimit(1.5mmto3.0mm),whichthoughhavingnoimportance,butitistakenasadeficiency.

ItwasmentionedthatthisissueisalreadybeingdeliberatedinTSC.

Discussedandclosed.

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1.7

SECR

HousingofswitchesinPSCTurnouts:

Issue:

StipulationofspecificprovisionabouthousingofswitchesinPSCturnout.

Discussion:

In case of derailment in yard involving T/out, inadequate housing of switch isrecorded,asdefectifhousingoftonguerailisnotavailableup-toJOH.Thereisnoclear stipulation in IRPWM or T/out drawings indicating the length up-to whichhousingofswitchshouldtakeplaceinnormalsetting.Since,switchinfree&evenif, there is not adequate housing, the switch will butt against stock rail duringmovementoftrainsandisnotexpectedtoleadtoanyderailment.

Installation of Switch Setting Device (SSD) ensures better housing of switch, butmost of them have been taken out due to frequent problem in the setting ofswitches.

Some of the PCEs were of the opinion that there is no specific need andrequirementforthisstipulationandexistinginstructionsareadequate.

ItwasmentionedbyMember/EngineeringthatSSDmustbeprovidedinTWSandmaintenanceofthesedevicesshouldbetakencare.

ItwasmentionedbyPCE/WCRthat fewprovisions regardinghousingof switchesup to six sleepers andprovisionof axle countersetc. in IRSEMare included suo-motowithoutroutingthroughEngineeringdepartment.

Recommendations:

WCRtomakereferencetoRailwayBoardregardingunjustifiedIRSEMprovisions.

1.8

NFR

Removalofdefuncttrack/componentsinNFRlinkedwithheritagestatusofDHR:

Issue&Discussion:

CTE/NFRmentionedthatthereare02nos.speciallayoutBG/NGCrossingsinSGUJ-NJP section for maintaining DHR connectivity with NJP. Both the special layoutCrossings have been laid on PSC layout sleeper, with inserts at BG/NG tracklocationssecuredbyfixingdowelandareongoodconditions.However,therearenosparesavailabletoreplacethesame.FurthertheNGlineconnectivityatNJPisnot in use since long and therefore there is no need to have any spares formaintainingthisBG/NGCrossings.DHRisbeingmaintainedexclusivelyfromSiliguritoDarjeelingasaheritagestructure.

Additionally, BG/MG track exists as gauntleted track between Siliguri-Bagdograsection (10.07 km) with 4 nos. BG/NG Crossing laid on (PSC sleeper 2 nos. &woodensleepers2nos.)butMGtrackisnotinusesincelong.ThereforenoneedtomaintainMG track andhave spares for special layout. The liftingofMG trackbetween Siliguri-Bagdogra (10.07 Kms.) and NG track between NJP-Siliguri link(07.15 km) has beenquestionmarkedbyDHR, but it is not serving any purposepresently,boardisrequestedtointervene.

Discussedanddropped.

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1.9

NFR

ReplacementofwoodensleepersbyPSCsleepersonWashableAproninstationyards:

Issue&Discussion:

NFR brought out that in major station yard at KIR track was laid on concretewashableapronswithwoodensleeper.Duringcourseoftime,thewoodensleepersover concrete washable apron have lost its strength due to weathering andexposure todropping frompassenger trains. It isbeingplanned to replace theseu/swoodensleeperwithPSClinesleepersconfirmingtoRDSOdrawingno.T-2496without dismantling the existing concrete aprons without infringing the SOD inorder to maintain track in safe condition. These aprons are planned forreplacementunderPH-53continuouslyforthreeyears,butduetopaucityoffundworksarenotbeingsanctioned(beingcontrolledbyCCM).

Discussedanddropped.

1.10

WCR

AxlecounterfixingonPSCsleepers:

Issue:

Due to axle counter fixing arrangement on PSC sleepers, tamping of about sixsleepersisnotfeasible.

Discussion:

WCR mentioned that axle counter fixing on PSC sleepers is possible only withsleeperspacing72cmagainst60cmin1660/kmdensitytrack.Duetopositioningofaxlecountertheaffectedsleepersareleftun-tampedduringmachinetamping,ifaxlecountersarenotopened,whichtakeat leasttwohourstimeinopeningandre-fixing.Henceaxlecountershouldbefixedinsuchawaythatmachinetampingcould be done without opening of axle counter. Axle counters also fail due tomachinemovement,whichrequiresfirsttrainaftertampingtopassonauthority.

ED/CE(P)/Railway Board mentioned that instructions exist to not allow anysignal/electricalfixtureontrackunlessithasclearanceofRailwayBoard/concernedtrackdirectorateofRDSO,whowouldalso issuedrawingforfixingarrangements,which should be ensured in field. He also mentioned that permitting sleeperspacingof72cmisquiteunlikelyandshallnotbeallowedinanycase.Concernedrailway,whichishavingspecificissue,maymakeareferencetoRailwayBoardandRDSO.

ItwasconcludedthatRDSOmayreviewfixingarrangementofaxlecountersonPSCsleepers.Meanwhile thedetails of fixing arrangements for axle countersmaybeobtainedfromRDSO,ifrequired.

Recommendations:

RDSOtoreviewfixingarrangementofaxlecountersonPSCsleepersandproposeamendmentasnecessary.

1.11

WCR

Provisionofnon-corrosiveplatecrewinPSCsleeperofswitchportion:

Issue&Discussion:

There isapracticalproblem facedby field staffwhileopening theplate screw inswitch portion. Plate screw get severely corroded and jammed with dowels

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resultedplatescrewbrokeninsideofdowelsandPSCsleepersgotdamaged.Hencetheplatescrewshouldbemadewithcorrosionresistancesteel.

ED/CE(P)mentionedthatthisissuehasalreadybeendeliberatedinpast,anditwasdecided that few railwayswouldbe conducting trials and send the specificationsandperformancetoRDSOforstandardisationandissuenecessaryguidelines.

Recommendations:

RDSOtoreviewandissueinstructionsbasedonreportsfromzonalrailway.

1.12

SR

DispensingPushtrolleyinspectionoftrackinsuburbansections:

Issue:

Insuburbansections,conductingpushtrolley inspection ispracticallynotfeasibledue to frequent train services. The IRPWM provisions should be amended toprovideforfootinspectioninplaceofmandatorypush-trolleyinspections.

Discussion:

PCE/SR brought out that Push trolley inspection of track is difficult in suburbansectionsdue tocontinuous trainservices, limitedspaceavailabilityby thesideoftrackconstraints inpermittingspeedrestriction/trafficblock.Duetothepracticaldifficulties, Permanent Way officials are carrying out Push trolley inspection instrenuousconditionstakingriskofpersonalsafetysinceitisamandatoryprovisionasperIRPWMinscheduleofinspectionsforJE/SSE/P.WayandADEN.HesuggestedthatPush trolley inspectionof track in suburbansectionsmaybedispensedwithandintensefootinspectionshouldbeintroduced.

ItwasmentionedthatCRandWRhasmuchlargersuburbansections,howevernosuchissuehascroppedup.SRmaystudysystembeingfollowedonCRandWRtosuggestaworkableproposal.

Recommendations:

SRtomakedetailedstudyofexistingpracticesfollowedinCRandWRandmakesuitableproposalforRailwayBoard'sconsideration.

1.13

SCR

UnlockingofdatainTMSforcorrections:

Issue&Discussion:

Atpresentthepowersforassetdata,inTMS,unlockingarevestedwithBoard/ED.PCE/SCRmentionedthatthepowersforassetunlockingshouldtobedelegatedtoPCEtocorrectanywrongdatainTMS.

Discussedanddropped.

1.14

NR

UseofITInitiativesbyEngineeringOfficials:

Issue&Discussion:

TMS is finding its roots inEngineeringDepartment forallofficials.TheNetBooksalong with USB Dongle are used by P.Way Officials for feeding the data. ThisrequiresfairlygoodInternetconnectivity.SincethepresentDongleisnotefficient,theprocessisslow.

It was suggested that either the railnet connectivity or other products available

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shouldbeprovidedintheofficesofallEngineeringofficials.TheexpenditureonthesamecanbechargedtotheContingenciesprovidedintheTrackRenewalorotherestimatesofEngineeringDepartment.PolicyDirectivesonthesubjectmatterarerequired. Parallely, the concept of Shared Folders should be implemented forsharingofLargeVolumesofinformationbetweentheFieldandtheOfficesoftheDivisions/HQrs.

Discussedanddropped.

1.15

WR

ReviewofInspectionscheduleofADEN&DEN/Sr.DENs:

Issue&discussions:

The inspection Schedule of Engg officials needs to be revised time-to-timedepending upon development in track maintenance technology, health of trackandchangeinworkloadduetovariouspoliciesetc.Asastepinthisdirectionsomeof inspection schedule of ADEN, SSE-overall in-charge and Sectional SSE/JE havebeenrevisedlastvidecorrectionslipNo.132ofIRPWM.

WRsuggestedthatkeepinginviewtheup-gradationoftracktechnologyextensivemechanisation,improvedstrengthoftrack/Safetyscenarioandchangeinworkloaddue to various miscellaneous instructions issued time to time at various levels(Board/Zonal/Divisional), it is suggested that some of the inspection schedule ofADEN and Sectional DEN/ Sr. DEN should be revised/rationalised according tonecessityofindividualinspection.

Discussedanddropped.

1.16Non-

Agenda item

CorrosionofRailresultinginreductionofservicelife:

Issue&discussions:

A non-agenda item relation to wide spread problem of corrosion of rails wasdeliberated in detail. The forum considered the fact that due to corrosion,particularlytherailsareadverselyaffectedandconsequentreductioninitsservicelife. There was a consensus that there is need to find effective measures forpreventionofcorrosion.ForthispurposeitwasdecidedtoconstituteacommitteeconsistingofPCEsofNWR,SERandEDTK(P)tostudyandsuggestsuitableremedialmeasuresforimprovement.

Recommendation:

A committee consisting of PCEs ofNWR, SER and EDTK(P)maybe nominated tostudy the issue of rail corrosion and suggest suitable remedial measures forimprovement.

2.TrackMachines

2.1

SR

Separate PlanHead (PH) for the creation of infrastructures for TrackMachineslikeSatelliteDepot,RestHouse&Sidings:

Issue:

Creation of a separate Plan Head and allocation of funds for creation ofinfrastructureforTrackMachinesunderthecontrolofEngineeringdepartmentfortimelycreationofinfrastructurefacilities.

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Discussion:

SR brought out that at present creation of infrastructure facilities for trackmachines are charged to variousplan-heads viz. SatelliteDepot in PlanHead-42,RestHouseinPlanHead-64,SidingsinPlanhead16/64etc.

Since PH-42 is controlled byMechanicalDepartment, and PH-16 is controlled byOperatingDepartmentthere isnopriorityforworksforcreationof infrastructurefacilitiesfortrackmachinesbytheseDepartmentsandthereforeproposalsarenotgetting included in LAW Book & PINK Book. Further in PH-64, there are largenumberofworksandtherefore, inclusionofTrackMachineinfrastructureworkishardlypossible.ThefinalresultisthatinallRailways,theseinfrastructurefacilitiesare lackingwhich results in poormaintenanceofmachines at oneend andpoorfacilitiesforTrackMachineStaffattheotherend.Finally, itresult inpooroutputandfrequentbreakdownoftheTrackMachines.

If a separate Plan Head is created for establishment of infrastructure for TrackMachines and separate fundsbe keptunder this PlanHeadunder the control ofEngineering department it would be possible to create infrastructure facilitiestimely.

Recommendations:

RailwayBoardmayexaminecreationofseparateplanheadforTrackMachine.

2.2

NFR

POHWorkshopatNJP:

Issue:

SettingupofPOHworkshopforNFRandECRtoreducetransittimeformachinesgoingfor/returningafterPOH.

Discussion:

Machines earmarked for POH at CPOH/Allahabad are normally losingapproximately4monthsonaccountofPOH,andabout45to60daysintransit.Toincrease the availability of Track Machines it was proposed to set up a POHworkshopatNJPforECRaswellasNFRwiththeholdingofover100machines(57machines of ECR& 41machines of NFR) by end of 2017-18. ECR has also givenconsentforSonpur&Samastipurdivisions,whichareadjacenttoNFR.NFRhasalsosentproposaltoRailwayBoardfortheirconsentforsettingupofPOHatNJPforNFR&ECR.

Recommendations:

ThereferencemadebyNFRmaybeexaminedatRailwayBoard.

2.3

NCR

CampingCoachesformachinesoverNorthCentralRailway:

Issue:

Thecampingcoachesshouldbesanctionedaspartofrollingstockprogramalongwithsanctionoftrackmachines.

Discussedanddropped.

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2.4

SR

CeilinglimitforrepairofTrackMachinesthroughCashImprest:

Issue:

The ceiling limit of single bill for repair of TrackMachines through cash imprestpresentlylimitedtoRs.2,000/-asperFinanceCodeneedstobeenhanced.

Discussedanddropped.

3.AssetsProcurement

3.1

SWR

ProcurementofP.Waymaterialsfordaytodaymaintenancechargeabletorevenue:

Issueanddiscussion:

Provision of procurement of P.Way materials for day to day maintenancechargeable to revenue instead of being charged to DRF, where no provision ismadeforsuchcasualrenewals.

SWRmentionedthatbesidesplannedrenewalworks,numberoftrackfittingsandcomponentsare required tobe replacedduring the courseofmaintenanceofP-Way.AsperFinanceCodecasualrenewalsofrails,sleepersfittingsetc.,aretobechargedtoDRF.ButunderDRF,noprovisionismadeforprocurementofmaterialsforsuchcasual renewals.There isaneedtomodifythepara758of IRFCVol-I tothe effect that all casual renewals are to be charged to revenue. AlternativelyunderDRFspecificallotmentneeds tobemade forprocurementofmaterials forCasualRenewals.

After detailed deliberation the forum is of the view that specific issues, if any,wouldbereferredtoRailwayBoardwithfinanceviews.

Discussedandclosed.

3.2

SER

PowerforsigningofindentsforprocurementofP.Wayfittings:

Issue&discussions:

ForprocurementofP.Wayfittingsthepowerofsigningofrequisitionsshouldbeenhanced.

PCE/SERmentionedthatP.WayfittingsareconsideredasNon-Stockitemsfor itsprocurement and the power of signing of Non-Stock demands/requisitions ismentionedinRly.Bd.’sletterwhereinSAGofficersarerequiredtosignNon-StockrequisitionsexceedingRs.3lakhsbutlessthan15lakhsandPHOD/CHODofficersofUserdepartmentarerequiredtosignrequisitionsexceedingRs.15lakhs.

ForprocurementofP.Wayfittingsthepowerofsigningofrequisitionsshouldbeenhanced. SAG officers of concerned department should be required to signrequisitionsinexcessofRs.50lakhs.

AM/CE mentioned that the stores procurements are made in accordance withstores codes. Any specific issueswith justification should be referred to RailwayBoardthroughGeneralManager.

Discussedanddropped.

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3.3

SER

Expediting Supply of P.Waymaterials – Allowing suppliers tomanufacture andstockP.Waymaterials:

Issue:

AllowingfirmstokeepstockofP.WaymaterialslikeSwitches,CMSCrossings,SEJsetc. up to 15% of their total capacity in manufactured/fabricated condition andready for inspection of RDSO so that on issue of LOA, the firm can immediatelyarrangeRDSO’s inspectionand issue that stock immediately to fieldon receivingPurchaseOrders.

Discussedanddropped.

3.4

WCR

Procurement of small fittings for maintenance of track through item ratecontracts:

Issue&discussion:

Timelysupplyofsmallfittingsfortrackmaintenancebecomesdifficultduetolongprocess of placement of indents, calling and finalization of tenders by TrackProcurement cell, therefore it is suggested that, system of item rate contractssimilartoDGS&DratecontractsmaybefollowedforprocurementofsmallfittingsfromRDSOapprovedfirms.

Discussedanddropped.

3.5

CR

EnhanceddelegationofpowersforitemspertainingtoTrackProcurement:

Issue:

Enhancementofpowersforprocurement.

Discussion:

PCE/CRmentioned that power for tender committeemeeting andacceptanceoftenderpertainingtoTrackProcurementneedsrevisionandisproposedasunder:

OfficerConvenorofTenderCommitteePresent

Proposed AcceptancePower

proposedSeniorScale Up-to45lakh Up-to3Cr. Nil NilJAG/SG 45lakhto3Cr. 3Cr.to8Cr. Up-to45lakh Up-to3Cr.SAG 3Cr.To20Cr. 8Cr.to20Cr. 45lakhto3Cr 3Cr.to8Cr.

Due to limited power of tendering at JAG/SG level, most of track procurementtenders are being dealt at SAG level resulting into increased workload at SAGlevel.Thisisresultingintodelayinfinalizationoftenders.

AM/CE mentioned that the stores procurements are made in accordance withstores codes. Any specific issueswith justification should be referred to RailwayBoardthroughGeneralManager.

Recommendations:

RailwaymayreferthecasetostoresdirectorateofRailwayBoardthroughGeneralManager.

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3.6

WR

MergingofApprovedVendorforthesupplyofP.Wayitemsof52Kgand60Kgrailsection:

Issue:

MergingofApprovedVendorforthesupplyofP.Wayitemsof52Kgand60Kgrailsection.

Discussions:

WRbroughtoutthatthereisseparatelistofapprovedvendorforthesupplyofP.Waymaterial/fittingsof52Kgand60Kgrailsections.LogicallyanyRDSOapprovedvendor for any rail section canmanufacture thematerial suitable for either railsection.Merging of Approved Vendors will simplify the vendor list, improve thecompetitivenessinthetenderandreducethepaperworkatRDSOforapprovalofvendorsfor52Kgand60Kgseparately.

Recommendations:

RDSOmayconsidermergingofApprovedVendorsforthesupplyofP.Wayitemsof52Kgand60Kgrailsection.

4.Operations,SafetyandAccidents

4.1

NR

4.2

WCR

ImprovingtheMobilitybyEngineers:

AdvantageofincreasingEngineeringTimeAllowance:

Issue:

EnhancementofETAtoundertakelinecapacityenhancement,andtrackworksandfacilitationofexecutionbygrantoftrafficblocks,poweretc.

Discussion:

NRraisedtheissuethatwithmechanizationofTrackRenewal&TrackmaintenanceofheavyPRCsleeperTrackStructure,theperformanceoftrackmachinesisavital& importantparameternotonly forEngineeringDepartmentbutalso forSAFETYONTRACKS.TheeliminationofUMLC,executionsofDoublingsarealsorequiredataverylargescaleonNR.Althoughnumbersofinstruction,jointlyissuedbyEngg.&TrafficDirectorate,areissuedbyRailwayBoard,buttheonusofimplementationislefttoEngineersinthefieldasperthepresentexperience.TheseinstructionsareconcernedwithworkingofTrackMachinesandETA.TherearecontradictoryKeyPerformance Parameters of Punctuality for Operating Department (in particular)andMechanisedTrackRenewals,LHSworksandDoublings(Engg.Department.).

AdetailedanalysiswasmadeaboutthisissuebyNR,whosuggestedthatTheETAsshouldbeenhanced,asrequired,forayearortwowithsuitablechangesinTimeTablingforcompletionofsafetyrelated&infrastructuralimprovementworksandTheSanctityoftheTrafficBlocksneedstobejointlyownedbyboth“Operating&Executive”Departmentswith conceptofdedicatedPowers/Crewformovementof DMTs should be introduced. It was also suggested that to overcome theproblemof vacancies in SafetyCategories (Crew), theoptionsofRe-employmentshouldbeexercised.

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PCE/WCR mentioned that advantage of increasing 50% Engineering TimeAllowanceonaccountofincreaseinspeedandrelaxationofPSRsisrequired,butOperating Department of WCR has not agreed for the proposal moved severaltimes.SuitableguidelinesneedtobeissuedfromRailwayBoardwiththeconsentofTrafficDirectorate.

AM/CEmentionedthatatrailwayboardithasbeensuggestedtosafetytaskforcethatadherenceofcorridorblocksshouldbemadeasperformanceparameter forGM/DRMandCOM/Sr.DOMtobring indiscipline.EDCE(P)mentionedthattheseissues amongst others are also projected to the safety task force constitutedrecentlyforconsideration.

Recommendations:

RailwaytoprojecttheirrequirementofETAtoCOMforinclusioninworkingtime-table.IftheprojectedETAisnotincluded,RailwayBoardmaybeappraised.

4.3

WCR

AnomalybetweenIRPWMandG&SR:

Issue&discussions:

PCE/WCR mentioned that there are certain discrepancies noticed in variousprovisionsofIRPWMandG&SRviz.

(i) As per IRPWM Chapter IX Par 910 (1/a)- two hand signal lamp tricolourprovided.AsperG&SRParaSR16.02.1(2)–threetricolourhandsignallamp.

(ii) IRPWMChapterIXPara910(1/i)Correctionslipno.135-02nos.bannerflag.AsperG&SRPar16.02.01(3)–03bannerflag.

(iii) IRPWM Chapter 910 (Y) –Provision with fuses. As per G&SR Para SR.16.02.01(7)CSNo.19 (GR.3.65&SR3.65.1Page73.CSNo.10)–ThreeLEDredflashingsignalonsingle/double/multiplelines.

EDCE(P) mentioned that this item was discussed in TSC in past and necessarycorrectionsliptoIRPWMhasalreadybeenissued.

Discussedandclosed.

4.4

WCR

ClarificationregardingPolicyCircularNo.6:

Issuediscussions:

PCE/WCRmentioned that as per policies no 6 appendix (1) route proving run isrequired tobeconducted toclear thespeedofa trainspeedofup-to120km/h,beyond110km/hbut it isnotclearwhatexactly is requiredtobedoneviz.howmanyOMSsarerequiredtobeinstalledandwhatlocation,andhowmanycoachese.g. for24coaches if4typeofcoachesarethere,howmanyOMSsarerequired.Thisneedstobeclarifiedtoavoidconfusion.ForCOCRalso,thisconfusionexists.The detailed procedure and action to be taken by railways and RDSO should beclearlyspeltout.

Discussedanddropped.

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4.6

SCR

NominatedRollingStocktoadoptCantDeficiencyof100mm:

Issue&discussions:

PCE/SCRrequestedtoadviselistofnominatedrollingstockforwhichCd100mmtobeconsidered.Asperpara406(2)(a)ofIRPWM,cantDeficiency(Cd)canbetakenas 100 mm on routes with track maintained to C&M-I Vol.I standards fornominatedrollingstockwithpermissionofPCE.ThedetailsareessentiallyrequiredtoincreaseCdinconnectionwithMissionRaftaar.

Recommendations:

RDSOtocirculatethedetailsofrollingstockeligibleforcantdeficiencyof100mm.

4.7

SR

Air Suspension of EMU Coaches involved in Derailment – Revision of accidentpro-formaandreviewofairsuspension:

Issue:

The pro-forma for recording rolling stock defect after accident needs revision toincluderelevantparametersthatcancontributetoderailments.

Discussion:

PCE/SR mentioned that there has been spurt in the number of derailmentsinvolvingEMUcoacheswithairsuspensiononturnouts.Theexistingaccidentpro-forma does not contain details related to secondary suspension (i.e. airsuspension). In fact, there are no details available in the accident pro-forma forEMU/DEMU/MEMU coaches. Subsequently, Enquiry Reports in such derailmentshaveconcludedthattrackparameteristheonlycauseofderailmentsignoringthesuspension system and other defects of EMU/DEMU coaches. The derailment ofcoacheswith air suspension is taking place even at locationswhere twist in thetrackisnegligible.

After a recent derailment of EMU in Chennai division it was suggested that adetailed studyof recent derailmentof EMUcoacheswith air suspensionmaybecarried out and a new format for taking Joint observation at accident siteexclusivelyforEMUstockistobemade.Forairsuspension,theparameterstobemeasuredaretobeclearlyspeltout.Itwasalsorevealedthataspertheaccidentmanual,itemD4ofAppendixG2,noparameterpertainingtosecondarysuspension(airsuspension)couldbemeasured.

Accidentenquiries tend to conclude,withoutanalyzing the railwheel interactionmechanismthatthederailmentisdueto“Trackparameterswerenotmaintainedwithinpermissible limit”.Theparameters,ofEMUsaswellasothernewerrollingstocks likeBCNetc., contributory toderailmentarebeing ignored,as there isnoprovisionofmeasuringtheminthepro-formaofaccidentmanual.

PCE/SR also suggested that the accident pro-formabe revisedduly including themeasurements of safety parameters for existing rolling stocks and EMUs like airsuspension etc. Further, review of features of air suspension system in EMU ICFcoachestobedone.

HealsomentionedthatadetailedstudyhasbeenconductedbyWR&SR,findingsarealreadysharedwithED/Track-1/RDSO.

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Recommendations:

WRandSRtomakeadetailedreferencetoRDSOforexamination.

4.8

SR

Scabbing/Wheel burns of rails - Right powering of Locos for hauling CC+8+2/CC+6+2rakesasperRDSOLoadtable:

Issue&discussion:

Implementation of provisions/guidelines stipulated for running of CC+8+2/CC+6+2/25Tloads,dulyallowingoverpoweringasrequiredtoavoidoccurrenceofscabs/wheelburns.

ED/CE(P)mentionedthat instructionshavealreadybeen issuedbyRailwayBoardtoGMs,whichmaybefollowedupbyPCEs.Difficultiesinimplementationoftheseinstructions,ifany,maybebroughttothenoticeofRailwayBoard.

Discussedandclosed.

4.9

NCR

Suitable mechanism for taking corrective action on detection of Critical alarmfromWILD:

Issue:

Setting up of a suitable mechanism for taking corrective action on detection ofCriticalandMaintenancealarmfromWILDsothatthestipulationofJPOtogetthesuspectedstockdetachedandattendedatthenextTXRpointisfollowed.

Discussion:

Installation ofWILD is a pre-requisite for running of CC+8+2T / CC+6+2T loadedtrains.TheJPOdated29.07.08approvedbyBoard(MM,MT&ME)foractiontobetakenincaseofAlarmofWILDstipulatesthattheWILDequipmentreadingofILFand wheel impact will be continuously monitored by the TXR staff of theinstallationandwheneverthesamereachesthecriticalalarmlevel.

TXR staff on receiving the data from the equipmentwill intimate the concernedsectioncontrollerwhointurnwillarrangetogetthesuspectedstockdetachedandattendedatthenextTXRpoint,whichissupposedtobearound15-50Kmfromtheequipment.Incase,thereisnoTXRpointwithinnext50km,thesuspectstockshallbe detached at the next convenient station/yard within 50 Km. Under nocircumstances, the suspect stock shall bepermitted toply formore than50Km.Thoughdetachmentonthisaccount,onNCR,hasimprovedin2015-16&2016-17,butitneedsfurtherimprovement.

Hence, a suitable mechanism must be in place for taking corrective action ondetection of Critical and Maintenance alarm from WILD so that the abovestipulationof JPO toget the suspected stockdetachedandattendedat thenextTXRpointarefollowed.

ED/CE(P)mentionedthat instructionshavealreadybeen issued formonitoringofweigh bridges andWILD. Itwas also desired that the summery of critical alarmsfromWILDshouldbeforwardedtorailwayBoard.

Recommendations:

ZonalRailwaystomonitorworkingofweighbridgesandWILDinaccordancewithRailwayBoard'sinstructions.

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4.10

SCR

MopedtrolleywithoutblockshouldbepermittedforinspectionsbySrDEN/DENs:

Issue&discussion:

PCE/SCRmentionedthatuseofmopedtrolleyshouldbepermittedwithouttrafficblockashelpsincompletinginspectionschedulesparticularlyforlongjurisdictionsandtoinspectvulnerableandimportantlocationsfrequently.

Discussedanddropped.

4.11

SCR

Increaseofre-validationtimeforBPC(forBOBYN,BFR&BRNwagons):

Issue&discussion:

Revalidation time forBPC forBOBYN,BFR&BRNwagons shallbe increased to2monthsfromtheexistingone-month.

Recommendations:

SCRtomakeareferencetoRailwayBoardthroughCME.

4.12

CR

Adherencetocode/manualprovisions:

Issue&discussion:

Relaxation on provisions of SOD IRPWM & other codes/manuals in variousProjects/Works should not be allowed. The provisions of codes/manuals inMaintenanceofTrack,Bridgesandotherstructuresshouldbestrictly followed. Itwillsavefieldofficerswheneveranymishaptakesplace.

Discussedandclosed.

4.13

NCR

Access/SwitchingovertoOperatingfrequencytotheWalkie-talkiesetsprovidedtoEngg.Supervisors:

Issue&discussion:

NCR mentioned that the walkie-talkie sets presently provided to Engineeringsupervisors have only one frequency on which only Engineering to Engineeringboth way communication is possible. But, there is no access to Operatingfrequency,notevenforone-waycommunication(i.e.listening).

If the facility of switching over to operating frequency on walkie-talkies ofengineering supervisors is also extended, it will not only help in avoiding traindetentionincaseofunusualandengineeringblocks,butthesafetyoftrainsaswellastheInspectingofficialwillalsobeensured.

Discussedanddropped.

4.14

WR

ChangesinScheduleofDimension(gapbetweentrackcentreandlandingofFootOverBridgesforMumbaisuburbansection):

Issue:

WesternRailwayhadsentaproposaltoRailwayBoardforreducingtheminimumgapbetweentrackcentreandlandingofFootOverBridgesforMumbaisuburbansection.Theproposalwas,toreducetheminimumdesirablegapfrom5,330mmto4,720mm.Thiswill facilitate inprovidingwider stairs,whichwill facilitate fasterpassenger evacuation. Since there isn’t any trolley movement on suburban

Page20of49

platformthereshouldnotbeanyconstraints inreducingthiswidth.Thereducedgapisalreadyprescribedgapforisolatedstructuresonplatform.

Discussedanddropped.

4.15

WR

ChangesinScheduleofDimension(MinimumHorizontaldistanceofanybuilding/continuousstructuresandisolatedstructuresonpassengerplatforms):

Issue&discussion:

The existing provision of Schedule of Dimension about minimum horizontaldistance(5.33m)foranybuilding/continuousstructuresandisolatedstructuresonpassengerplatformsisonhighersideleadingtohighnumberforrequirementforcondonationleadingtodelayinvariousworksofFOBconstructionetc.

Discussedanddropped.

5.ManPowerPlanning

5.1

SCR

SECR

SWR

Yard stick for creation of posts in P.Way, Works & Bridge cadre for newprojects/assets:

Issue:

Layingdownyardsticksforcreationofpostsinworks&bridgecadreandrevisionofexistingyardstickforP.Way,whichwasissuedlongago.

Discussion:

PCE/SCR mentioned that during handing over of new projects to Open Line,Construction Organization prepares manpower requirement for maintenance ofnewprojects/assets(includingP.Way,Works&Bridgescadres)andtheproposalsaresubmittedtorespectivedivisionstoobtainassociatefinanceconcurrenceandapprovalatdivisional level.Divisions,workout therequirementasperyardsticketc.andsubmittheproposalstoHQrs.forobtainingHQrs.financeconcurrence&GM’ssanctionforcreationoftherequirednumberofposts.

Manyatimes,FA&CAOreturnstheproposalsstatingthatyardstickfollowedisveryoldandthattherequirement isnotworkedoutproperly(particularly inWorks&Bridge cadres). The targeted projects are commissioned without meeting themanpowerrequirementfortheassets,whichinvolvessafetyoftrack.

PCE/SECRalsoemphasised that there isnoyardstick forwork loadof SSE/Bridgeunit,whoisresponsibleformaintenanceofallmajorbridgesofspans12.20mandabove&other steel structures likeFOB,Workshopgantriesetc.Newbridgesarealsoaddedeveryyearonaccountofconstructionofnew lines,gaugeconversionand doubling etc., which has increased the workload of Bridge organization. Inabsenceof any yardstick for theBridge cadre, it becomesdifficult to createnewpostsofSSE,bridgeerectors,MCMetc.SuitableyardsticksforBridgecadreneedtobelaiddown.

PCE/SWR supplemented that MCNTM formula caters for the requirement ofTrackmen.Atpresent,thereisnoguidelineforcreationofsupervisors,techniciansand other staff for Bridge maintenance, maintenance of buildings and P-Waymaintenanceetc.Duetolackofstandardnormsandinstructionsonthesubject,itisdifficulttojustifyandcreatesuchposts.

Page21of49

ItwassuggestedthatyardstickstobeformulatedtomaintainminimumworksandBridge cadre strength to maintain vast Railway assets like stations, platforms,colonies,servicebuildings,resthouses,trainingcentresetc.basedonITKMsimilarto MCNTM formula. Also the existing yardstick for P.Way was issued long agohencerevisedyardsticktobeissued.

During discussions it was mentioned that a committee has already beenconstitutedforformulationofyardstickforbridgecadre.

The issue was discussed threadbare and forum was of the view that acomprehensivereviewneedstobedoneforwhichacommitteecanbeconstitutedtomakesuggestionsforconsiderationofRailwayBoard.

Recommendations:

AcommitteeconsistingofCGEsofSCR,WCR,WR,andFacultyfromIRICENcanbeconstitutedtodeliberateandmakesuitablerecommendationsforconsiderationofRailwayBoard.

5.2

WCR

NER

SCR

NFR

NR

5.3

SR

5.9

NCR

Creationofpostsformaintenanceofnewassets:

PostcreationforTrackMachines:

Issue:

Creationofpostsformaintenanceofnewassets.

Discussion:

PCEs of railways, which proposed this agenda item expressed concern aboutinabilitytocreatepostsastheproposalarenotbeingacceptedbyRailwayBoardandPersonnelBranch/AssociateFinanceforwantofmatchingsurrenderofexistingvacant posts, which is not possible, in view of their requirement for respectivemaintenance.

Duetoconsistentsurrenderofpostsinworks-cadreinlast14-15years,noscopeisnowleftforensuringmatchingsurrenderfromwithintheEngineeringdepartment.Further,thereisnotadequatebalancefundinzonalvacancybank.

In case of non-provision ofmoney value fromBoard’s vacancy Bank, Boardmayconsiderdelinkingtheissueofcreationofpostsformaintenanceofnewlineswithmatching surrenders, as in the case of running categories so as to enable thisRailwayincreatingtherequirednumberofpoststoensuretimelyopeningofnewassetsandforpropermaintenanceofthesameinviewofsafetyinvolved.

NFRhighlightedthatthereisimmediateneedforcreationandfillingof1693postsoftrackmaintainerforSections,whichhavealreadybeencommissioned/likelytobecommissionedand2154postsofGatemenarerequiredtobecreatedforLC’salreadymanned/likelytobemannedinnearfuture.Andsuchahugerequirementcannotbemetwithmatchingsurrender,thereforeRailwayBoardshouldconsidercreationof theseadditionalposts inSafetyCategorywithoutmatchingsurrenderasanonetimeexception.

NRunderlinedthattheMatchingSurrendersarenotavailablebecauseoftheotherTargetofreductionof1%ofSanctionStrengthgivenbytheRailwayBoard.BesidesthesurrendersofNon-SafetyCategoriesarealsobeingdoneonaccountofWorksStudies.

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It is suggested that this stipulation of providing matching surrenders for SafetyCategories should be dispensedwith, because the Funds under Revenue are notavailableforoutsourcingtheactivities.

AM/CEmentioned that vacancies that exist in non-safety categories,which havenot been filled over past few years, could be offered formatching surrender toprovidepartialrelief.

PCE/SRhighlightedthattherearenonon-safetycategorypostsareavailableintheRailway and Railways are forced to surrender the safety category posts of TrackMaintainertocreatethepostofTrackMachine.ThesanctionedstrengthofTrackMaintainer is already become lesser than what is required as per MCNTMformulae. He suggested that creation of posts for Track Machines (new asset)should be donewithoutmatching surrender as recommended by “HIGH POWERCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE DUTY HOURS OF RUNNING AND OTHER SAFETYRELATEDCATEGORIESOFSTAFF”fortimelycreationofpostsforTrackMachines.

PCE/SCRandSRfurthermentionedthatthatsomeofthecategoriesinbridgecadreand some posts in even works cadre, which are essentially required for minorbridgesmaintenance,arenotevenincludedintheSafetycategory,whichsuggestthatthethereisneedforrevisionofthelistofsafetycategoryposts.

NCRmentionedthatforfurthercreationofpostsfortrackmachinesbyprovidingmatching surrender, being new Railway, matching surrender of posts is notpossible as there is already shortage of P. Way staff (safety category) due tocreationofnewassetsinrecentpast.

Itwillbepossibletocreaterequiredposts fortrackmachinestaff ifmoneyvalueforcreationofpostsagainstnewassets ismadeavailablebyRailwayBoardorbyissuing suitable instruction not to insistmatching surrender for creation of suchpostsasfurthersurrenderoftrackmenpostwillaffecttrackmaintenancework.

MemberEngineeringmentionedthatmatchingsurrenderforcreationofpostsfornewassetswouldnotbefromEngineeringdepartmentaloneasthesenewassetsare to for the zonal railway and matching surrender from non-safety categoryacrossotherdepartmentshouldalsobeconsideredforcreationofposts.Howeverforcreationofpostsfortrackmachine,surrenderoftrackmenpostswouldhavetobemade,ifrequired.

Recommendations:

1. TheexistinglistofSafetycategorypostsshouldbereviewed.2. For sanction of posts in safety category no matching surrender should be

necessaryasrecommendedbyHighPowercommittee.

5.4

SCR

5.8

NFR

VacanciesinTrackMaintainerCadre:

FillingupofVacanciesinTrackMaintainerCategory:

Issue:

TrackMaintainerpostsarenotbeingfilledupdespitefollowup.

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Discussion:

PCE/SCRmentionedthatthevacanciesinTrackMaintainercategoryarenotbeingfilledupand shortageofman further increaseasTrackmen leaving the jobaftertheirrecruitmentduetostrenuousnatureofdutiesetc.Beingthesafetycategorypoststheseareessentiallyrequiredforensuringmaintenanceofsafetyoftrackbywayofpatrollingoftrackroundtheclock.This issuehasalreadybeenbroughttothenoticeofRailwayBoard.

PCE/SCRsuggestedthatthereshouldbeatimeboundcalendarforrecruitmentofallEngineeringpostsforuniformity inallZonalRailwaysdulytaking intoaccountpercentagefornon-materializationofpapers.Healsoopinedthatthereisaneedto review the recruitmentprocess of TrackMaintainer by revising thenorms forPhysical Efficiency Test as the present norms are considered to be too liberal totestthephysicalabilityofthecandidatestoperformthestrenuousnatureofworkattachedtothepostofTrackMaintainerandmoreweightageshouldbegiventothe physical efficiency test in the recruitment process and persons with higherqualificationsneednotbecalledforthepostsofTr.Maintainers.

NFRrequestedthatRailwayBoardmayconsiderempoweringRRC’storecruitthesesafety category posts as per Board’s guideline annually and regularly withoutwaiting for formal sanction of Railway Board every year. This will ensure timelyfillingupofvacanciesinSafetyCategory.

ItwasmentionedthatthisissueoffillingupisbeingpursuedatRailwayBoard.

Discussedandclosed.

5.5

NFR

IntroductionofMMUconceptwithUtilizationofoldTrackMachines.

Issue&discussion:

NFRmentionedthat inviewof largenoofvacanciesofTrackmaintainers innewlinesrecentlytakenoverbyOpenlinewherenumberoftrainsisalso2to3pairs.N.F. Railway proposed to introduce MMU concept with utilization of old agedmachinesforbranchlines.Forevery40to50kmsectionatcentralizedlocationonemachine with Gang strength of 20 Track maintainers has been proposed foroutsourcing. As the major man-power requirement would be for patrolling, thetrackmachinecouldbeusedaspatrolvehicle.However,routineinspectionbyKeymenandPatrolling(Monsoon,Hot/Cold)willbedonebyDepartmentalGangs.ItwasmentionedthatthisissueoffillingupisbeingpursuedatRailwayBoard.

Discussedandclosed.

5.6

WCRNWR

Allotment of additional funds under Revenue Head for maintenance of newassets:

ShortageofP.WayMaintenancestaff&requirementofoutsourcing:

Issue&discussion:

Sincecreationofpostsformaintenanceofnewassetsisatimeconsumingprocess,it is required to allot additional fund under Revenue Head for outsourcing ofmaintenanceofthesenewassetstoensuresafetyofrunningtrackandtrains.

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Itwasmentionedthatthis issuere-appropriationoffundsacrossPUsforPayandallowancesand27,28and32isalsobeingpursuedatRailwayBoard.

Discussedandclosed.

5.7

NR

WCR

RecruitmentprocessforTrackMaintainer:

Issue:

TherecruitmentprocessforTrackMaintainershouldbechangedtorecruitpersonssuitablefortrackwork.

Discussion:

Itwasbrought-outthatthepresentrecruitmentprocesshasdrawbackofnoupperlimitofeducationresultinginhighlyeducatedcandidatesjoiningasTrackmenwhodo not want to perform the duties of Trackmen. Further there is no bar onrecruitment of female candidates,who are not interested in performing of gangdutiesinmidsectionsforSafetyreasons.

Forrecent fewyearsthewomencandidateshave joinedasTrackMaintainerandtheirnumberisconsiderableandRailwayBoardhaveaskedtopostthematplaceshavingadequatefacilitiesofaccommodationandsafety.ForthispurposethemostoftheladyTrackMaintainerareworkinginthegangunitstationedatmajorcitiesandtheirnumbersinthosegangsarequitehigh.Astheyarenotcapableofdoingthe hard job of TrackMaintainer, they finally end up doing some clerical job inoffices resulting in trackworksof suchunits areaffectedbadlyand it is alsonotreflectedinthevacancyposition.

The issuewas discussed in great details and itwas opined that there is need toreview.Further theadditional activities,which couldbeout-sourced, shouldalsobeidentified.Itwassuggestedthatacommitteecouldbeformedtolookintothemattercomprehensively.

Recommendations:

AcommitteecomprisingofPCEsofSCR(Convenor),WCRandDirector/IRICENmaybe nominated to study the issue comprehensively and make suitablerecommendations.

5.10

NFR

ManPowerPlanninginTrackMachineOrganisation:

Issue:

Thereisdelayinfilling-upofposts,byRRB,intrackmachineorganization.

Discussion:

NFR railsed an issue of delays by RRBs in filling up of vacant posts. It wasmentioned that though a written Examination took place on 14-12-2014 and 15-06-2014,howevertilldatepanelnotreceivedfromRRB/GHY.InanothercasenofeedbackiscomingfromRRBaboutthestatus.

Member/Engineeringmentionedthatconsideringtheprevailingfinancialsituationof lower earning and high expenditure, it would be extremely difficult to fill upvacantposts.Weneedtodevisemeanstoworkwithexistingstaffandoutsourcingofsomeoftheactivitiesandthinkoutofboxtofindworkablesolution.However

Page25of49

NFRwasadvisedtorefertheissuetoRailwayBoardandpursue.

Discussedandclosed.

5.11

NFR

InductionofTrackmenintootherdepartment:

Issue&discussion:

After the restricting of Trackmen cadre implemented as per Board’s instructionscareerProgressionhasbeenensured,andtheyareeligiblenowforpromotiontothepostup-toGradePayRs.2800/-.Withthatvery littlepurpose in inductionofTrackmanintootherdepartmentstoimprovepromotionalaspect.

Discussedanddropped.

5.12

WCRRefresherofGatekeeper:

Issue&discussion:

AnomalybetweenIRPWMpara1504,G&SRchapter–XVIPara-16.01(b)&(e)andRly. Board L. No. E (MPP)2009/3/17 dated 02-12-10 regarding frequency ofrefresherofGateKeepers.

Discussedanddropped.

5.13

SCRDutylistofJE/P.Way(erstwhilePWS/Supervisor(P.Way)):

Issue&discussion:

RailwayBoardhas issuedtheorder formergerofSr.PWSwith JE/P.Waywith itsspread effect. Consequent to the implementation of the above Board’s orders,there isnopostofPWS/Sr.PWSpostexistingontheRailwaysandwholeP.Waycadreisdividedintotwocategoriesi.e.SSE/P.WayandJE/P.Way.

Asper thedutiesattached to thepostoferstwhile Sr.PWS theyarenormally incharge of items of works which require a higher level supervision that can beexercisedbygangmateasgangmatespromotedfromtrackmencategorybyvirtueof their senioritymaynothave the requisite technicalqualification/ standards tosupervise/executethetrackmaintenanceworkindependently.

WiththemergerofSr.PWSpostswithJE/P.WayandalsointheabsenceofspecificinstructionsfromBoard,regardingthedutylistsofSSE/P.WayandJE/P.Way,afterthe said merger, the staff at unit level cannot be taken up for fixing theresponsibilities for impropermaintenance of track.With the result, divisions arefinding itverydifficult tomanagethedutiesattachedtothepostoferstwhileSr.PWS,whichmayadverselyaffectthesafemaintenanceoftrack.

Inthisconnection,RailwayBoardhaveconstitutedacommitteeforcomprehensivereviewtosuggestthesuitablestructureofP.Waystaffbasedonactual fielddataalongwiththecorrespondingchangesindutiesandresponsibilitiesofP.WaystaffinIRPWMandotherManuals.

PCE/SCRmentionedthatSCRhadsentobservations/remarkstoRailwayBoardandrequestedtakesuitabledecisionandissuenecessaryinstructionsattheearliest.

ItwasmentionedthattheproposalisunderconsiderationofRailwayBoard.

Recommendations:

RailwayBoardmayexpedite.

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5.14

NFR

OverloadingofDutiesofSSE/P.Way/In-Charge:

Issue:

Senior Section Engineer/P.Way/In-charge are overloadedwith Special Drives andCompliance of Instructions given by their superiors in addition to their owninspectionsandcompliancesformaintainingsafetyofassets.

Discussedanddropped.

5.15

NR

UseofD&Gprovisionfordesignatedpurpose:

Issue&discussion:

ThereisspecificprovisionofD&GChargesintheTrackRenewalEstimatesbothforEstablishment and other than Establishment. The provision of EstablishmentportionisbeingusedforWorkchargedPostsofSupervisorsandOfficerswhoareworking in Open Line for maintenance related work including Division/HQrs.Therefore, the benefit of having SSE/P.Way/Spl. and/or DEN/Track etc. is notavailablewith theOrganisation forsupervisionofTrackRenewalworks.With theresult the burden of supervision comes on the shoulders of the Supervisors In-chargesofMaintenance.Thus,maintenanceofthetrackssuffersandsotheQualityofRunning. Itwassuggestedthatsuchpostsmanned formaintenanceshouldbeconverted to Revenue. The D&G Charges should be therefore, utilized forsupervisionofTrackRenewalworkonly.

ME stated that with the restructuring of cadre, a significant number of workchargedpostswouldgetconvertedintorevenueposts.

PCE/SCRmentioned that forotherdepartments, even for capital intensiveworkstheD&Gpercentagesisevenhigher.

Recommendations:

RailwayBoardtoconsiderexistingprovisionsforD&Gchargesandrationalize.

5.16

SCR

1%criteriaforsurrenderofposteachyear:

Issue&discussion:

Thecalculationisdonefortotalstaffincludingsafetycategorybutsurrenderhastobedonefromnon-safetystaff.This isaffectingthecadrestrengthverybadlyandposition is coming such that it is not practically possible to maintain all assets.Thereforepercentagesurrendershouldbecalculatedonlyfornon-safetycategory.

Recommendations:

SCRtorefertheissuetoRailwayBoard

5.17

NER

ProbleminPromotiontoTrackMaintainerCategoriesandbenefitsofLARGESS:

Issue&discussion:

As per norms/procedure for future promotion in the Unified Cadre of TrackMaintainer Track Maintainer-1 (PB-I GPO-2800) has been made selection postthroughtrade-test.ThiscategoryconsistsofMate&KeymenandthisselectionistobedoneatdivisionallevelbyPersonneldepartment,whichtakesalotoftime.EarlierselectionofKeymenwasdoneatthelevelofADENsbywhichprocesswaswithincontrolofEngineeringdepartmentandcouldbeexpeditedasperneed.

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Duringdiscussionsitemergedthattherearedifferentpracticesbeingfollowedforselectionateitherdivisional levelorbyADENinzonalrailways,andthereisneedforuniformityinselectionprocedure.

Recommendations:

RailwayBoardmayissuenecessaryclarification.

5.18

NER

ChangeinAVCforPromotiontoArtisaninP.WayCadre:

Issue&discussion:

As per existing AVC for promotion to Artisan (P.Way as well works), feedercategory is Khalasi helper.However, there is nomoreKhalasi helper available inP.Way Cadre. The Trackmaintainers are not eligible as per existing AVC. Due tothis,alotofproblemisbeingfacedinfillingofpromotionquotaofArtisaninP.WayCadre. Even if post ofArtisan (specially Blacksmith,welder etc.) is filledup fromhelperKhalasiinworkscadre,theydonotpossesstheskillofblacksmithrequiredonP.Way.On theotherhand, trackmenwhoaredoing jobofblacksmith/welderetc.onP.Way in fielddonotgetopportunity forpromotion.Therefore theTrackMaintainer (III & IV) should also be made eligible for appearing selection ofArtisans.

TheissuewasalsoraisedwithCPO/NER,whoadvisedthatitneedtobereferredtoRailwayBoard.

Recommendations:

NERtomakereference,throughCPO/NER,toRailwayBoard.

5.19

CR

Need for revision in schedule of disciplinary powers for Assistant officers andseniorsupervisorsinZonalRailways:

Issue:

Assistant officers & senior supervisors to be given more powers to initiatedisciplinaryaction.

Discussion:

PCE/CRraisedtheissueofdecliningdisciplineamongstfieldstaffandemphasisedneedforgrantingmorepowerstoAssistantofficers&seniorsupervisorspowerstoinitiate disciplinary action against erring staff. Itwas alsomentioned that earlierAssistant Officers was having power for suspension up to JE-II and otherdisciplinarypowerofminor/majorpenaltiesNo.(i)to(vi)uptolevelofJE-1.NowheishavingDisciplinarypowerofsuspensionandminor/majorpenaltiesNo.(i)to(vi)uptotheTrackMaintainerGr-I(Mate/Keyman)only.Further,supervisor'sin-chargewashavingpowerforsuspensionuptoMateandotherdisciplinarypowerofminorpenaltiesuptolevelofJE-II,whereasnowheishavingDisciplinarypowerofsuspensionandminorpenaltiesNo. (i) to (iv)up toTrackMaintainerGrade -IIonly.(WhichexcludesmostofmateandkeymenwhoareinGrade-I.)

InviewofabovedisciplinarypowersofAssistantofficersofandseniorsupervisorin-chargeneedtobereviewedforbetterdisciplineandeffectivecontrol.TheforumopinedthattheRailwayBoardmayconsiderproposalofCR.

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Recommendations:

CRtosendadetailedproposaltoRailwayBoardforconsideration.

5.20

WR

Issue of a uniform policy by Railway Board for payment of overtime to trackmachineoperatorsJE/SSE:

InWesternRailwaytheoperatorsoftrackmachinesareconsideredassupervisorystaffandhencenotpaidovertime.However,role&responsibilitiesofaoperatorofthetrackmachinesismoreoversimilartoaLoco-pilotandthereforetheoperatoralsodeserves tobepaid theovertime.Thiswillhelp inabigwayto improvetheutilisation of available trackmachines and also to cope upwith the shortage oftrackmachinesstaff.

Discussedanddropped.

5.21

WR

Issuing of guidelines by Railway Board for increasing of requirement of RestGivers (RG) from 25% to 42% for implementation of 3 weeks roster for trackmachinestaff:

Issue&discussions:

For implementing 3-week roster for TrackMachine staff, the requirement of RGwould increase from 25% to 42%. Presently due to a large number of vacanciesagainst the existing sanctioned cadre as well as additional requirement of RG,Western Railway is not able to implement 3 weeks roster. WR requested thatnecessaryinstructionsfromRailwayBoardtobeissuedearly.

Itwasmentioned that the 3-week rosterwas tried on SECR, and the experiencewas quite encouraging. However on some of the railway it has not receivedfavourableresponse.

Recommendations:

Railwayboardtoexamine.

6.DelegationofPowers,Budget,TendersandContracts

6.1

SER

IncreaseinGM’spower&NormsforsanctionofNewWorks:

Issue:

In view of Railway’s policy of decentralization of powers, the powers of GM forsanctionofNewworksneedsincrease.

Discussedanddropped.

6.2

NCR

DelegationofPowerstoZonalRailways:

Issue:

Powersofzonalrailwaystobeenhanced/liberalisedforexpeditiousdecisionsandbetter utilization of funds and there should not be any restriction for the SafetyrelatedworksandotherthanSafetyrelatedworks.ThedecisionofGMshouldbefinal for sanctioning the work either Safety related or other than Safety relatedworkswithinbudgetaryceilingofRs.12Cr.SimilarlythereshouldbeenhancementofpowerofGMtosanctionTrafficfacilityworksup-toRs.2.5Cr.

Discussedanddropped.

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6.3

CR

IncreaseofquotationpowersforSAGofficers:

Issue&discussion:

Quotationpowerof SAGofficer shouldbeenhanced frompresentRs.4 lakhpercasetoRs.20lakhspercasewithannualceilingofRs.1.5Cr.

ItwasmentionedthattherewasasimilariteminCAO(C)seminaralso,andRailwayBoardmayconsideritsincelotofdifficultieswerebeingfacedinthefield.

Recommendations:

RailwayBoardtoconsiderenhancementofquotationpowers.

6.4

CR

Increaseofpowerstosanctionworkordersunderzonalcontract:

Issue&discussion:

Ceilinglimitforsanctioningofindividualworkorderinzonalcontracttoberaisedfrom2lakhto5lakhforeffectiveimprovementofresidentialandservicebuildings.

PCEswereoftheviewthatthisincreaseisoverdue,consideringtheinflationsincepreviousrevision,

Recommendations:

Railwayboardtoconsiderincreaseofpowerstosanctionworkordersunderzonalcontracts.

6.5

SCR

SufficientbudgetallotmentfornewPBitemsunderPH3100(TrackRenewal):

Issue&discussion:

PCE/SCR has raised the issue that Budget allotted for new PB items (i.e.TRR/CTR/TWR/TTRR) is normally inadequate to meet the expenditure towardsbookingofmaterials,etc.theassociateFinancehasbeenobjectingtopassbills,asrequiredfundsarenotallottedundereachwork,duetothisprogressisheldup.

ItwasrequestedthatthePCEsbeempoweredtore-appropriatefundstovariousworks within Track Renewal plan head. Otherwise suitable instructions may beissued toFinanceDepartment forpassingofexpenditureasawhole for thePlanHead3100andnotw.r.t.Individualworks.

Recommendations:

SCRtosendproposalforconsiderationatRailwayBoard.

6.6

SWR

NFR

DelegationofpowersofRe-appropriationoffundsacrossplan-heads:

Issue&discussions:

Asperexistingdirectives, forall inter-planhead re-appropriationwithinDemandNo.16requirespriorapprovalofRailwayBoard.Thesepowersmaybedelegatedto General Managers/Zonal Railways to make inter-plan head re-appropriationwithin theoverall allotmentof ZonalRailway in the sameallocation likeDRF,DFetc.

Discussedanddropped.

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6.7

CR

IncreasethelimitforsanctionpurchaseofFurniture:

Issue&discussion:

PCE/CRmentionedthatthereisneedtoincreasethelimitsforsanctionofpurchaseoffurnituretoatleast10lakhsperyear.

Itwasmentionedthatthisitempertainstoalldepartment,thereforeCRmayreferittoRailwayBoardthroughGM

Recommendations:

ProposaltobesenttoRailwayBoardthroughGM.

6.8

NFR

ExecutingauthorityforPinkBookworks:

Issue&discussion:

Asperextant instructionofRailwayBoard,executionofworks (other thanTrackRenewal)costingmorethanRs.3.0cr.tobecarriedbyConstructionOrganisationand the works of value less than Rs. 3.0 cr. to be executed by Open LineOrganisation.ConstructionOrganisationofNFRisextremelybusyinlargeprojectsand is often reluctant to do small value works. Considering this, it has beenproposedbyNFRtoRailwayBoardthatthislimitshouldberevisedtoRs.50.0cr.asthelimitofRs.3.0cr.forexecutionofworksbyOpenLinewasfixedin2006,andisfoundtobetoolow.

Discussedanddropped.

6.9

SER

ContractMonitoringthroughIRPSM:

Issue:

Use of IRPSM formonitoring contracts and preparation ofmodules for detailedestimateandtenderschedulewithcompatiblelinkwithe-tendering(IREPS).

Discussion:

IRPSM is presently is utilized primarily for sanction of New works and updatingprogress of works. It is felt that presently IRPSM platform cannot be effectivelyutilizedformonitoringprogressofworksespeciallycontracts.

The present IRPSM system records progress of work as a whole but often-contradictoryprogressandTDCsareentered.Monitoringoftenders&contractsisnot properly done and it is donemanually only on hardcopy files. SER had alsomadefewsuggestions.

ItwasopinedthatSERmaysendaconsolidatedproposalregardingchangessoughttoRailwayBoardforconsideration.

Recommendations:

SERtomakereferencetoRailwayBoard.

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7.Bridges

7.1

NCR

4.5

WCR

Runningofhigheraxleload:

ModificationinspeedcertificateissuedbyRDSO:

Issue:

Phasedrebuildingofbridgesunderrestrictiononaccountoflimitingtractiveeffort.

Modificationtoprovisioninspeedcertificatestolimittractiveeffortsonbridgesbylimiting switch devices provided in the locos, for BGML, RBG spans of specifiedlengths.

Discussion:

NCRmentionedthatoutoftotal5,385nos.ofbroadgaugebridgesapproximately2583 nos. of bridges are of BGML standard & 2,043 nos. of bridges are of RBGstandard. Presently CC+8+2 axle load is permitted at 60 km/h on almost all theroutes. In double-headed condition locos have been permitted by limiting thetractive effort per loco to 30 T on 165 bridges of BGML & RBG standard. It ispracticallynotpossibletoimplementthisconditionandmonitortheobservanceoftractiveeffortlimitingdeviceinthefield.Presentemphasisisonuniversalizationof25 T axle load running to increase throughput. It is suggested as a policy thatbridgesrequiringrestrictionoftractioneffortonidentifiedroutesshouldberebuiltinaphasedmanner.

PCE/WCR supplemented that on WCR there are 278 bridges with similarrestrictions. The Railway Board's instructions regarding placement of indicationboards(TE30)fordriversisalsonotpracticallyfeasible,noritispossibletoensurewhethertractionlimitingdeviceiseitherworkingordriversareusingit,whereverrequiredorindicated.

In RDSO speed certificates, in many cases, in order to limit tractive efforts onbridges, it is said thatdriverswilloperate limiting switchdevicesprovided in thelocos, for BGML, RBG spans of specified lengths. It is very difficult for driver torememberthelistofsuchbridgesandalsoverydifficultforthefieldstafftoputthespeedrestriction/ instructionsonbridges forobservanceof these instructions inthe fields. Therefore, locowith such stipulations should not be cleared by RDSOotherwiseitmayleadtoseriousaccidents.

ItwasalsosuggestedthattosolvethisissuelocotrollscouldbetriedonIR.

Recommendations:

1. No new loco with the provision of tractive effort limiting switch should beconsideredforapproval.

2. Existing cases of such bridges should be reviewed & strengthening to beproposedbyzonalrailway.

3. Locotrollsmaybetried.

Page32of49

7.2

SCR

Planningofimportant/majorbridges:

Issue&Discussions:

Planning/Construction of Important/Major Bridges in Doubling/Tripling projectsrequiresdetailedstudyandproperunderstandingofriverbehaviourinthevicinityof the hydraulic structures is extremely important in their planning, design andmaintenancepartfromsafetyofthestructures.

SCRemphasisedthatinDoubling/TriplingprojectsnewbridgeshouldpreferablybesituatedonDownstreamside (ofexistingbridge),especially if theexistingbridgehasdeepfoundationsoastominimizeadditionalscouronexistingbridgeduetoeddy formation on account of new bridge being constructed on upstream side.There is a likelihood in caseof heavy flooding, eddy formationand scouron thedownstream sideof newbridgemayhave someeffect on the foundationof theexistingbridge.Understandingoftheriverbehaviourupstreamanddownstreamofhydraulicstructureshelpsintheirproperplanning,designandmaintenance.

Inviewof theabove, it issuggestedthatastudymaybeconductedtostudytheeffect of new bridge on the foundation of the existing old bridge and issue theguidelinesforplanningofnewbridge,adjacenttotheexistingbridge.

ItwasalsomentionedthatSCRhasalreadyproposeditforconsiderationbyBSC.

Discussedandclosed.

7.3

WCR

DesignofBridgeswithrespecttodeepscreeningbyBCM.

Issue&discussions:

ThedesignofPSCslab,compositegirdersandU-typegirdersissuedbyRDSOisnotsuitablefordeepscreeningusingBCM.Thisneedstobeelaboratedasitmayleadtoproblemsinfuture.

ED/CE(P)mentionedthatthis issuehasalreadybeendiscussedinTSCandcertainrecommendationshavebeenmadeonwhichbridgedirectorateofRDSOhadsomereservations. ED/B&Smentioned that the issues flagged by bridge directorate ofRDSOneedtobereviewedconsideringthegenuinedifficultiesfacedinfield.

Recommendations:

RDSO to review designs of PSC slab, composite girders and U-type girders,consideringtherecommendationsmadebyTSC.

7.4

SWR

SidefootpathforPSCSlabof12.2m:

Issue:

Provisionofsidewalk-wayonPSCbridges.

Discussion:

The side footpaths for steel girder bridges are being provided in this railway forlong/multiplespanbridgesforthesafetyofmaintenancestaff.ThePSCGirdersarealsohavingprovisionofsidepathwayoverdeckslab.However,alargenumberofnew PSC slab bridges of 12.20 m multiple spans are being constructed byConstruction Wing/RVNL under GC, doubling and new lines. PSC slab bridgesespecially of 12.20 m as per RDSO drawing No. B 10271 does not have the

Page33of49

provision of side footpath. Therefore, there should be provision in the RDSOstandard drawing of 12.2 m PSC slab bridges to cater for safety of P-Way andBridgeStaffoversuchmultiplespanBridges.

Recommendations:

RDSOtoreviewexistingdrawingsandreviseasrequired.

7.5

NFR

ProvisionofInspectionladderinbridges:

Issue&discussions:

Nostandarddrawingforinspectionladdersisavailableatpresentforinspectionofbearings. As a result, mostly it is left to the field executives of constructionorganization who are deciding this small but yet vital item of inspectionarrangement. The risk ismanifoldespecially in tall bridgeswhereofficialshad toget down for inspection of Bearings. Therefore, it is imperative that a standarddrawingshouldbeissuedbyRDSOforinspectionladder.

Discussedanddropped.

7.6

WCR

DesignofROB:

Issue&discussions:

PCE/WCRmentionedthatindesignofROBloadingconditionasperAMENDMENTNO. 1/IRC:6-2014/JANUARY2014 clause 204.5 Special Vehicle (SV)IRC Class SVLoading: SpecialMultiAxleHydraulicTrailerVehicle shouldalsobeadopted.Theexisting bridge designs should also be checked and validated for new loadingstandards.

Recommendations:

RDSO is already designing girder for ROB with new loading. However the olddesignsshouldalsobecheckedfornewloadingstandard.

7.7

WCR

ModificationindesignofFOBissuedbyRDSO:

Issue&discussions:

PCE/WCRmentionedthatRDSOhasdevelopedtheFOBdrawingsasaplategirdertype,whichisnoteconomical.ThedeckslaboftheFOBiscastinsituthereforeitissuggestedtodesignFOBasacompositegirderbyprovidingshearconnector,itwillbereducethedepthofgirderandoverallcost.ForFOBs,standardDrawingwithN-type truss may also be issued. This will economical as compare to I-sections.PCE/SRmentioned that a design has already been developed in SR and used insomeoftheFOBs.

Recommendations:

SRshallsenddesigntoRDSOforcheckandissueofstandarddrawing.

7.8

SR

Revision in IRSOD - Locations having FOBonPFs between two trackswithonesidefencing.

Issue:

Revision of IRSOD provisions regarding minimum horizontal distance to anybuildingorlongitudinalboundaryfencefromcentrelineoftrackonislandplatform

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serving one side as most of the existing island platforms, serving one side, arenarrow and hence the SOD provision of 6.83 m restricts locating FOBlanding/subwayonsuchplatforms.

Discussion:

PCE/SRmentionedthatasperACSNo.11toIRSOD2004, theminimumhorizontaldistanceofanybuildingorlongitudinalboundaryfencefromcentrelineoftrackisgivenas6.83munderitem7(b)(i).Incaseofapassengerplatformwhichhappenstobeanislandplatformbutfencedononeside(therebyonlyonesideofplatformdealingwith trains), this stipulationneeds tobe revisedas the real intentof thestipulationistoprovideadequatespaceatthemainplatformgenerallycateringtothestationentranceforvariouspurposessuchasstalls,movementofrailwaystaff,dealwithmainentrancerush,etc.

However, in case of island platforms serving one side, this stipulation does notarise and fencing provided on the non-platform side, the stipulated horizontaldistance of 6.83 m needs revision and reduction, as most of the existing islandplatforms, servingoneside,arenarrow inwidthandhence theSODprovisionof6.83mcomeinthewayoflocatingFOBlanding/subwayonsuchplatforms.Itwassuggested that for island platforms which serve only one side, with other sidefenced,provision/clauseofpara7(a)(ii)underChapter II–StationYardsof IRSOD(ACSNo.11)forislandplatformsshouldbeapplicable.AstheIRSODissilentaboutthis issue, it is suggested to either incorporate the same in IRSOD or clarify byRailwayBoard.ThiswillresultinavoidinglargenumberofCRSsanctioncasesbeingprocessedforcondonationofsuchinfringements.

Recommendations:

SRtomakedetailedreferencetoRailwayBoard.

7.9

SER

Guide lines for approval of launching schemes in connectionwith launching ofgirdersforROB/Flyoverbridges,constructedbyConstructionOrganization:

Issue:

Issueofguidelines for theapprovalof the launching schemes in connectionwithlaunchingofgirdersforROBsandFlyoversoverrunningtracksconstructedbytheConstructionOrganization.

Discussion:

PCE/SER mentioned that Railway Board’s guidelines indicate that in case ofDoubling/GaugeConversion,theGeneralArrangementDrawingsforall theMajorBridgesaswellasforthebridgeswherelinearwaterwaysisbeingreducedortheverticalclearancesareinadequatebesidesproblembridgesshouldbeapprovedbyCBE on behalf of CE (Open line). However, the Construction Departmentwill beresponsible for thedesignof the structuresand its safety.But,noguidelinesareavailablefortheapprovalofthelaunchingschemesinconnectionwithlaunchingofgirdersforROBsandFlyoversoverrunningtracksconstructedbytheConstructionOrganization.

The issue was discussed in detail and the forum opined that this being only adesignissue,thelaunchingschemebealsoapprovedbyconstructionDepartmentlikeotherdesigninsteadofopenline.

Page35of49

Recommendations:

The launching scheme of girders for ROBs and Flyovers over running tracksconstructed, by the Construction Organization, to be approved by ConstructionOrganization.

7.10

NWRDispensingwithCRSsanctionforlaunchingofFOBandfoundationworkofROB:

Issueanddiscussions:

PCE/NWRbroughtoutthatinoneofthecase,forsanction,CRSmadeobservationsas tohowtheworkof foundationandSub-structurestartedcouldbecarriedoutwithout CRS sanction. It is necessary to start the foundation and Sub structureworkinadvance,whicharenotaffectingthesafetyoftrackfortimelycompletionofGC/Doublingproject.TheFOBbeingalightstructureandlaunchingistobedoneincompletetrafficblock,sothereappearstobenoneedofCRSsanctionforsuchworks. So it is further suggested that sanctionofCRSmaybedispensedwith forlaunchingofFOBandfoundationworkofROBandFOB.

Therewas detailed discussions took place duly considering provisions of variousact, codes,manuals and instructions in vogue aswell as implications of changesbeingsought.Itwasconcludedthatthepresentinstructionsareadequateandnomodificationsarenecessary.

Discussedandclosed.

7.11

WCRFixingofOHEintunnels:

Issue&discussion:

PCE/WCRraisedanissuethatforthefixingofOHE&otherstructures,intunnels,aseparate structure shall be designed so that existing tunnels do not carry anyadditionalload.Sincetheseoldtunnelsareinporous/fracturedstratumandhavinglotofseepageandfallingofloosematerials,theirbehaviourunderadditionalloadcould become further un-predictable. He also mentioned that WCR has alreadyreferredthisissuetoRDSOalongwithasuggestedscheme.

Recommendations:

The issuehasbeenalready referred toRDSObyWCR.TheRDSOtoexpedite theproposalsentbyWCR.

7.12

NERSleeperSpacingonBridgeGirders:

Issue:

Alteration in sleeper spacing on girder bridges, to consider thewidth of channelsleeper.

Discussion:

PCENERmentioned that as per para 4.0ofA&C slipNo. 128 IRPWM,maximumsleeper spacing on girder bridges should be 600mm centre to centre and cleardistancebetweentwosleepersshouldnotbemorethan450mm.Inthiscontext,itistomentionthatthewidthofchannelsleeperis230mm,therefore,keeping450mmcleargapbetweensleepers,thecentretocentrespacingcomesout680mm.itwas also mentioned that the width of top flange of cross girders in variousdrawings,for25Topenwebgirderspans,issuedbyRDSOrangesfrom400to500

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mm.Withwidth of steel channel sleepers being 230mm, total centre to centredistanceofsleepersadjacenttocrossgirderswillbeminimum640mm,730mm,680mmand630mmrespectivelywhicharehigherthatmaximumcentretocentrespacing between sleepers provided as 600 mm in IRPWM, therefore calling forsuitablechangesintheprovision.

Recommendations:

RDSO to issue suitable guidelines, when clear sleeper spacing is more than 450mm.Regardingspacingofchannelsleeperonbridges, itneedstobereviewedonlowerside.

7.13

NCR

Need to develop more effective design of creep anchors for Steel channelsleepersbyRDSOinsteadofFair‘V’typecreepanchors:

Issue:

DevelopmentofmoreeffectivedesignofcreepanchorsforsteelchannelsleepersinsteadofFair‘V’typecreepanchors.

Discussion:

NCRbroughtoutthatthereisproblemofexcesscreepinrailsleadingtofrequentpullingbackofrailsforadjustmentofgapatSEJsprovidedonalternatepiersatBr.No.30 (14*61m+2*12m=16spans)onriverYamunabetweenNaini-Allahabad.Onthisbridgethereisatypicalbearingarrangementi.e.Roller-RollerononepierandRocker-Rocker on thenext pierwithprovisionof SEJs at alternatepiers andFair‘V’typecreepanchorsprovidedinthecentreofweldedrailsnearRockerends.But,theseanchorsarenotfoundeffectiveinarrestingcreepinrails.

Thus, there appears to be a need to develop more effective design of creepanchors by RDSO for use with Steel channel sleepers on such bridges to arrestcreep.

Recommendations:

RDSOtoexamineandproposesuitablesolotion.

7.14

SR

Delegationofpowerstoprocurestructuralsteelforfabricationofgirders:

Issue:

Delegation of powers, to CE/TP or CE/WS of zoanl railway, to procure structuralsteelforfabricationofgirdersfortimelyprocurement.

Discussion:

PCE/SRmentioned that at present, thematerials required for the fabrication ofbridgegirdersarebeingprocuredthroughStoresDepartmentbyplacingrequisiteindents.Veryoften,theentirequantityofmaterialisnotreceivedinonegoduetovarious procedures involved in the tendering process. With the result, thoughabout80to90%oftherequiredsteelisreceivedbyWorkshop,thegirdersarenotgettingfabricatedfully.

Hence it is desirable to delegate the powers to procure the structural steelrequired formanufacturing of the steel girders by either CE/TP or CE/WSof theZonalRailway.

Discussedandclosed.

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7.15

SCR

Nomenclatureofspanarrangementforthebridges:

Issue:

Standardizationofnomenclatureofspanarrangementforthebridges.

Discussion:

PCE/SCRmentionedthatbridgesarehistoricallyfexpressedintermsofclearspangivingimportancetolinearwaterway.InrecenttimesduetotheadoptionofPSCgirder, RCC pier column etc., majority of times the span is getting reduced orincreased and measurement of span is non uniform. For example whileconstructionofabridgeof5x18.30mRDSOstandard,spanwasindicatedas1x17.50m+3x18.30m+1x17.50m.Thismayleadtoawrongunderstandingtothefieldofficialsastheabovebridgeisgivinganindicationasifitisacombinationof standard andNon-Standard spans/girders. Thismay also lead to confusion incaseofRHgirdersarerequiredtobeprovidedonsuchtypeofbridges,incaseofexigencies. Construction organisation is planning and constructingmany of thebridges in their projects usingRDSO standard spans. But, it is observed that thenomenclaturewiseitgivestheimpressionofadoptingasNon-standardspanseventhough where the standard spans are used, maintaining the overall length assame. It is suggested that Nomenclature should be continued as per standardpracticeatRDSOclearspan(mentioningtheoveralllengthofthegirdersorcentretocentrespandistanceetc.),dulymentioningavailablefieldclearspaninbracketviz., Presently written as, 2x17.50m + 3x18.30m, to be modified as 5x18.3mstandardspan (Clearspan) (2x17.50m-abutment topier+3x18.30m-pier topier)

As all Railway works are essentially standardized, especially bridges as it willfacilitate inquick restoration in theeventofwash-outonaccountof floodsetc.,andsometimesduringaccidents.Thiswillalsofacilitateinquickanalysisofbridgesasandwhen“the Introductionofhigheraxle loadsor increaseofspeeds”ontheexistingtracks.

Discussedandclosed.

7.16

WR

ExclusionofPipeBridgesofdiameter600mmandless(Singlepipes)frombridgelist.

Issue:

Exclusionofsmallirrigationpipebridges,of600mmdiaorless,frombridgeslist.

Discussions:

WRmentionedthatthereareapproximately766pipebridgesmostlyhavingsinglepipes of diameter 600 mm and less in WR. These pipes appear to have beenprovidedmainly for irrigationpurpose at the timeof constructionof the railwaylines. As per para 2.15 of “Code of practice for the design of substructure andfoundation of bridges”, any opening across the track formation for discharge ofwater,vehicle,menorsimilarpurposeshouldbeconsideredasbridge.Ithasbeenmentioned in the IRBM (vide Advance correction slip No. 25) that theminimumclearspanof1mshouldbeprovidedinnewbridgesandduringrebuildingbridgeson existing lines minimum headroom of 1.2 m should be provided for propermaintenance of these bridges. Since a large number of such existing pipes of

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diameter less than 600 mm is to be extended/rebuilt for gaugeconversion/doubling works. Most of these pipes might have been provided forenabling irrigationof fieldsoneither side. Theextensionand rebuildingof theseold pipes with larger diameter pipes or Boxes having 1 m width and 1.2 mheadroomcan’tbeconsideredrational.Hence,consideringthesepipesasirrigationdrains (instead of bridges) these can be simply extended/rebuilt using pipes ofsamediameter(orequivalentdiameter)asexisting,duringGCworksordoubling.Thereforethesesmall irrigationpipedrainsshouldnotbecountedasbridgesandthese drains shall be entered in a separate register for maintenance purpose.Necessary correction in para 2.15 of “Code of practice for the design ofsubstructureandfoundationofbridges"bealsodone.

Theissuewasdiscussedthreadbareandtheforumopinedthattheissueneedstobeexamine.

Recommendations:

RDSOtoexaminetheissueandmakesuitablerecommendationsforconsiderationofRailwayBoard.

7.17

WR

CarrierPipepassingthroughRCCBox(ascasing)belowthetrack:

Issue:

StipulationofminimumclearancebetweenthecarrierpipeandsidewallsofRCCBox aswell as the top slab, in case of carrier pipe passing through RCC box (ascasing)belowthetrack.

Discussions:

WRmentionedthatguidelineswereissuedbyforpipelinecrossingsunderrailwaytrack for conveyance of water, sewage, petroleum products etc. As per theseguidelines suitably designed RCC box is required to be used as casing for carrierpipes intended for the conveyanceofwater, sewage, petroleumproducts etc. incase diameter of carrier pipes exceeds 1700mm. however in the case of carrierpipepassingthroughRCCbox(ascasing)belowthetrack,theminimumclearancebetweenthecarrierpipeandsidewallsofRCCBoxaswellas the topslab isnotmentionedintheseguidelines.

In order to facilitate future maintenance of the carrier pipe and therepair/rehabilitationoftheRCCboxitself,aclearanceof1,000mmfromthecarrierpipe to the side walls of RCC box is suggested based onminimum opening sizeprescribed for railway culverts so that a person can inspect and may carry outmaintenance/repairofthesidewalls.Likewiseaclearanceof1800mmfromtopofcarrierpipetothetopslabofRCCboxissuggestedsothatapersoncanstandonatemporaryplatformerectedandcarry-out repairof soffitof topslabofRCCbox.WRalsomentionedthatthisissuehasalreadybeenreferredtoRDSO.

Recommendations:

RDSOtoexamineandaddresstheissueraisedbyWR.

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7.18

WR

RequirementofclearanceforPSC/RCCslabbridges:

Issue:

Applicationofdispensationclauseforthenewbridgesofthedoublinglinesandincaseofslabbridgestherequirementofclearancecanbestipulatedaszeroasthereisnolikelihoodofwashawayoftheslabtypespans.

Discussions:

WRmentionedthataspercodalprovisionsRCCboxeshavebeenpermittedtorunfull and even with heading up of water above top of the box so far we do notviolate condition ofminimum free board of 1m. On the other hand, in case ofotherbridgeslikeslabbridges,girderbridgesetc.,minimumclearanceof600mmhasbeenstipulatedkeepinginmindthatfloatingobjectsshouldnothitthesuperstructureandincaseofslightfloodingmorethanHFLalsoshouldnotcausewashawayofthesuperstructure.

Whereveritisdifficulttomaintaintheminimumclearanceincaseofrebuildingonexistinglinesandingaugeconversionprojectsdispensationclausevidepara4.8.3ofthesubstructurecodehastobeusedfrequently.However,incaseofdoublingsuchdispensationclauseisnotavailablethoughsimilardifficultiesarebeingfacedforkeepingrequiredclearanceforthenewbridgesofthedoublingoflines,whichalsopassthroughtheexistingLCsandexistingyardsandthushavingconstraintforraisingoflevels.

Therefore, it is necessary that dispensation clause should bemade applicable tothe new bridges of the doubling lines also and in case of slab bridges therequirement of clearance can be stipulated as zero as slabs are quite heavystructuresvis-à-vissteelgirdersofcorrespondingspansandthere isno likelihoodofwashawayoftheslabtypespans.Inabsenceofabovesuggesteddispensation,just in order to comply with the codal provisions, field engineers are opting toconstructmostlyRCCboxtypebridgesasfaraspossible,whichisnotcorrectandnotagoodpracticeasitisdifficulttorehabilitatedegradedboxstructuresanditisalso difficult to strengthen box structures for any kind of future higher loadingwhich in turn will necessitate more rebuilding of such box bridges in future.Thereforedispensationclauseshouldbemadeapplicabletothenewbridgesofthedoublinglinesalsoandincaseofslabbridgestherequirementofclearancecanbestipulatedaszero.

Recommendations:

RDSOtoexaminetheissue.

7.19

WR

BowStringArchTypestandardRDSOspansv/sThroughTypespansforROBs:

Issue:

Adoptionofthroughtypespansinsteadofbow-stringarchtypespans.

Discussions:

WR brought out that RDSO has standardised bow-string arch type steel girderspansforROBsforspansrangingfrom30mto72m.Oncomparisonofbow-stringarch type girder with Steel composite type girder, there is definite economy ofmaterial in terms weight of steel. Bowstring arch type spans have a number of

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limitationslikethesecannotbelaunchedbycantileverlaunchingmethod,difficultyin providing closely spaced supporting trestles in case of multiple tracks,assembling/erectionofbowstringspanrequiresiteweldingbySAW,whichmightnot be possible at site without a full fledged workshop at site, in-servicereplacementofweldedmemberswillbe tougherascomparedtoreplacementofmembersofthroughtypegirders.ThoughRDSOhasstandardisedBowstringarchtype girder spans, it is to suggest that across Railway tracks, we should go forthroughtypespans insteadofBowstringarchspanswhichwouldnothavetheselimitations.

ItwasalsomentionedthatthisitemisalreadybeingdeliberatedbyBSCformakingsuitablerecommendations.

Discussedandclosed.

8.LevelCrossingsandROB/RUB/LHS

8.1

SCR

Censusforthelevelcrossinggates:

Issue&discussion:

Presently twowheelers arenotbeing countedwhile taking the traffic census fortheLCgates.HenceasuitableweightagemaybegivenfortwowheelersfortakingthetrafficcensusattheLCgates.

ED/CE(P)mentionedthatthisissueisalreadytakenupfordiscussionsinTSC.

Discussedandclosed.

8.2

NWR

JointCensusofLevelcrossings:

Issue:

Outsourcing census at level crossing gate through continuous video recordingbyprovidingvideocamerasatLCsandcountingthereafter.

Discussion:

PCE/NWRelaboratedthatasperIRPWM,CensusofTrafficatalllevelcrossings,istobetakenonceeverythreeyears.ThecensusiscarriedoutbyamultidisciplinaryinspectorialteamconsistingofrepresentativesofCE,S&IandTrafficDepartmentsforaperiodof7days(Day&Night).Itisnotpracticalandposibletodeputeteamof3departmentscontinuouslyfor7days&7nights.OnNWRifthiscensusistobedoneonallthelevelcrossingsitwouldrequire14,700man-daysofsupervisorforeachdepartment.(Approximately75fulltimesupervisoronlyforthisjob).

It was suggested that census at level crossing gate may be carried out byoutsourcingthroughcontinuousvideorecordingbyprovidingvideocamerasatLCsand counting thereafter. If required, this may be further analysed by multiinspectorialteamassamplecheck.

The forum opined and recommended that it is a better system for conductingcensus,sincerecordswouldalsoremainavailableforverificationatalaterdate.

Recommendations:

Censusatlevelcrossinggatemaybecarriedoutbycontinuousvideorecordingandcountingthereafter.

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8.3

NWR

NormalpositionofmannedLCs:

Issue:

Normal position of all manned LCs should be open to road traffic and no trainmovementbeallowedwithoutexchangeofprivatenumber.

Discussion:

PCE/NWR mentioned that as per Railway Boards instructions regarding Normalposition of LC gate the decision about changing the normal position ofmannedLevel Crossing gate (Non interlocked) from ‘closed to Road traffic’ to ‘open toRoadtraffic’canbetakenbyDRMwiththeapprovalofPCE&COMafterfulfillingcertainconditions.

AsperrailwayBoard’sguidelinesasystemneedtobeevolvedfor thosemannednon-interlocked LC gate which are normally kept closed to Road traffic, so thatroad traffic can be allowed to pass around every 20minutes by opening of thegates.OncetheLCisopenedaroundevery20minutestheroadtrafficwillnotbeable to build-up to an unmanageable level. This will require opening of get forminimum72timesin24Hrs.&exchangeofprivateno.forover144times.AsSMshavetendencytoavoidresponsetogatekeeper&thereforetendencyofgatemanistosuccumbtothepressureofroaduserforopeningofgateswithoutexchangeofprivatenumberswithSMs&thereforecausingunsafeconditions.

Sincemostof theaccidentsonmannedLCsgatehavingnormalaspect ‘closedtoRoad Traffic’ have taken place due to opening of gates by gateman withoutexchange of private no.with StationMaster, hence, non interlockedmanned LCgates having normal aspect 'closed to Road traffic' continue to be major safetyconcernasfarasaccidentofmannedLCgateareconcerned

Itwas suggested that allmanned level crossing be allowedwith normal position“opentoroadtraffic”,whichfurtherenhancessafetyasnotrainmovementwouldbeallowedwithoutexchangeofprivatenumberbySM&Gateman.

It was also mentioned that this issue is already decided by TSC and necessarycorrectiontoIRPWMisbeingprocessedatRailwayBoard.

Discussedandclosed.

8.4

NER

ReviewofWhistleBoard:

Issue&Discussion:

W/LBoard&repeaterW/LBoardaretobeprovidedatalllevelcrossingsandtheirnumber isvery large inRailwaysystem.Atpresent,twoboardsonsamerailpostonpretextofBilingualBoardarebeingprovided(inHindiasसी/फाandinEnglishasW/L).However,asignageboard,onlyoneboardwithclearsignageforlongwhistlecouldservethepurpose.Itwillresultinlargesavingintermsofmoneyaswellasmaintenanceefforts.

Discussedanddropped.

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8.5

WCR

8.6

SECR

ReplacementofLCgatesbyROBinplaceofLHS:

DrainageproblemsinRUBs:

Issues:

ReplacementofLCgateswillhavebyconstructionofROBatRailwayCostinsteadofcostsharing,ifLCaretobeeliminatedfromthesystems.

The responsibility of maintenance of road passing through subway, lighting,drainagesystem,diversionroadandanyotheralliedworktorestwithstategovt.

Discussion:

PCE/WCRmentioned that for replacement of LCwithROBon cost sharing basis,TUV has to bemore than 1 lakhs or LC to fall in busy yard where opening andclosureofgateisrequiredformorethan12occasions.(IRPWMPara925(2)).OtherlevelcrossinggatescanbereplacedbyLHSWheresufficientembankmentheightisthereandthereisnodrainageproblem.

There are majority of LC gates which are situated on level grounds, therefore,constructionoffullheightofRUBisnotfeasibleandnotdesirableasheavytrafficcannot be detained during monsoon seasons on account of drainage problem.Therefore these LC gates will have to be replaced by ROBs. For which policiesdirectionwillhavetobechangedforconstructionofROBatRailwayCostinsteadofcostsharing,ifLCaretobeeliminatedfromthesystems.

ED/CE(B&S), mentioned that cost sharing provisions already exist in engineeringcode. He also concluded that subway should be provided, wherever technicallyfeasible,otherwiseROBshouldbeprovidedasperextentinstructions.

PCE/SECR stated that Railway Board’s guidelines Level Crossings, which do notqualifyforsanctionofRUBoncostsharingbasis,shouldbeplannedforeliminationbySubwaysatRailway’scost.Ithasalsobeenstipulatedthattheresponsibilityforthe maintenance of the road passing through the subway, lighting, drainagesystem, and any other allied works will rest on State Govt. On request fromRailway, only Govt. of Chhattisgarh have issued instructions that too only toMunicipal Corporations which covers only a few subways for arrangingmaintenanceofroadpassingthroughthesubway, lightingarrangement,drainageetc.ButnodirectionhasbeenissuedbyGovt.ofMaharashtra,Odisha,&MadhyaPradesh. This is resulting into serious drainage problems in RUBs and complaintfrompublicduringrainyseason.

It is suggested that RUB should be constructed only where natural drainage ispossible.Atotherlocations,ROBs/LROBsshouldonlybeplanned.

Recommendations:

Subway/RUBs should be provided, wherever technically feasible, otherwise ROBshouldbeprovidedasperextentinstructions

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9.LandLicensing,PassengerAmenitiesandWorks

9.1

SCR

Policyonlandlicensingforconcretesleeperfactories:

Issue:

LevyingnominalrentonthelandlicensedtoPSCsleeperplants.

Discussion:

PCE/SCR mentioned that Railway Board policy guidelines vide circular No.88/W2/LM/18/87dtd.29-8-95regardinglicensingofRailwaylandforsettingupofconcretesleeper factoriesare tobe followed.Thiscirculardtd.29-8-95hassincebeensupersededwithBoard’sMastercircularNo.2005/LML/18/8dtd.10-02-2005.Ithasbeenstipulatedthatforworkingoutthelicensefeeforlandgivenforsleepermanufacturing firms,categoryofpara3.1 (a)meant forRailway relatedactivitieswillbeapplicablealongwithotherprovisionsmentionedinBoard’scircularsupra.

Forthosecases,wherethelicensingfeeasmutuallyagreeduponandalreadybeingpaidismorethanthefeeaswillbeworkedoutbasedontheaboveBoard’scirculardtd.10-02-2005,forsuchcases,licensefeealreadybeingchargedshouldcontinuetobelevied.Theissueofcontinuingthehigherlicensefeegainsspecialimportancein viewof theBoard’s recentmodification toBoard’s letterNo.2014/LML-II/18/5dtd.29-02-2016,wherebytheEvaluator’srateisdeletedfromtheBoard’sMastercirculardtd.10-2-2005.Further,sincethelandisonlyusedforthemanufactureofPSCsleeperstoRailways,higherchargesof licensefeeshallreflect inthebidsforthesleeperplants.

PCE/SCEsuggestedthatRailwayBoardmightconsiderlevyingonlyanominalrenton the land tobe licensed toPSC sleeperplants.However, topreventmisuseofthis,RailwayBoardmayfixnormsfortheareaoflandtobelicensedatthenominalratesbasedonproductioncapacityandotherfactors.Anyareaofadditional landcanbeatmarketratesonusualterms.

Recommendations:

SCR to send proposal, with concurrance from finance, to Railway Board forconsideration.

9.2

SR

EvictionofencroachersfromsafetyzoneinChennaiarea–Policyonresettlementandrehabilitationoftheencroachers:

Issue&discussion:

PCE/SCRstatedthatthereareabout700softencroachmentsinthesafetyzonesinNorth Chennai area. As the encroachers are misusing the railway land despiteconstructing the compoundwall and preventing Railways in undertaking regularsafety relatedworks resulting in impositionof temporary speed restrictionof 20km/h.ActionwastakenbyChennaidivisiontoevicttheencroachersasperPPEAct1971/2015. However, as per the advice of Chennai City Police, the evictionprogrammewasdropped.

Subsequently,asperthedirectivesofNationalGreenTribunal(SouthZone),ChiefSecretary to Tamil Nadu State Government held a meeting with GM/SouthernRailway andothers concernedon07-10-2016.During themeeting the Secretary,

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Housing & Urban Development stated that the rehabilitation and resettlementpolicy is formulated by GOI and Railway being the land owning department isboundtoundertakeresettlementandrehabilitationaspertheGovernmentpolicyintandemwiththeStateAgencies.PrincipalSecretary,GovernmentofTamilNadurequested Railways to process for the approval of Railway Boardwith regard toresettlementandrehabilitationoftheencroachersonreceiptoftheproposalfromTamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board. Railway Board is requested to kindly issuedirectives whether resettlement and rehabilitation of the encroachers is theconcernofRailwaysasperthepolicyofGOI.

The issue raisedby SRwasdiscussed threadbareand the forumwasof the viewthatexistinginstructions/policyareadequateandnecessaryactiontobetakenasperexistingpolicyandextentinstruction.

Discussedandclosed.

9.3

SR

CommercialexploitationofvacantrailwaylandthroughRLDA-IssueofOSR:

Issue:

Transferof10%oflandas‘Giftdeed’infavourofStateGovernmentofTamilNadutowards open space reservation (OSR) on the sites entrusted for commercialdevelopmentintheStateofTamilNadu:

Discussedanddropped.

9.4

NCR

TransferoflicenseofRailwaylandtothePowerofattorneyholders/legalheir:

Issue:

Delegation of powers to transfer land license to the Power of attorneyholders/legalheirinviewoflargenumberofpendingcasesforregularizationandtodecideonreferencedateforreckoningtimelimit.

Discussion:

NCR brought out that in case where plot holders are running their business onbehalfoforiginallicensessonpowerofattorney,thepresentplotholdersmaybeaskedtoapplyafreshforallotementofthesameintheirname.Therateoflicensefeeshouldbefixedat20%ofthemarketvalueoflandasprovidedinBoard’slettersubjecttorealizationofalloutstandingdueswith7%interestbeforeenteringintofreshagreementasaonetimeexceptionwiththeconditionthatplot/shopshouldnotbetransferredorsoldonpowerofattorneytoanyone.

RailwayBoardhadalsostipulatedthatconsideringthemagnitudeoftheproblemandhugerevenuelosstoRailway,anddecidedtopermitonetimeopportunityforchangeofnameofallottee,regardlessofwhethertheyarelegalheirsornot,oftheoriginalallotteessubjecttocertainconditions.

Accordingly the plot/shop holders who are running their business of behalf oforiginallicenseesonpowerofattorneycanbeaskedtoapplyafreshforallotmentofthesameshopintheirname.However,Thereisnotimelimitastosincewhentheyarerunningtheirbusinessonpowerofattorney.

InthisconnectionfollowingsuggestionsweremadebyNCR-

(i) Timelimitofpowerofattorneyhasnotbeenmentioned.Hereboard’sletter

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gives perception that 05 years period of allotment will be considered fromfreshagreementwithpowerofattorneyholders.

If the allottee has expired more than 05 years ago or the agreement hasexpiredmorethan05yearsago,thenitshouldbepossibletoenterintofreshagreement with the present occupant (POA holder or legal heir) from thepresentdatefornext05years.

(ii) Apartfromthis,Competencyofapprovalforsuchtypeofrenewalisnotclearin the letterof26.07.2004.Sincesuchcasesnumbersaremorehence thesecasesshouldbedecidedatdivisionleveli.e.SectionalSr.DEN/DEN.

PCEswereof the view thatpowers should remain vestedwithGM.However forotherissues,NCRmaymakereferencetoRailwayBoard.

Recommendations:

NCRtomakereferencetoL&AdirectorateofRailwayBoard

9.5

NCR

Commercial Plantationof fruit’sbearing treesonRailway land throughearningcontract:

Issue&discussion:

Inrailway,alongthetrackvacantlandisavailableforafforestation.Inmanyplacesafforestation is doneby railwaybut survival of theseplants are lowdue to littlecare. For afforestation of vacant Railway land, earning contract can be awardedthrough normal tendering procedure for planting fruit bearing trees and theirharvestingfor10-15year.AgencycanbeallowedtoprovidefencingandwateringarrangementonRailway land. Fencingwill alsoprotect railway land andpreventcattle to come inRailway limit. Thiswayafforestation canbedone inabigway,whichwillgiveannualearningtoRailway.

Discussedanddropped.

9.6

NCR

ProblemsfacedinimplementationofGrowMoreFoodScheme:

Issue:

ToaddressproblemsfacedinimplementationofGrowMoreFoodScheme.

Discussion:

NCRbroughtoutthatGrowMoreFoodisoneofthefocusareasthisyear. Intheguide lines on the subject matter, some problems are being faced inimplementationofGrowMoreFoodSchemewithregardtolargenumberofsmallsized plots, assessment of revenue, which depends on large number of naturalfactors,issuesrelatingtosecuritydeposit,paymentetc.

Recommendations:

NCRtosendproposaltoRailwayBoard.

9.7

SCR

TestCheckForSr.DEN/DENsinvariousworks:

Issue&discussion:

PCE/SCRrequestedthattheinstructionsontestcheckwerelastadvisedintheyear2000 andneeds tobe revised early. Itwasmentioned that a proposal hadbeen

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sentfromzonalrailwayisinprocessatRailwayBoard.

Recommendations:

Railwayboardtoexpedite.

9.8

SR

StandardizationofWaterRecyclingPlants(WRP):

Issue&discussion:

PCE/SCRmentionedthatwherever theworksare takenupbyEngg.Department,theyaremadeofRCC/Masonrystructures,whereas,theworkstakenupbyMech.Department, these structures aremade ofOver head Steel Structures as part ofturnkeyproject. It issuggestedthatRDSOmayissueStandardDrawingsforWRPsof various capacities suchas0.20MLD,0.20 to0.50MLD,0.50 to1.00MLDandmorethan1.00MLD.

Discussedanddropped.

9.9

CR

ProvisionofpassengeramenitiesonPFsinvariousprojects:

Issuediscussion:

AllpassengeramenitiesshouldbeprovidedonthePF’screatedinvariousprojectsincludingamenitiesforLadiesandDivyangpersons.

Discussedanddropped.:

9.10

SCR

StationswithMEAdeficienciescondonedbyGeneralManager:

Issue&discussion:

PCE/SCRmentionedthat forstationswithMEAdeficienciescondonedbyGMarenotbeingreflectedascompletedinPAMSmodule.

Recommendations:

SCRtomakereferencetoRailwayBoard.

9.11

SCR

Areaofwaitinghallsavailableatastationistobecalculatedbyaddingtheareasofgeneral,gents,ladies&upperclasswaitinghalls:

Issue&discussion:

PCE/SCRmentionedthat inPAMSreport,onlytheareaofGeneralWaitingHall isbeingconsideredforcalculationofdeficiency.AreasofGents,Ladies&UpperClassWaitingHallsarenotbeingadded.Assuch,thoughthereisnodeficiencyofwaitinghalls, deficiency is being shown for some stations. Hence the formula forcalculatingtotalwaitinghallareamaypleasebecorrected.

Discussedanddropped.

9.12

SER

Re-developmentofrailwaystations-byspecializedagency:

Issue:

DispensingwithIndependentCommitteeofEminentExperts(ICEE),constitutedforexaminationofalltheproposalsforre-developmentofstations.

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Discussion:

PCE/SERflaggedan issueregardingproposedredevelopmentofA-1&Acategoryrailway stations entrusted to zonal railways. For this purposean IndependentCommittee of Eminent Experts (ICEE) is to be constituted by Railway Board toexamine all the proposals referred to it by Technical & Financial Committees.RecommendationofsuchcommitteemaybeatvariancewithrecommendationofRailways’sSTC/SFCandduplicationofrecommendationsmaycreateproblemsforGM. He further suggested that proposed ICEE may be dispensed with in theprocedure and instead creation of a separate dedicated unit for stationredevelopment.TheunitmayconsistofEngineering,Finance,Commercial&Otherdepartmentofficersofsuitablelevel.Alternatively,itissuggestedthatselected28category stations may be handed over to specialized agency like IRSDC (withdeputationofadditionalofficers/staff),whichworkoutside frameworkofnormalRailwayworking.FurtherTransactionAdvisor istobeappointedbyM/sRITESforallzonalRailways(ExceptNR)asadvisedbyBoardon22.07.16.Itmaybeexpeditedso that process of finalization of bid/agreement documents is finalized beforecallingbid.

It was opined that the procedure suggested would provide synergy betweenRailway and IRSDC, who may get all data from zonal railway and finalize theagency.ForthisarailwaymaysendsuggestedmodusoperanditoRailwayBoard.Recommendations:

SERtomakereferencetoRailwayBoard.

9.13

CR

ProvisionofRainWaterHarvestingPlants:

Issue:

RainWaterHarvestingPlantsandWaterRecyclingPlantstobeprovidedincaseofconstructionofnewstationsandbuildings.

Discussedanddropped.

9.14

CR

Provisionofbio-toiletforgatelodgesatlevelcrossings:

Issue:

Provisionofbio-toiletatgatelodgesandlevelcrossings.

Discussedanddropped.

9.15

NER

Creationofawarenessforgroundwaterregulation,pollutioncontrolnorms,NGTrulingsandwatermanagementsystem:

Issue&discussion:

PCE/NER felt that officers and staff are not well acquaintedwith environmentalnorms in correction with the ground water regulation, pollution control norms,nationalgreentribunalrulingsandwatermanagementsystemitems.HesuggestedthataseparateprogrammetobeorganizedatIRICEN/Punesothattheofficers&staffmaybemadeawareofabove.

Upon discussion PCEs were of the view that the Environment directorate ofRailway Board may be requested for issue of comprehensive instructions and

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preparationofmanualforreferencebyallconcerned.

Recommendations:

Environment directorate of Railway Board to prepare and issue comprehensiveguidelines/manuals.

10.Miscellaneous

10.1

CR

HiringofVehiclesforSG/JAGofficersinlieuofTransportallowance:

Issue&discussion:

Permission tohirevehicles forSG/JAGofficersworkingatHQ in lieuof transportallowances.ThepowerstobedelegatedtoHODlevelThiswillmotivateofficerstoworkatHQ.

Discussedanddropped.

10.2

NWR

SECR

HiringofvehicleforSeniorSupervisors:

FieldTransportVehicleforSSE/Bridge:

Issue:

Powers to sanction hiring of vehicle for Senior Supervisors to be given to theconcernedBranchOfficers/DRMintheDivision.

Discussion:

NWRandSECRraisedanissuethatinspiteofthefactthatmobilityimprovestheefficiency, the rules for hiring of inspection vehicles for supervisors are quitestringent. ItwasmentionedthatallcategoriesofSeniorSupervisors (In-chargeofthesection)shouldbeprovidedhiredvehicleforimprovedmobilityspeciallythosewhoaredirectlyrelatedtosafetyandmaintenancework.

They are also required to travel longer distance and at short notice such asSSE/PW/USFD required to go in the mid section for USFD testing along withequipment.Thereisnosuitablemeansoftransportationispresentlyavailableandthereforetheyfacealotofprobleminperformingtheirduty.Providingvehicletothemwillenhancetheirperformance.Similarly,SSE/workwithartisanstaffalongwithmaterialneed togo in thesection/station toattend repairworks.Generallythesestaffgoesatthepointoftheirworkbylocaltrainandcanattendrepaironlyatsinglelocationwastingalotoftimeinwaitingandtravel.IfvehicleisprovidedtoSSE/Worksitwouldbepossibletoattendmorecomplaintinlimitedtime.Powersto sanction the hiring of vehicle to Senior Supervisors should be given to theconcernedBranchOfficers/DRMintheDivision.

FurtherpushtrolleysforSSE/Bridgehavebeenwithdrawnandthereisnogeneralpolicy for transport vehicle for SSE/Bridge. Currently,mobility ofBridgeunits formaintenance and restoration is a big constraint. As such, small capacity roadvehicles(LikeTata207/407)shouldbeprovidedtoeachSSE/BridgeUnit.Suitableguidelinesneedstobeissuedinthisregard.

It was alsomentioned that hiring of vehicle for SSE/P.Way has been permitted,therefore on similar lines hiring of vehicles for other supervisors should also be

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allowed,forwhichpowerscanbedelegatedtoDRM/SAGofficerincharge.

Recommendations:

Hiringof vehicles forworks/bridge supervisors should alsobe allowedon similarlineasthatforSSE/P.Way.

ThepowerstohirevehiclesshouldbedelegatedtoDRM/SAGofficersinchargeofunit.

10.3

CR

DelegationofpowerstopermitAirTravel:

Issue&discussion:

Permission for air travels one side on duty by PCE. At present permission isbeinggrantedbyGeneralManager.Inlimitedcases,PHODshouldbeempoweredtopermitonesideairtravelbySAG/SGofficers.

Recommendations:

ZonalrailwaymaysendaproposalwithGM'sapprovaltoRailwayBoard.

10.4

NFR

MitigationofElephantMortalityduetoTrainHitsonN.F.Rly:

Issue:

SharingofcostofconstructionforconstructionofElevatedCorridorsatidentifiedElephantcorridorsforfreepassageofElephants.

Discussion:

NFRmentionedthat,foridentifiedElephantCorridorsthroughwhichRailwaytrackis passing, permanent speed restrictions have been imposed. And in spite ofprovidingSignageBoardstopre-warntheTrainDriversandconductingsensitizingprogrammesforTrainDrivers,Guards&StationMastersandkeepingRlytrackfreefromfoodwaste,fornotattractingElephants,trainaccidents/Sidecollisions,withpresence of Elephants are often taking place. There is all around pressure fromPolitical,Social&Publicfrontalso.ItisintheinterestofRlytoavoidaccidents/sidecollisions with Elephants, for which Elevated Corridors at identified locations byprovidingsufficientopeningsofadequateheightforfreepassageofElephantshavebeenproposedasnoneoftheothermeasurestried(suchasfencing,barricading,providing smooth surface for crossing the track etc.) are effective. This has alsobeen agreed by Forest Officials in principle. However, for sharing of cost ofconstructionisyettobeagreeduponbyStateGovt.

PCEswereoftheviewthatthemattermaybereferredtoRailwayboard.

Recommendations:

NFRmayreferthisissuetoEnvironmentdirectorateRailwayBoard.

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