PART - ‘B’ - WORKING OF TROLLIES, MOTOR TROLLIES AND LORRIES

820 The Rules for working trollies, motor trollies and lorries are contained in Para 15.18
to Para 15.28 of Chapter XV-B of General Rules for Indian Railways (1976),
supplemented by the Subsidiary Rules issued by individual railways. The instructions
contained in this chapter are in amplification of these rules and will not supersede the
General and Subsidiary Rules of Railways.
821 Distinction between Trolley, Motor Trolley and Lorry –
(1) A vehicle which can be lifted bodily off the line by four men shall be deemed to be a
trolley. Any similar but heavier vehicle (which includes Dip Lorry) shall be deemed to
be a lorry.
(2) Any trolley which is self-propelled, by means of a motor, is a motor trolley.
(3) A trolley shall not, except in cases of emergency, be used for the carriage of
permanent way or other heavy Material, and when a trolley is so loaded, it shall be
deemed, to be a lorry.
822 Certificate of Competency-
(1) No trolley, motor trolley or lorry shall be placed on the line except by a qualified person
appointed by special instructions.
(2) Such qualified person shall accompany the trolley, motor trolley or lorry and shall be
responsible for its proper protection and for its being used in accordance with special
instructions.
(3) The qualified person shall hold a certificate of competency which shall be issued
according to prescribed instructions in Chapter 14.
(4) Staff in whose favour a certificate is issued should be literate, having knowledge of
Hindi or other local languages, should have passed the prescribed Medical test and
should be conversant with the rules for working of trollies, motor trollies and lorries,
as the case may be. The certificate of competency will be issued for a specified period
by an officer authorised to do so and renewed periodically.
823 Officials Permitted to use Trollies, Motor Trollies and Lorries – Subject to
their being certified competent, the following officials of the Engineering Department
are permitted to use Trollies/Lorries:
(1) Trollies/Lorries –
(a) All officers and JEs/SSEs of Engineering Department.
(b) Gang Mates, Head Trolleymen as may be authorised.
(2) Motor Trollies – All officers of Engineering Department, motor trolley Drivers and such
JEs/SSEs as may be authorised.
824 Responsibility for Safe Working –
(1) The official-in-charge of Trolley/Motor Trolley/ Lorry is responsible at all times for its
safe working. When more than one person holding competency certificate travels in
a trolley, the official-in-charge of the trolley is responsible for its safe working.
(2) It shall be clearly understood by officers and staff that they are to take every possible
precaution and protection against accidents. When entering a tunnel or cutting or
proceeding over a long bridge or curve, the official-in- charge will make sure that no
train is likely to be met. While approaching a level crossing the official-in-charge,
should look out for road traffic and ensure safe passage of his vehicle over the level
crossing.

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825 Efficient Brakes – No Lorry, Trolley or Motor Trolley shall be placed on the line
unless, it is fitted with efficient brakes. The brakes should be tested before the
commencement of each journey. It is desirable that trollies and lorries working on
Ghat section are fitted with screw down brakes in addition to ordinary hand/foot
brakes. It will be the responsibility of the official-in-charge to ensure the adequacy of
braking.
826 Attachment to Trains Prohibited – No Trolley/Motor Trolley/Lorry shall be
attached to a train.
827 Working on Track Circuited Sections and Sections Provided with Axle
counters – Each Railway shall issue subsidiary rules for the working of
Trollies/Motor Trollies/Lorries in sections where axle counters or track circuits form
part of the Block instruments or where automatic signalling has been provided.
828 Numbering of Trollies/Motor Trollies/ Lorries – Each Trolley/Motor Trolley and
Lorry shall be marked with its number, code, initials of the department, the designation
and headquarters of the official-in-charge.
829 Conveyance of Trollies/Motor Trollies/ Lorries by Trains –
(1) No Trolley/Motor Trolley / Lorry should be loaded in a train without the consent of the
Guard in-charge of the train, who will direct where it is to be placed.
(2) In the case of an accident/emergency, Trollies / Motor Trollies may be carried by Mail
/ Express trains on which there are restrictions normally for loading of Trolley/Motor
Trolley.
(3) When loading a motor trolley with petrol in the tank, it shall be ensured that
(a) The flow of petrol in the carburettor has been cut off;
(b) Any pressure has been released from the tanks;
(c) The tank is in sound condition and closed by a well fitted cap;
(d) The engine has been run by the official- in-charge until the carburettor has
become exhausted and the engine stops automatically.
830 Trollies, Motor Trollies and Lorries not in use –
(1) A trolley, motor trolley or lorry, when not in use shall be placed clear of the line, and
wheels thereof secured with a chain and padlock.
(2) When a trolley/motor trolley is placed on a platform to be loaded into a train, it should
be under the charge of a Trolleymen and placed where it will not be in the way of
passengers or working staff.
(3) Whenever possible, motor trollies, should be placed in a shed, the key of which, shall
be in the possession of the official-in-charge.
831 Conveyance of Non-Railway Officials – Trollies shall not be used for the
conveyance of persons other than railway officials. In special cases, Magistrates,
Police, Civil, Telegraph, Military, Medical and Forest Department Personnel or a
person requiring medical aid, may be conveyed by trolley by order of the competent
authority (ADEN or above), after a bond on form in Annexure - 8/6 is signed
indemnifying the Railways against all liabilities and risks.
Contractors and their Agents may be conveyed on trolley in connection with works,
provided they have executed a general indemnity bond similar to Form Annexure -
8/6.
832 Trolley-Permits for Private Sidings – A non-railway official is permitted to use a
trolley on private sidings when he is in possession of a permit signed by the competent
authority. Such permits are granted for use of the trolley on sidings where there is no
passenger traffic. The party shall execute a bond on Form Annexure - 8/7

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 indemnifying the Railways against all liabilities and risks. The issue of trolley permits
will be subject to such rules as may be prescribed. In such cases, the Head
Trolleyman shall hold a certificate of competency issued by the authorised Railway
Official.
833 Military Officers Using Trollies in Ordnance Depots – Railway shall not
accept any liability whatsoever for damage or compensation arising out of accidents
caused in the working of trollies used by Military Officers on duty in Ordnance
Factories in respect of claims of Officers themselves or third persons.
834 Trolley Refuges and Observation Posts –
(1) Trolley Refuges – Trolley refuges over long Bridges should be provided at such
intervals, as prescribed in the Schedule of Dimensions. In cuttings and high banks
trolley refuges should be provided at suitable intervals.
(2) Observation Posts – Where, owing to curves in cuttings or other causes view of the
line is restricted, “observation posts” should be established at such sites as command
the best view in both directions for the use of Flagmen, thus enabling hand signals
being conveyed to the trolley on line.
835 Equipment for Trolley / Motor Trolley / Lorry – Each trolley/motor trolley/lorry
shall have the following equipment:
(1) Two hand signal lamps/Tri colour LED Flashing hand signal lamp
(2) Two red and two green hand signal flags;
(3) Detonators 10 Nos;
(4) A chain and a padlock;
(5) A copy of the Working Time Table and all correction slips and appendices, if any, in
force on that section of the railway over which the trolley, lorry or motor trolley is to
run;
(6) A motor horn and a search light (for motor trolley only);
(7) Two banner flags and additional detonators (for lorry only); and
(8) Such other articles as may be prescribed by the Railway Administration in this behalf.
Note – The official-in-charge of the trolley/motor trolley/lorry shall also be in
possession of a watch in addition to the prescribed equipment.
836 Signals for Trolley / Motor Trolley / Lorry –
(1) Day Signal – Every trolley, Motor trolley or Lorry when on the line shall show a red
flag by day, fixed to a staff which will be placed on a socket and conspicuously visible
in both directions.
(2) Night Signal – On a double line the night signal shall be red light in the direction from
which trains are expected and white in the other direction and on a single line, red in
both directions. Where on double line, single line working is introduced, the night
signal should be as per a single line. When working within the station limits, the light
displayed at night shall be red in both directions.
(3) Signals within long tunnels – On sections where there are long and dark tunnels, the
night signals prescribed must be displayed during the day in addition to the red flag,
in the case of Trollies, Motor trollies and Lorries. In the case of thick foggy or
tempestuous weather impairing visibility, light signals must be displayed in addition to
the red flag.
(4) Removal of Trolley/Motor trolley/Lorry – As soon as a Trolley/Motor trolley/Lorry is
removed from the track and placed clear of it, the red flag or light signal shall be
removed, but care should be taken to see that this signal is not taken off before the
lines have been cleared of all the obstructions.

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837 Working of Trollies –
(1) Manning of trollies – Trollies in all cases shall be manned by four men.
(2) Mode of working of trolley – Trollies in all cases should be pushed and not pulled.
(3) Working under Block Protection –
(a) Trolley may be worked under Block protection wherever it is possible to do so
without interference to train service.
(b) Trollies should be worked under Block protection in the night.
(c) During daytime in foggy weather and during dust storm, when the visibility is
poor, a Trolley should be worked under Block protection.
(d) Sections with restricted visibility due to curves, cuttings or due to other local
conditions specified by Railway Administration, wherever practicable, should be
traversed under Block protection.
(e) When working under Block protection Trollies will be worked in the same
manner as trains.
(4) Working without Block protection – (Back to Para 838)
(a) During day time in sections with normal visibility the official-in-charge shall
before leaving a station/Block post, ascertain the whereabouts of the trains likely
to be met and set off on trolley.
(b) In sections with restricted visibility specified sections, (Ref- Sub-Para (3) (d))
when the official-in-charge, is not able to block the section and work under Block
protection, he will follow the following procedure:
(i) The Station Master/Signalman will on receipt of advice from official- in-charge
(in triplicate on form Annexure - 8/8) giving his trolley programme ascertain and
fill in particulars of trains running on the section, retain one copy and return the
other two to the official-in-charge of the trolley.
(ii) As a reminder that the block section is occupied by the trolley and caution orders
must be issued, a small placard with words “Trolley on line”, will be hung in front
of the block instrument, until advice of the removal of the trolley is received.
(iii) If telegraph and telephone communications are interrupted and the Station
Master/Signalman is unable to communicate with the station at the other end of
the block section, the official-in-charge of the trolley will be advised of this fact
and form Annexure - 8/8 endorsed accordingly. When communication between
the two stations is restored, the messages referred to above will be exchanged,
if the trolley has not cleared the section or removal report has not been received.
(iv) From the time of exchange of the messages, until intimation has been received
that the trolley has cleared the block section, the Station Master/ Signalman at
both ends of the block section shall issue caution orders to Drivers of all trains
entering the block section. On the double line, caution order should be issued
for both up and down trains.
(v) The issue of caution orders in no way relieves the official-in-charge of the trolley
of the duty of complying strictly with the rules for protecting the trolley.
(vi) On arrival of the trolley at the other end of the block section, the person- in-
charge of the trolley shall fill in the removal report and send it to the Station
Master/Signalman who will return the third copy signed. The Station
Master/Signalman will then advise the Station Master/ Signalman at the other
end of the block section of the trolley having cleared the section.
(vii) If the trolley is removed from the track at the station not provided with telegraph
or telephone instruments or in the block section and if it is not intended to place

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 it on the track again, the official-in-charge of the trolley shall fill in the removal
report and send it to the Station Master/Signalman at the nearest block station.
In the former case, the Station Master will send written advice by the first train
in either direction to the next block station. The Station Master/Signalman at the
latter station should then advise the Station Master/Signalman at the other end
of the removal of the trolley.
(viii) Station Masters/Signalmen at the both ends, of the block section will enter
remarks in the train registers pertaining to the block section concerned showing
the times at which the trolley entered and cleared the block section and the
number of the trolley.
(5) Protection in Block Section – (Back to Para 838)
(a) When a trolley is worked other than under the rules for working of trains i.e.,
without block protection and when a clear view is not obtainable for an adequate
distance of 1200 m, the following precautions should be taken (Annexure - 8/9)
(i) On a double line, he must depute a Flagman with detonators to precede or
follow the trolley, and to exhibit a hand danger signal at a distance of not less
than 1200 m in the direction from which trains may approach.
(ii) On single line, depute a Flagman with detonators to precede and another to
follow the trolley and to exhibit hand danger signals at a distance of not less
than 1200 m.
(iii) Where necessary, intermediate Flagman should be posted to relay signals.
(b) The flagman should only be withdrawn when a clear view of at least 1200 m can
be obtained in the direction from which trains may approach.
(c) When a train is sighted, the Flagman should wave the red flag vigorously to
warn the official-in-charge of the trolley of the approach of the train, and at the
same time place three detonators 10 m apart on the line to protect the trolley.
The detonators should be removed only on receipts of hand signals from the
official- in-charge by waving of a green flag to withdraw the danger signal
indicating that the trolley has been removed.
When conditions are such that the Flagman cannot be seen by the official- in-
charge of trolley, the latter must arrange before entering the section to take with
him sufficient men with hand signals who will be placed in suitable positions
between the trolley and the Flagman so that the signals from the Flagman can
be repeated to the person- in-charge of the trolley and vice-versa.
(d) On sighting an approaching train or the Flagman’s signal, the trolley must be
removed clear of the line and kept in such a manner that it cannot roll towards the
line.
(6) Trollies travelling together – When two or more trollies are running together in the
same direction in the same line, care should be taken to ensure that they are kept at
least 100 m apart to safeguard the trolley in rear from colliding with the front one, in
case the front trolley has to be stopped suddenly for any reason.

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838 Working of Motor Trollies –
(1) A motor trolley shall only be run in accordance with special instructions.
(2) A motor trolley may be worked under block protection or without block protection, as
may be prescribed by the Railway Administration.
(3) Working under block protection –
(a) A motor trolley should be run only under block protection (i) during night; (ii)
during day time, when the visibility is poor due to fog or dust storm.
(b) Sections of restricted visibility should invariably be traversed under block
protection. A list of “sections of restricted visibility” may be specified for the
guidance of all concerned, either in the subsidiary rules or in the working time
table.
(c) When a motor trolley that is worked under block protection breaks down in the
block section, the official-in-charge should remove it clear of the line and send
a written advice to the nearest Station Master/Block Hut -in-charge returning the
line clear ticket or token or in the case of a motor trolley when the token has
been clamped for a preceding train the key of the padlock. He should not replace
the motor trolley on the line without the written permission of either Station
Master/Block Hut-in-charge at the end of the block section concerned. On arrival
at the other end, the official- in-charge will deliver the authority to the Station
Master after the trolley has arrived complete.
(4) Following a Train/Motor Trolley – Motor trolley may follow a fully vacuum/air brake
train or a Light engine or another motor trolley in the same block section during day
light hours and in clear weather under special instructions issued by the Railway
Administration.
(5) Working without block protection –
(a) When a motor trolley is worked without block protection, it should be manned
by at least four men.
(b) In case a motor trolley is worked without block protection, the procedure outlined
in Para 837(4) for trollies shall be followed for working of the motor trollies.
(c) When a motor trolley is worked without block protection, as per special
instructions, the procedure outlined in Para 837(5) should be followed for the
protection of trolley in block section.
839 Working of Lorries –
(1) Mode of working of lorry – Lorries should be worked only under block protection.
Lorries in all cases should be pushed and never pulled. Riding of persons on the same
is prohibited.
(2) Manning of Lorries – , Lorry must be accompanied on foot by not less than four men
in addition to the number of men required for expeditiously loading and unloading
Materials being conveyed on the lorry.
(3) Actual working of lorry –
(i) Before obtaining line clear, the official-in-charge of a lorry should advise the
Station Master/Block Hut- in-charge, whether it is his intention to return to that
station, to run to the other end of block section, or to remove the lorry in mid-
section.
(ii) The official-in-charge, after getting the authority to proceed in the form of line
clear ticket/token, double line certificate or shunting key, as the case may be,
should work his lorry.
(iii) He should, after completion of his work, hand over the authority to proceed to

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 the concerned Station Master/Block Hut-in-charge and remove his lorry.
(iv) In case the lorry is off loaded in the mid-section, the authority to proceed should
be returned by a special messenger to the nearest station after ensuring that
the lorry is kept clear off the line.
(v) On the double line, the official-in- charge should run the lorry on the proper road.
The lorry should be taken along the line in the direction in which the trains will
run; except when returning to the original starting station/Block Hut.
(4) (a) Working in Station limits – When a lorry is required to work within Station limits,
the permission of the Station Master shall be obtained in writing before working
the lorry and the lorry should be worked as per the approved special
instructions.
(b) Protection in Station limits – When a lorry works in a station yard the Flagman
must exhibit danger signals at such a distance on both sides as will ensure
safety. When the lorry is required to remain stationary for more than 15 minutes,
it must be protected by banner flags placed at an adequate distance
supplemented by three detonators on both sides.
(c) When a lorry has to work on a section with a steep down gradient (gradients
steeper than 1/100), the same should not only be controlled by hand brakes,
but by a rope tied in the rear and held in tension by men following a lorry.
840 Working of Moped Trollies –
These are light motor trollies, which can be lifted off the track normally by three men.
They should be manned by at least three men including the Driver. These may be
worked as per the rules pertaining to a Motor Trolley, for which the Railway
Administration may issue special instructions, as necessary.
841 Rail Dolleys –
(1) Rail dolley is a device with two or more wheels, which in balanced condition, can be
moved manually on one rail of track and can carry one rail/sleeper in suspended
condition. When necessary, the suspended Material can be dropped and rail dolley
cleared off the track.
(2) Manning of Rail Dolley –
Every rail dolley shall be manned by not less than 2 able bodied persons. The person-
in-charge for the working of rail dolleys shall be a railway servant not lower in rank
than a Keyman. The official in-charge should have passed in medical category A-3
and must hold a valid certificate of competency for working rail dolleys. Certificate of
competency shall be issued by SSE/P.Way of the section who must satisfy himself
that the person to whom competency certificate is being issued is fully aware of the
rules for the working of rail dolleys and is also well acquainted with the concerned
section.
(3) Working of Rail Dolleys –
(a) The railway servant in-charge of rail dolleys must inspect the section in advance
particularly in reference to heaping of ballast, girder bridges and any other
special features which make it difficult to drop the Material and remove the rail
dolley in the event of an approaching train. He shall get the ballast heaps
cleared and work the dolley(s) only when the visibility is clear for at least 1200
metre and the rails/sleepers can be dropped off safely without affecting the
safety of trains and workers both.
(b) Rail dolley shall not be worked on sections having gradients steeper than1 in
200.
(c) Not more than 6 rail dolleys should be worked in a group in any one block
section.

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(d) Normally, not longer than 3 rail welded panels should be carried by rail dolleys.
The rail dolleys must not be worked after sunset and before sunrise and in bad
weather when the visibility is poor. Rail dolleys should not be worked in deep
cuttings, steep grades, sharp curves and heavily built up areas where the
visibility is not clear for 1200 metres. In such locations, the rail dolleys should
be worked under block protection.
(e) In case, a rail dolley is to carry rails longer than 3 rail panel or it is required to
move over x-overs in yard crossing more than one line in deep cuttings and
curves then it should work under block protection.
(f) No traffic block or caution order is normally necessary for working of rail dolleys
except as indicated in Sub Para (3) (d) & (e) above.
(g) Every rail dolley/group of rail dolley when on line shall exhibit a red flag.
(h) The rail dolley shall be protected by a flagman at a distance of 1200 metre from
the rail dolley, on a double line in the direction from which trains may approach,
and by two flagmen one on either direction on single line. The flagmen shall also
carry three detonators for use in any emergency.
(i) Where necessary intermediate Flagman should be posted to relay signals.
(j) When a train is sighted, the Flagman should wave the red flag vigorously to
warn the official-in-charge of the dolley of the train and at the same time place
three detonators 10 m apart on the line to protect the rail dolley(s). The
detonators should be removed only on receipt of hand signals from the official-
in-charge by waving of a green signal to withdraw the danger signals from
indicating that rail dolleys have been removed.
(k) The official-in-charge of the rail dolley shall keep a look out for approaching
trains and will get the rail dolley(s) and Materials cleared off the track as soon
as an approaching train is sighted.
(l) While approaching level crossings, the official in-charge shall look out for road
vehicles and ensure safe passage of rail dolleys.
(m) The official in-charge shall be fully responsible for the safe working of rail
dolleys.

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 Annexure - 8/7 Para 832

INDEMNITY BOND IN CONNECTION WITH USING TROLLEY IN PRIVATE SIDING BY NON-

RAILWAY MEN

THIS INDENTURE made the .............................................................. day of

.................................. between...................................................of the one part and the
President of India as owner of and administering
the...............................................Railway(hereinafter called “the Administration”)of the other
part WHEREAS by an Agreement dated the..........................................day of............................
and made between the Administration of the one part and the said...................................of the
other part, the President of India agreed to allow the
said............................................................................ to use and work a private trolley the
railway line of the said................ Railway between ............................................and whereas
prior to the execution of the agreement the said ............................................... agreed to
execute these presented.

NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH AS follows:

The said ...............................................................................shall henceforth at all times

perform and observe the stipulations, provisions and conditions on his part to be performed and
observed and contained in the aforesaid agreement.

The said ........................................................................................ shall observe and

perform the bye-laws, rules and regulations of the.......................... ............Railways for the time-
being in force.

Thesaid......................................................................................shall not in any way

interfere with or hamper the working of the ..............................................Railway.

The said........................................................................shall from time-to-time and at all

times hereafter indemnify and keep indemnified the Administration from and against all actions,
rd
claims, demands, costs, losses, damages and expenses including claims by 3 parties Workmen’s
Compensation and Employees’ liability which may be brought against or made upon the
Administration or which the Administration may, pay, incur, sustain or be put to by reason of any
loss of life or injury or damage to any person or property caused by or arising out of or from the
user and for working of a private trolley by the
said.........................................................................on the said railway line and the user of
permanent way in pursuance of the said agreement.

IN WITNESS where of the said .....................................................................has hereunto

set his hand and seal the.................................................day and....................year first
herein/above written.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered by the said ......................................... In the presence of:

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 Annexure – 8/8 Para 837(4)

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