Indian Railway Codes and Manuals-Engineering code-Chapter- 16 (XVI)

 

CHAPTER XVI

COMMISSIONING OF RAILWAY PROJECTS
Commissioning of new lines

1601. Opening for Goods Traffic.-A line under construction should not be left unremunerative longer than is a absolutely necessary. As soon as possible after the rails have been linked through a section of a line under construction, reasonable facilities for the receipt and despatch of goods and parcels should be provided at all the important station on that section, so that it may be opened for goods traffic, Reasonable facilities for goods and parcels traffic at a station should include the following :-

·         (a) A siding or part of a siding of a suitable length set apart for the exclusive use of the goods wagons when loading and unloading.

·         (b) A suitable space property dressed and free from all construction material or debris for the stocking of inward and outward goods.

·         (c) A goods shed, if provision for one is included in the sanctioned estimate of the project; otherwise tarpaulins should be provided for the protection of goods.

·         (d) A small office for the goods clerk when a goods shed is not provided.

·         (e) Office furniture according to the scale prescribed by the open line administration.

·         (f) A weighing machine and weights of standard types for the goods shed.

·         (g) Residential accommodation for the traffic staff.

·         (h) Supply of drinking water for the staff.

1602. The Chief Engineer (Construction) or the Senior Engineering Administrative Officer, under whose Administrative control the line under construction is vested should fix the date of opening of the line or a section thereof for goods traffic in consultation with the General Manager of the connected open line administration. Before fixing the date the General Manager should arrange to have an inspection of the line proposed to be opened for goods traffic by responsible officers of the Commercial and Operating Departments so that they may satisfy themselves that adequate facilities will be provided before the date fixed. He should at the same time arrange for :-

·         (a) the compilation and issue of the necessary rates and fare tables in accordance with regulations.

·         (b) advertising the opening of the line to goods traffic;

·         (c) the posting of the necessary goods booking clerks, etc. to all the stations to be opened.

·         (d) the supply of the station scale, consumable stores, form, stationery, etc. required by the goods booking staff at call the stations to be opened.

1603. Responsibility of the Construction Engineer- The responsibility for opening a line to goods traffic and for seeing that everything is ready for such opening rests entirely with the Chief Engineer (Construction) or the Senior Engineering Administrative Officer, under whose administrative control the fine under construction is vested. It is his duty to see that all stations are adequately equipped and staffed for working of the goods traffic efficiently and cheaply. He should notify the Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety concerned of the date fixed for opening the line for goods traffic.

1604. Incidence of Operating Expenses and Earnings.-The operating expenses (including the pay and allowances of the traffic staff engaged) incurred in working the goods traffic on an "unopened" line (for definition of 'opening' see paragraph 1702) are a charge against the construction estimate of the project, and should, be debited to Capital 11970perating expenses pending opening of the line to traffic. The goods earnings are likewise creditable to the project under the head 1198 Receipts on Capital Account-Miscellaneous Receipts.

Opening for Passenger Traffic

1605. Every new line or a section thereof should, before sanction can be obtained for its opening for public carriage of passengers be inspected and passed by the Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety concerned, in accordance with the "Rules for the opening of a Railway for the public carriage of passengers". No new line or a section thereof should be offered for the inspection of Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety until it has been completely equipped. No temporary or make-shift arrangements, however safe, should be permitted.

1606. Fixing Date for opening for Passenger Traffic.-The date for the opening of a line for the public carriage of passengers should be fixed by the Chief Engineer (Construction) or the Senior Engineering Administrative Officer under whose administrative control of the line is vested, in consultation with the General Manager of the connected open line administration so that the latter may make suitable arrangements for working the new line for public traffic from the date fixed. After fixing the date the Additional Commissioner or Railway Safety concerned should be invited to inspect the new line and give the necessary permission for the opening of the line. At least one month's notice should be given to the Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety of the date on which it is desired that the inspection should take place.

1607. The date for the inspection of a line by the Additional Commissioner of, Railway Safety, prior to the opening for the public carriage of passengers should in consultation with that Officer, be fixed a week or so prior to the date of opening so as to allow time for complying. with the Inspecting Officer's requests or recommendations before actual opening of the new line. The Chief Engineer (Construction) or the Senior Engineering Administrative Officer under whose administrative control the new line is vested is responsible for seeing that the new line offered for inspection of the Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety is in every respect fit for opening by the date fixed for the inspection and is fully equipped.

1608. A new line should not ordinarily be considered fit for opening unless :-

·         (i) all station buildings and quarters included in the construction estimate are completed and ready for occupation and use;

·         (ii) the track is thoroughly packed and boxed throughout;

·         (iii) all stations and locomotive yards provided in the construction estimate are completed;

·         (iv) all station signals, point indicators, derails or Scotch blocks are in position and in perfect working order.

·         (v) all points and crossings are correctly and truly laid;

·         (vi) watering arrangements are complete;

·         (vii) All ....... Special", `W' and "B" class level crossings are manned by gatemen; and

·         (viii) Adequate arrangement is made for the maintenance of track and other infrastructure facilities.

1609. Handling over of New Lines to Open Line.-All new lines should be taken over by Open line organisation within six months of the date of opening for goods traffic. Ballasting and other residual works if any should be got done by the open line against the construction estimates.

1610. Allocation of Maintenance Charges.--The maintenance charges of a new line is allocated to Revenue from the date of its opening. The date of opening in the case of new line should be held to be the date of opening for passenger traffic of the whole line included in the construction estimate. In case there is likely to be much time lag between the date of opening of the new line for goods traffic and passenger traffic, Board's specific orders should be obtained regarding the allocation of maintenance charges.

 Commissioning of Doubling Projects.

 1611. Opening for Goods Traffic.--The new line of a doubling project should be opened to traffic as early as possible after the rails have been linked through, to obtain financial benefits of the investment made.

1612. Opening to Passenger Traffic.--Provisions contained in paras  1605 to 1608 will apply mutatis mutandis to doubling projects also.

1613. Handing over of doubling projects to open line.--All doublings should be taken over by open line organisation within six months of the date of opening to goods Traffic, Ballasting and other residual works if any should be got done by the open line against the construction  estimates.

1614. Allocation of maintenance Charges on doublings.--The doubling are usually justified on goods traffic Kind hence the working expenses should be debited to Revenue from the date the new double line is opened to goods traffic and earnings also credited to Revenue. If some works are yet to be done on the date of opening to goods traffic, they should be charged to the doubling estimates.

 Commissioning of Gauge Conversion Projects

 1615. Gauge Conversion Projects are opened to passenger traffic straightway and provisions contained in paras 1605 to 1608 will apply mutatis mutadis for conversion projects also. 

Commissioning of other Railway Projects

1616. In the case of other projects the completion of the projects should be reckoned from the date on which the project fulfils the purpose for which it when sanctioned was intended.

 

1617. Taking over by Open Line.--All such works should be taken over by the open line organisation with the least possible delay within three months of their completion without prejudice to the obligation of the contractors within the maintenance period prescribed under the relevant contracts.

 

Taking over by open Line

1618. When handing over a project or work to the open line authorities at least two copies of the document specified in paragraphs 1620 to 1633 should be prepared. One copy of each of the documents should be sent for record in the division and the other for record in the headquarters Office of the open line administration.

1619. Transfer of Charge. --The charge should be made over to the open line Assistant Engineer by the construction engineer in the manner indicated in  Chapter 1.

1620. Narrative Handing over Notes under the following heads should be prepared by the construction engineer: --

(a)            General Description of the Line. --All point, of importance under several main heads of works should be dealt with under this head. Special attention should be paid to:¾

(i)  ruling grades, maximum curvature, compensation for grades, vertical curves, transition curves.

(ii) axle loads for which bridges hive been constructed;

(iii)   Number of sleepers per rail;

(iv)   type of ballast; and

(v)   list of works to be completed by the open line and charged to construction estimates, the dates by which these should be billed and paid for being specified.

(b)            Important Bridges.--For each important major bridges a separate notes should be prepared giving details of training works provided. Estimated discharges, maximum scour allowed for etc.;

(c)            Maintenance Notes.--Notes, in particular on special portions of banks , cuttings, catch water drains, etc. which require special attention in monsoon or during sand storms should be prepared.

1621. List of Bridges.--This should be prepared on Form E. 1621, taking care that details regarding founds are accurate:¾

1622. List of Buildings.--This will be prepared on printed Form E. 1977.

 

1623. List of level Crossings.--This should be prepared on the following form:-

1624. List of Bench Marks.--This should be prepared in the following form:--

1625.            List of Completion Drawings.--A list of all the drawings and tracings, made over to the open line should be prepared and signed by the construction engineer.

1626.            List of Tools and Plants Made Over.--This should be prepared in the form given below:-

 

1627. List of Permanent-Way Material Made Over as imprest.--This should be prepared in the following form:-

1628. List of Petty and Consumable Stores Made Over.--This should be prepared in Form E. 1628. Petty stores, such as speed boards, clear, Boards, hand flags, etc., which are handed over to the open line at the of Transfer should be shown in this form.

1629. List of Interlocking Material Made Over.—Interlocking if any, handed over by the Construction Branch should be shown in the following form:-

1630. List of Material lying at Site of Works Made Over--This should be prepared in the following form:--

631. List showing Maintenance Labour and Staff Transferred to Open Line--This statement should show the name, father's name, rate of pay and date of appointment of the employees who are on maintenance duty at the time of handing over and transferred to open line.

1632. Track Renewal Graphs--These should be prepared in accordance with the rules prescribed by the open line administration.

1633. Statement showing Route and Track Kilometrage--This statement should show:--

(a)   route Kilometrage;

(b)   track Kilometrage (which usually differs slightly from the route Kilometrage, the latter being from the centre of station to centre of station);

(c)  siding Kilometrage (which should show (i) Operating (ii) sidings, (iii) Commercial sidings; and

(d)   total sidings and

(d)   total kilometrage of tracks, i.e. total of (b) and (c).

It should be noted that (b) "Track kilometrage" should correspond exactly with the track renewal graph. This statement should be prepared in the form given below:--

 

Multiple choice questions:

1.What is the primary purpose of opening a line for goods traffic as soon as possible after the rails have been linked through a section?

• a) To avoid delays in construction
• b) To ensure safety standards are met
• c) To prevent the line from being left unremunerative
• d) To facilitate passenger movement

Answer: c) To prevent the line from being left unremunerative

2.Which of the following is NOT included in the reasonable facilities for goods and parcels traffic at a station?

• a) A siding for goods wagons
• b) A space for stocking goods
• c) Residential accommodation for traffic staff
• d) An extra track for passenger trains

Answer: d) An extra track for passenger trains

3.Who is responsible for fixing the date of opening a line or a section for goods traffic?

• a) General Manager of the connected open line administration
• b) Chief Engineer (Construction) or the Senior Engineering Administrative Officer
• c) Commissioner of Railway Safety
• d) Railway Board

Answer: b) Chief Engineer (Construction) or the Senior Engineering Administrative Officer

4.Before fixing the date of opening a line for goods traffic, what must the General Manager ensure?

• a) That all station buildings are painted
• b) That the line is fully equipped with all necessary facilities
• c) That there is no construction material left on the tracks
• d) That the staff is given a holiday

Answer: b) That the line is fully equipped with all necessary facilities

5.The operating expenses incurred in working goods traffic on an "unopened" line are charged against:

• a) Revenue accounts
• b) Maintenance budget
• c) Construction estimate of the project
• d) General fund

Answer: c) Construction estimate of the project

6.What is required before a new line can be opened for the public carriage of passengers?

• a) An inspection and approval by the Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety
• b) Approval from the Chief Engineer
• c) A public announcement in local newspapers
• d) Completion of all surrounding infrastructure

Answer: a) An inspection and approval by the Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety

7.What is the minimum notice period that should be given to the Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety before inspection?

• a) One week
• b) Two weeks
• c) One month
• d) Three months

Answer: c) One month

8.Who is responsible for seeing that a new line is fit for opening and fully equipped by the date fixed for inspection?

• a) General Manager of the connected open line administration
• b) Chief Engineer (Construction) or the Senior Engineering Administrative Officer
• c) Commissioner of Railway Safety
• d) Railway Board

Answer: b) Chief Engineer (Construction) or the Senior Engineering Administrative Officer

9.What should be completed before a new line is considered fit for opening?

• a) Only the track laying work
• b) All station buildings, quarters, signals, and points
• c) The adjacent roadways
• d) The landscaping around the station

Answer: b) All station buildings, quarters, signals, and points

10.Within how many months should all new lines be taken over by the open line organization after opening for goods traffic?

• a) Three months
• b) Six months
• c) Nine months
• d) Twelve months

Answer: b) Six months

11.What happens to the maintenance charges of a new line after its opening?

• a) They are allocated to the construction budget
• b) They are allocated to Revenue
• c) They are charged to a special fund
• d) They are covered by the contingency fund

Answer: b) They are allocated to Revenue

12.In doubling projects, which provisions apply to the opening for passenger traffic?

• a) Special provisions unique to doubling projects
• b) The same provisions as new line openings
• c) Emergency provisions
• d) Provisions specified by the Railway Board

Answer: b) The same provisions as new line openings

13.Gauge Conversion Projects are typically opened to which type of traffic straightway?

• a) Goods traffic
• b) Passenger traffic
• c) Freight traffic
• d) Mixed traffic

Answer: b) Passenger traffic

14.Who should be notified of the date fixed for opening a new line for goods traffic?

• a) Railway Board
• b) Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety
• c) General Manager of the connected open line administration
• d) Chief Engineer (Construction)

Answer: b) Additional Commissioner of Railway Safety

15.How soon should all works be taken over by the open line organization after their completion?

• a) Immediately
• b) Within three months
• c) Within six months
• d) Within a year

Answer: b) Within three months

16.What documents should be prepared when handing over a project to the open line authorities?

• a) Only financial documents
• b) At least two copies of specified documents
• c) Only operational manuals
• d) Only construction blueprints

Answer: b) At least two copies of specified documents

17.What should the "Narrative Handing over Notes" include?

• a) Detailed budget reports
• b) General description of the line and important points of work
• c) Only the names of the contractors involved
• d) Inspection schedules

Answer: b) General description of the line and important points of work

18.What information should be included in the "List of Bridges" prepared during the handing over process?

• a) Only the number of bridges
• b) Detailed information about the foundations
• c) The length and height of each bridge
• d) The construction company details

Answer: b) Detailed information about the foundations

19.How should the charge be made over to the open line Assistant Engineer by the construction engineer?

• a) Through an online system
• b) In the manner indicated in Chapter 1
• c) Via email communication
• d) Through a formal letter

Answer: b) In the manner indicated in Chapter 1

20.Which statement should show both route and track kilometrage accurately?

• a) List of Tools and Plants Made Over
• b) Statement showing Route and Track Kilometrage
• c) Track Renewal Graphs
• d) List of Bridges

Answer: b) Statement showing Route and Track Kilometrage

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