CHAPTER XVII

WORKING OF TRAINS ON
ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF
RAILWAYS
17.01. Applicability of General Rules.- All rules referring
to the working of trains shall also apply to the electrified sections
except as otherwise provided in the rules contained in this
chapter.
SR 17.01.01.- (a) All Subsidiary Rules which control the
movement and operation of diesel trains shall apply to the movement
and operation of electric trains, except as otherwise provided in these rules.
(b) All officials connected with movement of electric rolling-
stock shall have a thorough knowledge of these rules. They shall
also be responsible for ensuring that staff working under them are
thoroughly conversant with the instructions relating to their work and
the correct procedure to be followed under normal conditions as well
as in an emergency
(c) Every railway employee, supplied with these rules shall
make himself thoroughly acquainted with the rules and shall be held
responsible for knowledge of and compliance with them. Ignorance
of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.
17.02. Special def initions applicable to this Chapter.-
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires.-
(1) “Electrical way and works” means the traction
installations including overhead equipment and other
connected works provided on the electrified sections of the
railway;
(2)’Feeding post”means a supply control post, where the
incoming feeder lines from grid sub station are terminated;
(3) “Neutral section” means a short section of insulated
and dead overhead equipment which separates the areas fed
by adjacent sub stations or feeding posts;
(4) “Power Block” means blocking of a section of line to
electric traffic only;
479 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

(5) “Supply control post” means an assembly of

interruptors, isolator switches remote control equipment and
other apparatus provided for controlling power supply to
overhead equipment. It includes feeding posts, sectioning and
paralleling posts, sub-sectioning and paralleling posts and sub-
sectioning posts;
(6)‘Tower wagon’ means a self-propelled vehicle which
is used for the maintenance and repairs of overhead equipment;
(7) “Traction Power Controller” means a competent
railway servant who may for the time being be responsible for
the control of power supply on the traction distribution system.
SR 17.02.01.- (1) “Assistant Loco Pilot” means the duly
certified Assistant Loco Pilot of a single or multiple unit train or of an
electric engine.
(2) “Brake Valve” means a valve which operates the automatic
brakes of the train.
(3) “Conductor’ means a body or substance which offers a
low resistance to the passage of an electric current.
(4) “Phase Conduct’ means a conductor which carries current
to the traction overhead equipment.
(5) ‘Return Conductor’ means conductor which carries return
current from the tracks to the Sub-station.
(6) “Dead Equipment’ means any electrical equipment which
is not electrically alive.
(7) ‘Dead Man’s Handle” means an emergency safety device
fitted in the handle of a Master Controller which, when released,
automatically cuts off the supply of electrical energy to the traction
motors, and applies the brakes.
(8) “Distribution System” means a system of electrical
equipment by means of which electrical energy in the form of
alternating or direct current is distributed over a given area.
(9) “Traction Power distribution System” means a distribution
system provided for traction purpose. This is also referred to as “Power
distribution system”.
(10) ‘Motorman” means the duly certified Loco Pilot of an
Electric Single or Multiple Unit coach (EMU).
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 480
(11) “Driving Trailer” means a coach which has a driving
compartment and which is not a motor coach.
(12) ‘Earth” means the conducting mass of the earth or of
any conductor in direct electrical connection therewith.
(13) “Earthed” or ‘Connected to Earth” means connections
with the general mass of earth in such a manner as to ensure at all
times an immediate discharge of energy without danger.
(14) ‘Earth” for the purpose of the overhead equipment only,
includes the track return circuit and the structures supporting the
overhead equipment, provided such structures are connected to
“earth’ or track return.
(15) “Electrical equipment” means any apparatus which is
used for generation, transmission or utilization of electrical energy.
(16) “Feeder” means a conductor connecting (a) a generating
station with Sub-station or feeding point, or (b) a Sub-station with a
feeding point.
(17) “Feeder” also means a conductor connecting a supply
control post to a grid Sub-station and a supply control post or switch
gantry to a feeding.point.
(18) “High voltage” means a voltage which under ordindry
working conditions may exceed 650 volts.
(19) “Voltage” means the difference of electric potential
measured in volts between any two conductors or between any part
of either conductor and the earth as measured by a suitable voltmeter.
(20) “Independent Air-Brake Handle” means a removable
handle controlling the independent air-brake apparatus of electric
engines.
(21) “Insulator or Insulating material’ means material which
offers relatively high resistance to the passage of an electric current.
(22) “Live Equipment” means any electrical equipment which
is electrically alive.
Electrical equipment is alive when a difference of potential
exists between it and earth or when it is connected to another
conductor or circuit in which such a difference of potential exists.
(23) “Master Controller” means a controller in the driving
compartments of electric engines, motor coaches and driving trailers,
which is not included in the main circuit of the controlled motor or
481 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

motors but which operates other controllers or contractors by means

of a control circuit, thereby controlling the supply of electrical energy
to the traction motors.
(24) “Motor Coach” means a coach equipped with traction
motors and with the necessary control and power apparatus for
operating them.
(25) “Multiple Unit Train” means a train consisting of two or
more single unit trains coupled together and operated as one train.
(26) “Off Position” means the position of the reversing handle
whereby a Master Controller is locked “Off”, and whereby the dead
man’s handle, if provided, is rendered in effective.
(27) “Overhead Equipment” means the electrical conductors
over the tracks together with their associated fittings, insulators and
other attachments by means of which they are suspended and
registered in position.
All overhead electrical equipment, distribution lines,
transmission lines and feeders may be collectively referred to as
overhead lines’
(28) “Bond Impedance” means a bond, installed by S & T
Deptt. which provided a low impedance path for the traction return
current and relatively high impedance path for track-circuit current.
(29) “Bond structure” means a bond connecting a traction
mast, structure or support to a rail by a mild steel strip of approximately
200 sq. mm section.
(30) “Pantograph” means a collapsible device mounted on
and insulated from the roof of an electric engine or motor coach and
provided with a means for collecting current from the overhead
equipment.
(31) “Permit-to-work” means a form of declaration signed and
given by an authorised person to a person incharge of work to be
carried out on or adjacent to any electrical equipment, for the purpose
of making known to such person exactly what equipment is dead and
earthed and safe to be worked on or adjacent to.
(32) “Rail Bond” means an electrical connection across a
joint in or between adjacent lengths of rail.
(33) “Bond Continuity” means a rail bond used for maintaining
continuity of the rail return circuits at points and crossings.
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 482
(34) “Bond Cross” means a rail bond used for connecting
together two rails of a track or rails of adjacent tracks.
(35) “Bond joint” means an electrical connection across a
joints between two adjacent lengths of rail as part of the track return.
(36) “Reversing Handle” means a handle which control the
forward and reverse running of the tractor motors and is fitted in such
a manner that it can only be removed when the Master Controller is
locked ‘off’.
(37) “Single Unit Train” means the combination of a motor
coach or motor coaches and coaches adopted by a Railway
Administration as an operating unit.
(38) “Switch Electrical’ means a device for opening or closing
an electrical circuit.
(39) “Switch, Alternate Feed’ means a switch used for
connecting the overhead equipment of a loop or siding or crossover
to alternative sections of the overhead equipment.
(40) “Switch Double Pole, Gang operated, Earth type” means
a special switch used in Electric Loco Sheds, inspection pits and
watering sections for feeding two section and for making both sections
dead simultaneously and earthing one.
(41) “Switch, Inter-connecting Section or Isolator” means a
switch used to connecting or disconnecting adjacent elementary
sections of overhead equipment.
(42) “Switch gear” means Isolator switches, Circuit Breakers,
lnterruptors, Cut-outs and other apparatus used for the operation;
regulation and control of electrical circuits.
(43) “Transmission Line” means bare overhead conductors
supported by Steel Structure by means of which electrical energy is
transmitted between various points of a distribution system.
(44) “Apparatus” means electrical apparatus and includes all
machines, fittings accessories and appliances in which conductors
are used.
(45) “Assistant Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution)
A.E.E. (Tr. D)” means an Assistant Executive Officer, incharge of
maintenance and repairs of the power distribution system in a division
or in an area and responsible to the Sr. Divisional Electrical Engineer
(Traction Distribution).
483 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

(46) “Assistant Electrical Engineer (Roiling Stock), A.E.E.

(RS)” means an Assistant Executive Officer incharge of maintenance
and repairs of electric rolling-stock in a division or in an area and
responsible to the Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (Rolling-Stock).
(47) “Assistant Electrical Engineer (Rolling Stock Operation)
A. E. E. (OP)” means an Assistant Executive Officer-in-charge of
operation and outstation maintenance of Electric Rolling Stock in a
division or in an area and responsible to the Senior Divisional Electrical
Engineer (Rolling Stock Operation) or Divisional Electrical Engineer
(Traction).
(48) Crew Controller means a Sub-ordinate Supervisor who
is responsible for nomination for booking Electric Crews in his shift
and sanctioning periodical rest to the Electrical Crew under him. He
shall also be responsible for exhibiting the roster for each day at the
booking office. He shall also be responsible for ensuring that the
running staff when signing on duty is in the knowledge of the road of
the train for which he is booked has studied circulars, notices, caution
order books and possesses two pairs of spectacles, if required under
medical advice. He also inform the control about defective signals
observed by incoming crews immediately and details of time loss on
loco account and other duties assigned to him.
(49) JE-I when qualified as-
(a) “Overhead equipment -OHE” means sub-ordinate of the
area concerned responsible to the Sectional Engineer for inspection
and maintenance of traction overhead line, rail bonds and for the
staff employed thereon.
(b) “Power Supply Installations-(PSI)” means a sub-ordinate
of the area concerned responsible to the SSE (PSI & RS) for inspection
and maintenance of power supply installations at all supply control
posts and auxiliary transformers provided at different places for the
purpose of signalling and other purpose and for the staff employed thereon.
(c) “Sub-Station Equipment-(SS)” means a sub-ordinate of
the area concerned responsible to the SSE (Sub- Station) for
inspection and maintenance of sub-station owned by the Railways,
rail bond connected to the Sub-station for return current and for the
staff employed thereon.
(d) “Rolling Stock - RS” means a Sub-ordinate of the area
concerned responsible to SE (Rolling Stock) for the maintenance of
rolling stock and for the staff employed thereon.
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 484
(e) “Remote Control equipment-(R. C)” means a Sub-ordinate
of the area concerned responsible to the SSE (RC & PSI) for inspection
and maintenance of remote control and allied equipments and for
the staff employed thereon.
(50) “Bare” means not covered with insulating material.
(51) “Cable”-(a) means a length of insulated single conductor
(solid or standard) or of two or more such conductors, each provided
with its own insulation which are laid up together.
(b) Such insulated conductor or conductors may or may not
be provided with an overall mechanical productive covering.
(52) “Caution Notice” means a notice attached to or placed
near live equipment calling attention to the danger of touching or interfering
with such equipment and bearing the words “Caution-Live Equipment.”
(53) “Junior Engineer” means an authorised person in charge
of a gang of workmen, authorised to work on specific types of traction
equipment such as overhead equipment, electric rolling-stock, etc.
(54). (a) “Circuit” means an arrangement of conductor or
conductors for the purpose of conveying electrical energy and forming
a system or a branch of a system.
(b) When they form a closed path through which a current
can circulate, the circuit is referred to as ‘closed’. When the path is
not closed, the circuit is referred to as ‘Open’.
(55) (a) “SSE(OHE)” means a senior Supervisor under the
control of Senior DEE (TrD)/DEE (Tr-D)/AEE (Tr.D), who is responsible
for the proper and safe maintenance of 25 KV AC Traction over-head
equipment and return conductors.
(b) “SSE (PSI & RC)/SE (General)” means a Senior
Supervisor working under the control of Senior DEE /DEE (Tr.D)/
DEE (SS)/AEE (Tr.D) and directly responsible for proper operation
and upkeep of the power supply installations and remote control
equipments which are vital for the efficient operation of the electric
traction system.
(c) “SSE (SS)” means a Senior Supervisor working under
the control of DEE (SS) and directly responsible for the operation
and up keep of the sub-station equipment including the maintenance
of the return conductors from the traction substation to the feeding posts.
(d) “Chief Traction Power Controller-(CTPC)’ means a Senior
Supervisor working under the control of Senior DEE (TrD)/ DEE (Tr-
485 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

D)/AEE (Tr.D) and directly responsible for the proper operation of

remote control switches in order to maintain reliability in the power
supply to the over-head equipment, arranging detection of the faulty
sections in the event of failures or break-down and a close co-
ordination with the operating department. He shall also be responsible
for arranging the electric power block required by maintenance staff.
(56) “Circuit Breaker” means advice for closing and opening
an electrical circuit under all conditions unless otherwise specified,
and so designed as to open the circuit automatically under abnormal
conditions.
(57) “Competency Certificate” means a certificate issued to
a person by the Railway Administration, authorising him to carry out
specified duties pertaining to his employment.
(58) “Contact Wire” means an overhead conductor from which
electric power is supplied to electric rolling stock.
(59) “Cut-out (fuse)” means any appliance for automatically
interrupting the transmission of energy through any conductor when
the current rise above a predetermined value.
(60) “Danger” means danger to health or to life or any part of
body from shock, burn or other injury to persons, or property, or from
fire or explosion, attendant upon transmission, transformation,
conversion, distribution or use of electrical energy.
(61) ‘Danger Notice” means a notice attached to dead
equipment to convey a warning against such equipment being made
alive and bearing the works “Danger-Men working”.
(62) “Danger zone” means the zone, lying within 2 meters of
any live equipment, in which no work is permitted, when the equipment
is alive, not-withstanding the above, the Loco Pilot of an electric loco
is permitted to change the head light bulb of the loco while standing
on the buffer beam projection at the floor level of the cab.
(63) (a) “Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution),
DEE (Tr.D) is the officer in immediate charge of the traction distribution
section in a division, responsible for all technical and organisational
matters connected with the efficient maintenance and operation of
the power supply installations, OHE and RC equipment.
(b) ‘Divisional Electrical Engineer (Sub-Station)-DEE (SS)”
means an Officer in immediate charge of 25 KV AC Traction Sub-
station equipments in a division, responsible for all technical and
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 486
organisational matters connected with the efficient maintenance and
operation of the sub-station equipments.
(c) “Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (Rolling Stock)”-
means an executive officer responsible for all technical and
organisational matters connected with the maintenance of electric
Loco/Electric Multiple Units (EMU rakes).
(d) ‘Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (Rolling Stock-
Operation)-Sr. DEE (RS-OP)” means an executive officer responsible
for dealing all technical and organisational matters connected with
the operation of electric rolling stock on behalf of the electrical
department and a liason officer between electrical and operating
department.
(e) ‘Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (TrD). -Sr. DEE (TrD)’
means an executive officer responsible for dealing all technical and
organisational matters connected with the efficient maintenance and
operation of the power supply installations, OHE and RC equipments
and dealing all technical and organisational matters connected with
the operation of electric rolling stock on behalf of the electrical
department and a liason officer between electrical and operating
departments in a division.
(64) “Dropper” means a fitting used in overhead equipment
construction supporting the contact wire from the catenary.
(65) “Electrified Track” means track provided with overhead
equipment.
(66) “EmergencyTelephone” means a telephone circuit
provided for contacting the Traction Power Controller.
(67) “Grid Sub-station or Sub-stations” means an Electrical
installation interconnected with each other and equipped with
transformer and switch-gear from which power is supplied for Electric Traction.
(68) “Guarded” means covered, shielded, fenced or otherwise
protected by means of suitable casing, barrier, rail or metal screens
to remove the possibility of dangerous contact or approach by persons
or objects to a point of danger.
(69) ‘Insulated (Air-gap)-Overtap Span” means an
arrangement of overhead equipment over a track where two sets of
traction conductors overlap each other for a short distance providing
for a smooth passage for the pantographs of Electric Rolling Stock,
the two sets of wires being insulated from each other by an adequate
487 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

air gap of 50 cms.

(70) “Interruptor’ means a single phase oil circuit breaker
without an automatic tripping device.
(a) “Bridging lnterruptor” means an interruptor which is
provided at a neutral section to enable one sub-station of feed a sector
of the overhead equipment normally fed by another substation during
emergencies or when the latter is out of use. This interruptor normally
remains in the open position.
(b) “Sectioning lnterruptor” means an interruptor which
connects adjacent sub-sector together to maintain continuity of supply.
This interruptor normally remains in the closed position.
(c) “Paralleling lnterruptor” means an interruptor which
connects overhead equipment of two different tracks. This interruptor
normally remains in the closed position to reduce voltage drop.
(71) “Junior Driving Inspector-(JDI)” means a supervisor
responsible for monitoring, counselling and educating the electric Loco
Pilots/Asstt. Loco Pilots on line for their knowledge in technical, safe
working rules and the trouble shooting technique of electric locos in
case of defect/failures of them on line.
(72) “Linesman” means a person authorised to inspect and
work on the overhead lines and switches in relation therewith.
Note. - This is the lowest grade of employee who is allowed
to enter an unattended supply control post unaccompanied by his
superior.
(73) “Operator” means a person on duty who is in charge of
a supply control post.
(74) (a) “Remote Control Centre” means the centre from
which the equipments at various supply control posts are remote
controlled by the Traction Power Controller.
(b) “Remote Control Cubicle” means a room in a supply
control post in which remote control equipment and batteries are
erected for remote operation of switch-gear located at the post.
(75) “Senior Loco Inspector-(SLI)” means a Supervisor for
checking and testing electrical Loco Pilots on line, conducting
enquiries, assisting DEE(OP) in all technical and operating matters,
conducting load trials and inter-section running timings of goods and
coaching trains, testing the performance of electric locos on line and reporting
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 488
their behaviour to sheds and any other duties assigned to him by Sr.
Divisional Electrical Engineer (TRD) /Sr. DEE (OP).
(76) “Section Insulator” means a device for dividing a contact
wire into electrical sections while maintaining mechanical continuity
and a continuous path for pantographs.
(77) “Sector” means a section of overhead equipment of a
track from a feeding post to a sectioning post.
(a) “Sub-sector” means the shortest section of overhead
equipment which can be isolated by opening of interruptors.
(b) “Elementary Section” means the shortest section of
overhead equipment which can be isolated from the rest of the system
by switching operations.
(78) (a) “Sectioning and Paralleling Post-(SP)” means a
supply control post situated mid-way between two feeding posts at a
neutral section and provided with bridging and paralleling interruptors.
(b) “Sub-sectioning and Paralleling Posts-(SSP)” means a
supply control post where sectioning and paralleling interruptors are
provided.
(c) “Switching Station-(SS)” means a supply control post over
a single line section where only sectioning interruptors are provided.
(79) “Track Return” means the track rails when used as the
return conductor for the traction return current to the sub-station.
(80) “Traction” means electric traction.
(81) “Engine Examiner” means an official responsible for
inspection and maintenance of Electric Rolling Stock at outstation
Maintenance Depot.
(82) Section Engineer (SE) as qualified,
(a) ‘Overhead equipinent-(OHE)’ means a subordinate of the
area concerned responsible for the operation and maintenance of
overhead equipment and for the staff employed thereon.
(b) “Rolling Stock-(RS)” means a subordinate responsible to
Assistant Electrical Engineer (Rolling-Stock) for the maintenance and/
or inspection of electric rolling-stock and for the staff employed thereon.
(83) ‘Crew Controller’ means an official who is incharge of
Electric Crew and their establishments and responsible for the out-
station maintenance of Electric Locos.
489 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

(84) (a) “Traction Loco Controller-(TLC)” means an official

under the control of Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (OP)/
Assistant Electrical Engineer (Rolling-Stock-Operation) who will be
responsible for booking of electric locomotives and running staff to
meet the requirement of the traffic.
(b) “Assistant Traction Loco Controller-(ATLC)” means a
Supervisor under the control of Traction Loco Controller responsible
for charting the movements of Electric Locos, checking the terminal/
sectional detention and utilisation of Electric Locos and assisting TLC
in all other respects.
(85) (a) “Traction Power Controller-(TPC)” means an official
who is responsible for ensuring continuity of power supply and
operations appertaining thereto on the traction power distribution
system. He co-ordinates the requirements of traffic and electric power
supply and arranges for the issue of permits to work on or adjacent to
overhead lines, cables and switchgear connected thereto.
(b) “Assistant Traction Power Controller-(ATPC)” means an
official deputed for assisting the TPC.
(86) “Traffic Block” means blocking of a track against
movement of all traffic.
17.03. Inspection of electrical way and Works.-The
electrical way and works shall be inspected regularly in
accordance with special instructions by officials nominated for
the purpose and in accordance with the duties assigned to them.
SR 17.03.01.- (a) The duties of JE/SE/SSE(P way) under
rules 15.01 to 15.17 wherever applicable to electrical way and works
shall devolve on the SSE (Over Head Equipment) and JE-II (Over
Head Equipment).
(b) Inspection/Maintenance of electrical works other than Over
Head Equipment shall be carried out by the SSE (Power Supply
Installation and Sub-station) and SSE (Remote Control) as may be
applicable to them and as such specified in paras 0400 and 0617 of
A C Traction Manual.
(c) The duties of Gangmate, Keyman and Trackman wherever
applicable to overhead equipment shall devolve on the overhead
equipment linesman.
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 490
SR 17.03.02.- (a) It shall be the responsibility of every railway
servant to report immediately any abnormalities which may come to
his notice on the OHE such as :-
(i) the whole or part of the OHE or a feeder or a cable falling
down, and or persons, animals or vehicles coming in contact with or
likely to come in contact with live equipment;
(ii) a damaged catenary or contact wire fouling the vehicle gauge;
(iii) pantograph of an electric rolling stock getting damaged
and/or entanglement of the same with the OHE ;
(iv) damage to the track or structures of the overhead
equipment;
(v) derailment or any other traffic accident ; and
(vi) any defect/breakdown in the continuity bonds, joint bonds,
cross bonds and impedance bonds.
(b) The railway servant noticing any breakdown or defects
mentioned in sub-rule (a) above shall at once report the same to the
Traction Power Controller either directly or through any Station Master
or Section Controller or through the nearest available telephone.
(c) In case of breakage of an overhead line, the railway
servant detecting it shall also ensure that no person comes in contact
with the line until an authorised official of the Electrical Traction Branch
arrives on the spot. The authorised official shall take immediate action
to make the affected line dead & earthed.
(d) If the damage to the OHE is heavy or the standard moving
dimension is infringed, the person observing such damage or
infringement shall take steps to show stop hand signal and place
detonators in terms of GR 3.62.
(e) The Station Master to when such breakdown or defects
are reported shall convey the information at once to the TPC either
directly or through the Section Controller as the case may be. In case
of failure of communication he shall use his discretion to ensure safe
movement of the traffic & advise the nearest Traction official.
(f) The TPC on receiving the information about any
breakdown/ defect shall immediately arrange to cut off supply to the
section affected and advise the Section Controller of the section made
dead by him. The Section Controller in turn shall arrange with the
concerned Station Master for protection of the dead section in terms
of SR 17.04.16.
491 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

SR 17.03.03.- (a) When any defect on the overhead

equipment which is likely to interfere with the smooth movement of
the pantograph or cause damage to it, is noticed ahead, the Loco
Pilot/Motorman shall trip the circuit breaker and immediately lower
the pantographs by placing the pantograph handle in “lower’ position.
If necessary, the train should be brought to a stop short of such place.
(b) If the damage to the overhead equipment is slight, the
Loco Pilot/ Motorman may, if possible, coast through such damaged
section.
(c) In all cases the defects so noticed shall be brought to the
notice of Traction Power Controller.
17.04. Permit-to-work on electrical equipment.- If work
is to be carried out adjacent to the electrical equipment or any
other part thereof by other than the competent railway servant,
such work shall be done only when and for such time as the
person-in-charge of the work has obtained a written permit-to-
work, duly signed and given by the railway servant authorised
for the purpose by special instructions. He, in turn, shall issue
the same only with the knowledge of the Traction Power
Controller.
SR 17.04.01.- Before commencing the work on any part of
the over head equipment, or within 2 metres of live overhead
equipment, a permit-to-work shall be obtained from the Traction Power
Controller or authorised person. Detailed instructions regarding power
block and perrnit-to-work are given in the rules here under.
SR 17.04.02.- Traffic and Power Block.-There are generally
two types of blocks required for maintenance work on Electric Traction
Installations.-
(a) Traffic block.-Where a line is blocked against movement
of all vehicles/trains either hauled by Electric or Diesel Locomotives.
This will be required whenever heavy repairs have to be carried out
on the OHE installations and shall be granted by the Section Controller
in consultation with the Traction Power Controller.
(b) Power Block.-Whenever light repairs to or maintenance
work of the OHE have to be carried out and the movement of trains
hauled by Diesel locomotives, power blocks are obtained making a
section of OHE dead by switching off 25 KV electric supply of the
OHE. Power blocks are granted by the Traction Power Controller in
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 492
consultation with the Section Controller. Whenever Power blocks are
granted on a given section of the OHE no movement of electrically
hauled trains shall be permitted on that section but the movement of
trains hauled by Diesel locomotives may be permitted provided a
caution order is issued to the Loco Pilot and Guard of such train or
trains drawing their attention to the fact that the OHE staff are working
at the specified kilometreage and that the Loco Pilot should exercise
extra caution and sound a long continuous whistle when approaching/
passing such section and obey such signals as may be displayed at
the place of work.
(i) Power blocks are of three different types.-
(a) Emergency Power Block,
(b) Pre-arranged Power Block, and
(c) Locally arranged Power Block.
Note :- Power blocks on the OHE of ‘secondary lines’ that is
siding, yards sheds etc, are arranged by the Station Master, Yard
Master, SSE(Loco shed) concerned locally and come under the
category (c) above.
SR 17.04.03.- Emergency Power Block.- (a) An emergency
power block shall be arranged by the TPC and 25 KV supply to the
OHE affected shall be cut off by him immediately on receipt of an
advice of any serious breakdown of the OHE or injury to persons or
damage to property specially when-
(i) The whole or part of the OHE or a feeder or a cable failing
down and/or persons, animals or vehicles coming in contact with or
likely to come in contact with live equipment.
(ii) A damaged catenary or contact wire infringes height
gauges at level crossings.
(iii) An electric locomotive or an Electric Multiple Unit getting
damaged & rectification of which the Loco Pilot/Motorman requires
the OHE to be made dead.
(iv) Derailment or any other accident to a train on the electrified
lines where cutting off of 25 KV supply is considered necessary in the
interest of safety.
(b) The person giving information of breakdown on the OHE
shall invariably give all essential informations such as his name,
designation, kilometreage where the abnormality has been noticed,
493 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

the nature of the abnormality & the place of his reporting. The reason
for asking for an emergency power block shall be brief and to the
point but explicit. He shall not leave the place/telephone without the
permission of the TPC.
(c) The TPC on receiving the information shall at once arrange
to switch off the supply on the section affected and then obtain the
details of defects from the person reporting the same. The TPC shall
simultaneously advice the Section Controller on duty about the
section(s) made dead under exchange of Private Number. The Section
Controller in turn shall arrange with the respective Station Master (s)
to take protective measures as per the instructions contained in the
Station Working Rules.
(d) Once an emergency power block is imposed except in
the case of sub-rule (c) below, no work on the affected lines may be
commenced until an authorised OHE official arrives at the site and
earths the line at two or more points as required. Power supply to the
section concerned shall not be restored by the TPC until the authorised
OHE official at the site issues a message supported by a Private
Number.
(e) (i) Whenever it becomes necessary for the Loco Pilot of
an Electric Locomotive or the Motorman of Electric Multiple Unit train
to obtain an emergency power block from the Traction Power
Controller for the purpose of inspecting and/or securing the roof
equipments including pantographs, he shall ask for such emergency
power block giving the particulars as contained in sub-rule (b) above.
(ii) The TPC after making the section dead shall issue permit
to work to the Loco Pilot/Motorman supported by a Private Number
and advise the Section Controller. The TPC and the Section Controller
shall also take actions as per sub-rule (c) above.
(iii) The Loco Pilot/Motorman shall then earth the OHE on
both sides of the Electric Rolling Stock before climbing on the roof.
For this purpose each Electric Locomotive is equipped with two
earthing rods. In the case of Electric Multiple Unit trains the Motorman
may obtain two earthing rods either from the Station Master of any
station or from the Loco Pilot of another train which may be on the
run on the adjacent line. The earthing rods shall be returned to the
concerned Station Master/Loco Pilot after the work is over.
(iv) Before asking the TPC supported by a Private Number to
restore the power supply on the section so made dead, the Loco Pilot/
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 494
Motorman shall ensure that everything is in order, earthing rods have
been removed & that no person/material is on the roof of the
locomotive.
(v) If the earthing rods could not be provided, the maintenance
staff in association with OHE staff will secure the pantograph.
SR 17.04.04.- Pre-arranged Power/Traffic block.-
(a) Officials of all departments in the electrified area who
requires such power blocks, traffic block or permit-to-work in the
danger zone of traction equipment, or who requires overhead line
and/or bonding staff to be present at site for schedule maintenance
works, shall deliver at the office of the Divisional Electrical Engineer
(Traction Distribution) not later than 11 hrs. on every Monday.
Statements in the prescribed form showing-
(i) the nature of the work & the date on which it is to be
performed;
(ii) by when the work is to be carried out
(iii) location of the work and the sections of the lines to be blocked;
(iv) the trains between which the block is required and
(v) whether the track will be available Diesel traffic.
(b) The requirements of all departments shall be co-ordinated
in the office of the Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution)
and a consolidated statement forwarded to the Divisional Operations
Manager concerned by 12 hrs. on every Wednesday for inclusion in
the weekly programme of traffic and power blocks.
(c) A weekly programme of work involving traffic block power
block and permit-to-work shall be prepared in the office of the
Divisional Operations Manager, and despatched to all concerned
(TPC, TLC, CHC Station Master (s) Yard Master (s) concerned in
addition to the departmental officials who asked for such blocks) by
Friday latest, for the week commencing from Monday next.
(d) Works of urgent nature shall however be attended to by
obtaining emergency power blocks and permit-to-work from the
Traction Power Controller.
SR 17.04.05. - (a) After a prearranged power block has been
notified as per SR 17.04.04, theTPC on the specified day, shall
ascertain from the Section Controller at least two hours before the
495 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

commencement of the work whether power/traffic block will be

available according to the prearranged programme. He shall then
inform the Junior Engineer of the Maintenance gang that the traffic/
power block as already programmed will be available so that the
maintenance gang can take steps to leave the depot with necessary
equipments and be available at the site at least half an hour before
the commencement of the work. On arrival at site the official-in-charge
of the working gang as well as the person(s) deputed to operate the
isolator switch (s) shall report their arrival to the TPC.
(b) On receipt of the information about the readiness of the
field staff at the site of work, the TPC shall send the Power Block
message in part of the prescribed form ETR-1. The Section Controller
shall in turn advise the concerned Station Master/officials incharge of
concerned Cabins/Yard Masters to take action as laid down in SR
17.04.16 and in the Station Working Rules supported by a Private
Number.
(c) The concerned Station Master/Official incharge of the
Cabin/ Yard Master shall after complying with the relevant provisions
of SR 17.04.16 and other provisions in this regard mention in the
Station Working Rules for electric traction shall acknowledge the
same. In case of Traffic Block in conjunction with Power block it must
also be ensured that there is no train between two stations in which it
is propose to impose Traffic Block. The concerned Station Master/
Official incharge of the Cabin/Yard Master shall then give an assurance
to the Section Controller about the precautions taken in this regard
supported by Private Number.
(d) The Section Controller shall then return Part B of form
ETR- 1 duly filled in.
(e) On receipt of the assurance from the Section Controller
the TPC shall open the concerned interruptors and advise the field
staff for operation of the required isolator(s) has/have been opened
and locked in open position. The TPC shall close the interruptors
thereby restoring power supply to all portions except over the
concerned elementary section where the work is to be carried out.
(See SR 17.04.15 also). He shall then issue a Permit-to-work message
in the prescribed form ETR-2 to the authorised person incharge of
the maintenance work.
(f) The maintenance gang shall then commence work after
earthing the dead OHE as stipulated in para 0535 of the AC Traction
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 496
Manual and observing the precautions laid down in GR 15.09 (1),15.09
(2) and 15.09 (3) during the entire period of block.
(g) On completion of the work, the person who received the
permit-to-work shall ensure that-
(i) all men and materials have been withdrawn from the
electrical equipment and its vicinity,
(ii) the earths provided for the protection of all the working
parties are removed, and
(iii) all staff, who have been deputed to work, are warned that
the power supply is to be restored.
He shall then inform the TPC under exchange of Private-
Number and filling up Part ‘C’of ETR-2 and cancel the permit-to-
work previously issued. In case the telephone communication with
the TPC is interrupted, action shall be taken in accordance with SR 17.04.10.
(h) The TPC shall, after restoring the normal supply to the
OHE, cancel the block and inform the Section Controller by sending
Part ‘C’ of ETR-1 duly filled up.
(i) The Section Controller shall then advise the concerned
Station Master/Officials incharge of the Cabins/Yard Master about
the cancellation of the block under exchange of Private Number.
SR 17.04.06.- Work by other than authorised person.-
(a) If any work is to be carried out on or adjacent to any part
of the electrical equipment by other than ‘authorised’ persons such
work shall not commence unless the person incharge of the work is
in possession of a written permit-to-work issued by an authorised
person of the Electric Traction Branch not below the rank of a Junior Engineer.
(b) The permit-to-work shall first be taken from the TPC for
which the TPC, the Section Controller, the authorised person of the
Electric Traction Branch and the concerned Station Master shall follow
the Procedure detailed in this regard under SR 17.04.05. After the
“Permit-to-Work” has been obtained from theTPC, the authorised
person of the Electric Traction Department shall earth the electrical
equipment specified and then issue a Permit-to-Work card on the
prescribed form ETR-3 to the person incharge of the work keeping a
duplicate copy in his personal custody.
(c) On completion of the work and when all men and materials
have been withdrawn from the electrical equipment and its vicinity,
the person incharge of the working party shall cancel his ‘Permit-to-
497 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

Work’ card filling Part ‘C’of form ETR-3 and return it to the authorised
person who issued the same. The authorised person shall in turn
issue a message to TPC to cancel the “Permit-to-Work” as detailed
in SR 17.04.05. In case the telephone communication with the TPC
is interrupted, action shall be taken in accordance with SR 17.04.10.
SR 17.04.07.- Multiple working parties.-
(a) Whenever work has to be carried out by more than one
working party, the ‘Permit-to-Work” shall be issued by the Traction
Power Controller only to one authorised person who alone shall be
responsible under this rule, for work on the portion of electrical
equipment, specified in the “Permit-To-Work”. Any additional party or
parties may work on the same portion of the Electrical Equipment
only with the permission of this authorised person who shall inform
all parties of the total number of parties working on the same portion
of the electrical equipment. The authorised person shall cancel
the’Permit- To-Work” only when he is satisfied that all working parties
have withdrawn all men and materials and removed the earths from
the electrical equipment.
(b) Where the two parties are working far from each other
the party who has to work for a longer periods shall take the “Permit-
To- Work” from the TPC and permit the other party to start the work
by a message supported by a Private Number. The second party
shall inform this party of completion of work, removal of earths and
withdrawal of men & materials similarly by a message supported by a
Private Number.
SR 17.04.08.- Work inside Loco Shed or Car Shed – In case
the work to be done inside the Loco Shed or Car Shed, the application
for permit-to-work must be made to the Section Engineer/Junior
Engineer (RS) who shall arrange for the issue of the ‘Permit-to-Work”
after getting the switch of the inspection bay or the feeders opened.
No intimation to the TPC is necessary, and the “Permit-to-work” must
be returned for cancellation by the person incharge of the work to the
Section Engineer/Junior Engineer (RS) before the switches are closed.
SR 17.04.09.- Operation of isolator in the sidings :-
(a) Power supply for sidings which do not afffect movement
of train on the running lines is controlled by manually operated
isolators. The keys for these isolators are generally kept under the
costody of the Station Master concerned. For obtaining Power block on such
sidings local arrangements may be made by the authorized person of the
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 498
Electrical Traction Branch with the Station Master, Cabin Asstt. Station
Master, Yard Master and others resoponsible for the movement of
traffic. For this purpose the form ETR-4 shall be brought into use.
Before the concerned Station Master/Cabin Asstt. Station Master, Yard
Master signs the acknowledgement on part ‘B’ of the foprm ETR-4
and hands over the key for the isolator, he shall take the precautionary
measures detailed under SR 17.04.16 and also as specified in the
Station Working Rules. The Traction Power Controller shall be
informed immediately before and after the shut down is affected by
the authorized person responsible for carrying out the work. He shall
not open the isolator unless the precautions prescribed in paras 0800
and 0801 of the AC Taaction manual are complied with and no work
should commence unless proper earthing as required under the rules
is made.
(b) The guard having competency certificate for isolators
operation is authorized to open and close the isolators as and when
rakes are to be handled in the sidings. The keys for these isolators
are generally kept under the custody of the Station Master concerned.
After the rake is placed for loading/unloading,guard will operate the
isolators as prescribed in the Para No. 19.09 of the Operating Manual.
Before such operation, Guard shall take the precautionary measures
detailed under 17.05.01 and SR 17.04.15 (e) and also as specified in
the Station Working Rules. He shall not open the isolator unless the
precautions prescribed in paras 10440 and 20601 of the AC Traction
Manual are complied with and no work should commence unless
proper earthing as required under the rules is made.
(c) (i) Guard shall not operate isolators unless he/she is in
possession of a competency cum authorized certificate jointly issued
by SSE/SE (TrD) and TI. The competency certificate shall be valid for
a period of three years from the date of issue and shall be renewed
before the expiry of the period of validity
(ii) The competency certificate issued in favour of the guards
shall be kept in the competency certificate register at his/her head
quarter station concerned. The register shall also maintain the
particulars of the date of issue of the competency certificate and the
date on which the renewal of the competency certificate is due.
SR 17.04.10.- If telephones communication with the Traction
Power Controller is interrupted, the person, to whom the permit-to-
work was issued, shall arrange locally for restoring to normal (live)
conditions the portion of the traction electrical or overhead equipment
499 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

specified in the permit-to-work and for canceling the power block, if

possible. Before this is done the authorized person shall satisfy himself
that no other party has been given a permit-to-work for the same
sections.
SR 17.04.11.- Each Traction Power Controller shall maintain
a log book in which he must enter the number of each permit-to-work
issued together with the particulars and time when the equipment is
made dead for the work and re-energised after completion of the
work as per information received on the telephone from the authorized
person concerned.
SR 17.04.12.- All messages relating to shut down and
restoration of power supply, permit-to-work, etc. issued over the
telephone shall be made by exchange of Private Numbers. The
procedure to be followed is as detailed below:-
(a) Every official who has to exchange such messages shall
maintain a Private Number book. As each message is sent, the Private
Number used should be scored out in the Private Number book,
initialed and dated. The message number should also be recorded.
The Private Number book and permit-to-work form shall be kept under
the personal custody of the authorised official of the electrical traction
branch. The used private number book as also all records for the
issue of permit-to-work shall be carefully preserved for a period of
one year unless these are required for a longer period in connection
with enquiry or investigation.
(b) The message starts with the Private Number of the sender
and ends with the Private Number of the person who has received it.
All messages in connection with Power Blocks and permit-to-work
shall be written out in full in the prescribed form ETR-1 or ETR-2 or
ETR-3 or ETR-4 as the case may be before they are sent and the
section on which power block is required should be and clearly
indicated as detailed in para 0810 of the AC Traction Manual. The
person who receives the message over telephone must record the
name on an identical form and repeat the same again for confirmation.
The persons exchanging Private Numbers should identify each other
by names. Before power supply is restored the power block shall be
cancelled by the same person who asked for and obtained the same.
(c) When the power block messages are exchanged between
the TPC and the Section controller, the messages shall be made out
in duplicate and sent to the Section Controller and his acknowledgement
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 500
obtained in the carbon copy. In the event of they are located far apart,
the message shall be exchanged over telephone and recorded in the
manner detailed above.
SR 17.04.13.- (a) The keys for all out door switches shall be
kept in locked glass fronted boxes in the custody of Station Masters,
Cabin Assistant Station Masters or other persons stationed
conveniently nearby the switches. The keys shall be issued on demand
only to the authorized person of the electrical traction branch and his
signature as a token of receipt shall be obtained in the register
maintained for the purpose.
(b) (i) All chambers of enclosures containing live equipment
shall kept normally closed and locked with the keys in the custody of
the authorized person of the electrical traction branch. A duplicate
key shall be kept in a box with a fixed glass fronted cover in places as
notified by the Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution).
In case of emergency, the key may be removed by breaking open the
glass cover of the box by the authorised official of the electrical traction
branch. A record shall be maintained of every such use of the key.
(ii) In the event of breaking the glass of the key box, the key
or keys shall be kept in the safe custody of the Station Master or the
Cabin Assistant Station Master until the glass is replaced. The Traction
Power Controller shall keep a record where such keys are kept, so
that in the emergency he will be able to direct the parties.
(iii) Whenever the glass cover is broken to obtain the duplicate
key, the concerned Section Engineer (OHE) shall be immediately
advised for its replacement. The person replacing the glass shall obtain
the signature of the authorized person of the electrical traction branch
indicating the date of its replacement.
(c) Any person while working in a chamber or enclosure
containing electrical equipment, which under normal condition is alive,
shall retain the keys of the chamber or enclosure. These keys shall
be returned to the person in whose custody they are normally kept,
immediately after the chamber or enclosure has been closed.
(d) Permit-to-work cards shall not be cancelled until the keys
have been returned to the box or to the person in whose custody they
are normally kept.
SR 17.04.14.- (a) In the event of a fault in the overhead
equipment necessitating isolation of a section in addition to the faulty
one, the authorized person of the electrical traction branch shall
501 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

arrange with the Traction Power Controller, to isolate the healthy

section. However, if necessary, he may himself open these switches
which can be operated conveniently without endangering safety.
(b) Should the Traction Power Controller require to have any
isolator switch opened or closed, he shall normally ask any authorized
official of the electrical traction branch to carry out the required
switching operation. In case of emergency, he may, however, ask the
Station Master or Cabin Assistant Station Master to operate such
isolator switches.
SR 17.04.15.- Operation of Isolator switches.-
(a) Manually operated isolator switches are provided at
different points on the main line to sectionalise the overhead
equipment into elementary sections and at large yards to isolate
different elementary sections.
(b) The operating handle of every isolator switch shall always
be kept locked either in fully ‘open’ / ‘closed’ position. One key of
such isolators is kept with the Junior Engineer (OHE) in charge of the
section and the other key with the Station Master or the Cabin Assistant
Station Master of the nearest station. Any loss or damage of a lock or
key shall be reported to the SE/JE (OHE) and the Traction Power
Controller.
(c) ISOLATOR SWITCHES SHALL NOT BE OPENED WHEN
CARRYING ANY LOAD. The Traction Power Controller while initiating
action as per SR 17.04.14 (b) shall ensure that the corresponding
sub-sector is made dead before he orders opening of an isolator
switch. The person operating the isolator switch shall not open it unless
specifically ordered by the TPC by a clear message supported by
Private Number he has received a separate permit-to-work from the
TPC for the section which fully includes the elementary section
controlled by the isolator switch.
(d) Isolator switches, however, can be closed even if the
adjacent interruptors are closed i.e. on load, provided the closure is
made swiftly in one motion.
(e) Isolator switches provided for isolating sidings and yards
and also to feed OHE inside running sheds may be opened provided
the official concerned makes it absolutely certain that-
(i) The entire section is visible, and
(ii) There is no locomotive with raised pantograph in the section.
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 502
Where, however, it is not possible to get positively assurance on these
points, action shall be taken under sub-rule (c) above before opening
the same.
SR 17.04.16.- Protection during Power Block.- (a) All sections
over which power block has been granted, shall be protected against
entry of electric locomotives/electrical multiple unit train with
pantograph raised from other end of the section under power block
or through any cross-over leading to the section under power block
during the period of block. Suitable lever collars painted ‘RED’shall
be placed on the levers operating signal (s) and/or points controlling
movements for the sections under power block. In addition, slide
collars shall also be placed on the concerned slot slide of the SM’s
slide box. At stations where panel/Route Relay Interlocking is provided
‘Red’ Button Collars’ shall be placed on the concerned switches
operating points and/or signals. These shall be placed on the
concerned levers/slot/slides/switches prior to imposition of power block
by the official responsible for its/their operation. If the points and signals
are locally operated, the same should be locked and the keys kept in
the personal custody of the Station Master on duty.
(b) (i) If there is any electric locomotive/electric multiple unit
train on the section over which the power block is to be given, the
Loco Pilot/Motorman of such locomotive/EMU train shall be given a
memo by the Station Master on duty to lower the pantograph and not
to raise it until further instructions and the Loco Pilot’s/Motorman’s
acknowledgement obtained on the duplicate copy.
(ii) The Loco Pilot/Motorman shall be given a memo by the
Station Master on duty again to raise pantograph after the power block
is cancelled.
(c) The Section Controller on receipt of power block message
from the Traction Power Controller shall repeat to all Station Masters,
Cabin Assistant Station Masters concerned the said message
indicating the time from which the block is to commence. Each Station
Master or Cabin Assistant Station Master shall record the same in the
register specially maintained for the purpose. Before the
acknowledgement is given, he shall take action as mentioned in sub-
rule (a) and (b) (i) above in addition, he shall also make such other
precautions as may be stipulated in the Station Working Rules for
electric traction. In case of stations having Cabins, the Station Master
shall also obtain assurances under exchange of Private Numbers
from the official in charge of such cabins that they are fully aware of
503 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

the section on which power block is being given and that necessary
lever collars have been placed on the concerned levers in the cabin.
The Station Master shall then give the acknowledgement of the Power
Block message supported by a Private Number.
(d) Once power block is given and till such time it is cancelled,
no electric locomotive or any EMU trains with raised pantograph shall
be allowed to enter the dead section. In case a train hauled by Diesel
locomotive is allowed to enter the dead section on which an electric
locomotive with pantograph lowered is attached, the person manning
the electric locomotive shall be specifically advised by issuing a caution
order for not raising the pantograph.
(e) Station Masters and others responsible for conducting
shunting with electric locomotives shall ensure that under no
circumstances should any electric locomotive approach near the
traction structures limiting the electrical section over which the power
block have been granted. Limits of each electrical section at a station
are shown in the station sectioning diagram. Whenever it becomes
necessary for an electric locomotive to carry on shunting movement
towards the dead section, a stop hand signal shall be exhibited at the
point upto which the electric locomotive is allowed to proceed and
the Loco Pilot is specifically advised by the issue of a memo not to
move the loco beyond the points.
(f) Goods or Passenger trains hauled by other than electric
locomotive (s) may be allowed to pass through the dead section
provided-
(i) This is not prohibited specifically in the power block
message.
(ii) Diesel engine or trains hauled by such engine shall be
brought to a stand at the station proceeding the station/ section at
which power block is granted and the Station Master of this station is
satisfied by personal inspection that there is no electric locomotive
on the train in question ;
(iii) A caution order is issued to the Loco Pilot of such engine/
train, warning him of the power block ahead and to lookout for hand
signals, and
(iv) The Station Master granting line clear or taking ‘off’ signal
for a train has received an assurance supported by Private Number
from the Station Master of the preceding station that there is no electric
locomotive or pantograph wagon with its pantograph raised on the train.
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 504
For, permitting the movement of such Goods or Passenger trains or
for allowing the shunting movement under sub-rule (e) above or for
permitting shunt movement by any other locomotive other than electric
locomotive, the lever collars/slot slide collars/Red button collars placed
on the concerned levers/slot slides/switches may be removed but the
same shall be replaced back immediately after the movement is completed.
SR 17.04.17.- (a) No Hand Crane shall be worked adjacent
to traction overhead equipment unless such overhead equipment is
first made dead and earthed and electrical traction staff is present.
All movement of the crane jib shall be carefully controlled so as not to
foul the traction overhead equipment. Whenever possible, the direct
blast from the crane funnel to the overhead equipment and particularly
to the section insulators shall be avoided.
(b) Except in an emergency, 24 hours notice of intention to
work a crane adjacent to overhead equipment shall be given to the
Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution) so as to enable
the latter to keep his staff standby. When possible, intention to work
cranes shall be included in the weekly programme detailed under SR
17.04.04. In an emergency, the TPC shall be advised who shall make
necessary arrangements for Electrical Traction staff to standby.
17.05. Warning to staff and public,-
(1) All electrical equipment shall be regarded as being
live at all times and consequently dangerous to human life,
save and except in cases, where the electrical equipment has
been specially made dead in accordance with special
instructions. Caution notices shall be prominently fixed near
all vulnerable places to warn staff and public to exercise due caution.
(2) No person shall climb on the top of engines or tenders
or on the roofs of carriages or wagons when those vehicles
are located beneath overhead equipment except when the
overhead equipment is dead and earthed in accordance with
special instructions.
SR 17.05.01.- (a) Work on pantographs and roof rolling stock
shall be carried on such sidings where switches are provided, for
making the overhead equipment dead and earthed.
(b) Traction Engine Examiner or other authorised person in
charge shall be responsible for making dead the overhead equipment
505 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS
over the tracks of inspection lines in the Loco Sheds and stabling
sidings before permitting work to be done on the roof of electric rolling
stock. The overhead equipment over these tracks shall not be
energised except by the authorised person in charge, who shall be
responsible for every precaution being taken to ensure that everything
is in order and that all staff and/or material are clear before energising
the equipment.
(c) In stations and yards, an authorised person shall arrange
to make dead and earth the overhead equipment and a permit-to-
work card shall be obtained by the staff concerned before work on
the roof of rolling-stock or engine is commenced. On completion of
work, the card shall be returned to the authorised person for
cancellation. The authorised person shall then satisfy himself that
everything is in order and that all staff and/or material are clear before
energising the overhead equipment.
SR 17.05.02.- The procedure for isolating and making dead
sections of overhead equipment at stations where watering of
carriages is done through top fillings shall be strictly in accordance
with the provisions as contained in paras 0909 to 0919 of A C Traction
Manual together with such other relevant provisions that may be
incorporated in the Station Working Rules of the station concerned in
this behalf.
17.06. Alteration to track.- Before any alteration to
alignment or level of electrified tracks is commenced, due notice
shall be given to those responsible for the overhead equipment
so that the overhead equipment may be adjusted to confirm to
the new conditions.
SR 17.06.01.- No JE/SE/SSE(P way) shall commence any
work which may alter the alignment or level of electrified tracks unless
intimation has been given to the concerned SSE (OHE) and/or JE
(OHE) at least 3 days in advance of the commencement of work.
The SSE (OHE) and/or JE (OHE) shall be responsible for proper
adjustment of the overhead equipment so as to confirm to the new
conditions.
17.07. Tripping of circuit breakers of locomotives and
electrical multiple units at neutral sections.- Unless
otherwise allowed by special instructions, the Loco Pilot of the
locomotive or electrical multiple unit shall coast through the
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 506
neutral section, duly switching off
power. Necessary indication boards to
this effect shall be provided to guide
the Loco Pilot to switch off and switch
on power.
SR 17.07.01.- (a) One first
“Warning Board” as per Fig. 1 facing to the
direction of movement of train is fixed on
the OHE mast located at a distance of not
less than 500 metres from the place form
where neutral section commences. The
Loco Pilot on reaching this board shall put
the Master Controller to ‘O’ position,
Provided that if the speed of the
train while approaching a neutral section is
low, the Master Controller need not be Rule No. 17.07.01(a)
switched off at this board and power may
be kept on till the circuit breaker is tripped
at the “cut off power” board as per Fig.3.
(b) A second “Warning Board” as
per Fig. 2 facing to the direction of
movement of trains is fixed on the OHE mast
located at a distance of not less than 250
metres from the place from where neutral
section commences. On reaching this
board the Loco Pilot shall get ready to open
the circuit breaker at the “cut off power Rule No. 17.07.01(b)
board”.
(c) A third indicator e.g. ‘cut off
power board’ as per Fig. 3 facing to the
direction of movement of trains is fixed on
the OHE mast located immediately in rear
of the place form where the neutral section
commences. On reaching this board the
circuit breaker must be tripped. In the
event of the red pilot lamp does not glow
on tripping the circuit breaker, immediate
action must be taken to lower the
Rule No. 17.07.01(c)
pantograph.
507 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS
(d) A fourth indicator e.g. ‘Close
circuit breaker board’ as per Fig. 4 facing to
the direction of movement of trains is fixed
on the OHE mast located in advance of the
place at which the neutral section
terminates. On reaching this board the Loco
Pilot shall reclose the circuit breaker and
resume normal working.

Rule No. 17.07.01(d)

SR 17.07.02.- Lowering pantographs in emergency –(a) There may be
occasions when power supply from one sub-station is interrupted and
feed is extended from the adjacent sub-stations or due to minor damage
to the OHE, the Loco Pilot is required to coast through the affected
section with pantograph lowered. Under such circumstances it shall
be the responsibility of the OHE official-in-charge to take action under
SR 4.09.06 as it may relate to him. The concerned Station Master on
receipt of such advice, shall take steps to issue caution order with
suitable endorsements in terms of SR 4.09.03. The Loco Pilot on
receiving such advice shall coast through the specified zone by lowering
and raising the pantograph at the Kilometreages mentioned in the
caution order.
(b) When this restriction is to be observed for more than a day,
necessary indication boards as per Fig. 5 & 6 facing to the direction of
movement of trains shall be fixed on the OHE masts at the appropriate
kilometreages indicating to the Loco Pilot where the pantograph is to
be lowered and raised.

Rule No. 17.07.02(b) Rule No. 17.07.02(b)

SR 17.07.03.- Whenever it is necessary for the Loco Pilot to

take action in terms of SR 17.07.01 or 17.07.02, the Asstt. Loco Pilot,
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 508
in case of electric locomotives, shall assist the Loco Pilot in sighting
the boards as per Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 above and call out their
indication to the Loco Pilot who shall repeat the same after checking
personally. This, however, does not absolve the Loco Pilot from
personally sighting the indication boards and acting thereon.
17.08. Tower Wagon.-The rules for the movement and
working of tower wagons shall be laid down by special
instructions.
SR 17.08.01.- (a) The movement of tower wagon on tracks
shall be governed by rules and regulations governing movement of trains.
(b) On double lines where double line electric block
instruments are provided, the special rules applying to such sections
are given in paras 6.11,6.13 and 6.14 (i) of the Block Working Manual.
(c) On Single line where tokenless electrical block instruments
are provided, the special rules applying to such sections are given in
para 5.39 of the Block Working Manual.
SR 17.08.02.- If a tower wagon after leaving a block station
and on completion of its work returns to the starting station, the Loco
Pilot shall bring the Tower wagon to a stop at the first stop signal in
the case of single line section and on double lines at the point opposite
to the first stop signal pertaining to the proper line/last stop signal
pertaining to the line upon which it is moving whichever is earlier. The
Loco Pilot shall then send one of his staff to the Station Master
informing him about the arrival of the Tower wagon. The Station Master
shall arrange for its admission by taking off the reception signal (s) in
the case of single line and by piloting in the case of double line.
SR 17.08.03.- Normally a Tower Wagon should not be
attached to any train. In case of absolute a necessity it may be attached
to a Goods train only, if permitted by an official of the Operating
Department not below the rank of Chief Controller. Whenever a tower
wagon is attached to any Goods train, it shall be marshalled as a
rearmost vehicle duly escorted by a competent traction staff and the
speed of the train to which it is attached must not exceed 40 KMPH.
17.09. Additional rules for electrified sections.-
Special instructions for working of trains on electrified section
shall be notified by the authorised officer.
SR 17.09.01.- Special precautions by Controllers, Traction
Power Controllers, Station Masters and Train Crew when a section of
OHE is found faulty :-
509 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

(1) In the event of OHE failure, the Traction Power Controller

shall immediately locate the faulty section and isolate the same. In
case of Double & Multiple line section he shall also isolate the healthy
section on adjacent tracks on the same route length as the faulty
section. He shall then advise the Section Controller of the section
found faulty and the healthy section temporarily kept isolated.
NOTE : The placement, movement and working of ladder
trolly of RE department independently altogether in sections already
open to traffic is prohibitted.
(2) On receipt of the information under sub-rule (1), above
from the traction power controller, the section controller shall take the
following precautions :-
(i) Faulty section.-He shall under exchange of Private
Numbers, advise the Station Masters of all stations who are connected
with the working of trains in the affected section to treat the faulty
section as if the same is under emergency power block and to take
action under SR 17.04.16.
(ii) For healthy section- The Section Controller shall
immediately inform the Station Masters of all the stations who are
concerned with the working of trains in the section in which healthy
OHE is temporarily isolated, under exchange of private numbers, that
they shall not allow any train to leave their stations unless both the
Loco Pilot and guard of the first train have been issued with a caution
order to the following effect.
(a) proceed at a speed of 35 KMPH by day and 20 KMPH by
night subject to the observance of other speed restrictions exercising
great caution.
(b) Keep a sharp look out and be prepared to stop short of
any obstruction which may be due to any infringement from the
adjacent lines and also keep a sharp look out on the adjacent line/
lines to see if there are any OHE abnormalities ; and
(c) Immediately on reaching the next station in advance report
whether or not the section over which they moved is safe for the
movement of trains.
(3) After this, the section controller will advice the Traction
Power Controller to re-energise the temporarily isolated healthy section
under exchange of private numbers, unless based on informations
 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS 510
received meanwhile from the site/station, it would be necessary to
continue to keep power ‘OFF’ from the healthy sections.
(4) After despatching the first train by the issue of caution
order under sub-rule (2) above, no subsequent train shall be allowed
to enter the section without permission from the section controller.
Action to remove speed restrictions shall be taken by the section
controller in consultation with the Station Masters on receipt of report
from the Loco Pilot and Guard of the first train. The Section Controller
shall also advise the TPC of the report of the Loco Pilot/Guard of the
train indicating whether or not there are any infringements and/or
abnormalities in OHE. Till such time it is decided to remove speed
restrictions, the section controller may, however, permit the Station
Masters concerned to allow subsequent train(s) to enter the affected
section after issue of caution order under sub-rule 2 (ii) above.
After removal of the caution orders to the subsequent trains
passing the healthy sections, Section Controller shall also keep
Traction Power Controller advised regarding resumption of normal
traffic to the healthy sections.
(5) (i) Whenever station staff notice a train worked by an
electric engine passing with a hot axle any wagon/coach running in
dangerous condition or smoke/fire emanating from a wagon/coach
or with any other abnormality in the running train which is likely to
endanger safety of the train/passengers, the Cabin Master/Station
Master shall immediately take steps to stop the train. In case they fail
to stop such train by normal means as laid in SR 4.29.01 they shall
immediately inform the Traction Power Controller either directly or
through the section controller to switch off the power supply of the
OHE of the affected section under exchange of Private number. In
case TPC has been directly informed, section controller has also to
be informed subsequently.
(ii) Whenever any train gets held up for more than 3 minutes
in the block section on account of no tension, the Loco Pilot of the
train shall depute his Assistant Loco Pilot to check the train in order to
look for any abnormality and to advise the Guard of no tension in
OHE. Together with the Assistant Loco Pilot, the Guard shall then
check the entire train.
If, in the meantime, power supply is restored, the Loco Pilot
shall call back his Assistant Loco Pilot to the Locomotive and resume
journey.
511 WORKING OF TRAINS ON ELECTRIFIED SECTIONS OF RAILWAYS

Otherwise after the train is checked, the Loco Pilot/Guard

shall inform the Section Controller/Traction Power Controller of the
details of abnormality, if any, or otherwise, and assistance required,
through the nearest emergency telephone circuit/by other available
means.
Further, the Loco Pilot and Guard shall arrange protection of
the line affected in accordance with GR 6.03 which deals with the
protection of trains stopped between stations. In case. of Automatic
territory, the lines must be protected in accordance with GR 9.10.
After ascertaining from the affected train of the nature of
abnormality decision regarding recharging of the OHE shall be taken
by the section controller in consultation with Dy. CHC. Guard, Assistant
Loco Pilot and concerned Station Masters shall be advised accordingly
Necessary steps shall be taken by Dy. CHC, thereafter, for clearance
of the abnormality.
(iii) Restoration of OHE supply will be undertaken by Traction
Power Controller only on the advice of the Section controller under
exchange of private numbers.
(iv) In case the electric Loco Pilot is unable to establish
communication with Section Controller/Traction Power Controller
through emergency sockets, he shall arrange to take the train
cautiously to the next station, ready to stop in case of any obstruction.
A speed restriction of 35 KMPH by day and 20 KMPH by night shall
be observed for this movement to the next station. On reaching the
next station, the Loco Pilot shall contact Station Master /Section
Controller.