MODULE-II RAILWAY CONTROL

I.
CONTROL OF TRAIN MOVEMENTS
The system adopted for controlling the movement of trains should be such that it allows the trains to run in
either direction as well as facilitates faster trains to overtake slower trains, thus ensuring the complete safety
of trains. The following systems are chiefly used for controlling the movement of trains on Indian Railways.
i)
Time interval system
In this system, there is a time interval between two successive trains. A train is dispatched
only after sufficient time has elapsed since the departure of the previous train. This system
works fine just as long as everything goes well with the previous train, but if there is a
mishap and the previous train is held up, the system fails, jeopardizing the safety of the
trains.
ii)
Space interval system
In this system, there is a space interval between two consecutive trains. Only one train is
permitted to occupy a particular length of the track. A succeeding train is permitted to occupy
the same track length from either side only after the first train has cleared it. This system
guarantees safety as only one train is in motion at one time.
II.

III.

ABSOLUTE BLOCK SYSTEM

This system involves dividing the entire length of the track into sections called block sections.
A block section lies between two stations that are provided with block instruments.
The block instruments of adjoining stations are connected through railway lines and a token can be
taken from the block instrument of a particular station with the consent of both the station masters.
In the absolute block system, the departure of a train from one station to another is not permitted
until and unless the previous train has completely arrived at the next station, i.e., trains are not
permitted to enter the section between two stations at the same time.
The procedure by which this system is maintained is known as the lock and block procedure.
The instruments used for this purpose are known as block instruments.
AUTOMATIC BLOCK SYSTEM
In the space interval system, clearing a long block section is a protracted event and the subsequent
train has to wait till the preceding train clears the entire block section.
This impairs the capacity of the section with regard to the number of trains it can clear at a time.
In order to accommodate more trains in the same section, the block section is divided into smaller
automatic block sections.
This is particularly done for sections that are long and have turned into bottlenecks.
The essentials of an automatic block system on a double line are as follows.
i.
The line should be provided with continuous track circuiting.
ii. The line between two adjacent block stations may, when required, be divided into a
series of automatic block signalling sections, entry into each of which will be
governed by a stop signal.
iii. The track circuits should control the stop signal governing the entry into an automatic
block signalling section in the following manner.
iv.
The signal should not assume the off position unless the line is clear in advance, not
only up to the next stop signal, but also for an adequate distance beyond it.

v.
IV.

V.

The signal should automatically turn on as soon as the train passes it.

Centralized train control (CTC)

The operation of all the points and signals of the various stations of a section is centralized at one
place in such a system. Thus all the points and signals are controlled by a single official called the
centralized train control (CTC) operator.
A CTC operator virtually takes over the work of the station masters of several individual stations and
operates all the points and signals at a station through remote control.
The CTC panel is normally provided at a central location and controls various stations up to a
distance of about 120 km on either side.
There is a separate panel provided for the operator, which depicts the entire section, including the
points, crossings, signals, etc.
The signals, routes, points, etc., are operated from the panel by means of separate knobs. This panel
also depicts whether the various tracks are occupied or otherwise.
In a CTC system, panel interlocking is provided at all stations, which ensures complete safety.
In the CTC system, all the functions of the controller and the station masters are carried out by the
CTC operator, who is always aware of the position of all the trains in the section through the
illuminated panel and who can remotely operate the various signals and points at all the stations.
The automatic block system is always adopted in conjunction with CTC with the result that the
number of trains in a block section can also be increased.
The major advantages of the CTC system are enumerated below.
(a) There is considerable saving in the amount of time taken by trains to complete a run and
as such the line capacity of the section is increased. In fact, with the introduction of CTC the
necessity of doubling the track can be overlooked.
(b) No trained station masters, points men, etc. are required at the various stations. The CTC
operator does all the work from the central panel. Thus there is considerable reduction in the
number of skilled staff members required.
(c) The system has the potential to detect any defects in the track.
CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY TRACK

VI.
NECESSITY OF TRACK MAINTENANCE
Track maintenance becomes a necessity due to following reasons:
(a) Due to the constant movement of heavy and high-speed trains, the packing under the sleepers becomes
loose and track geometry gets disturbed. The gauge, alignment, and longitudinal as well as cross levels of
the track thus get affected adversely and the safety of the track is jeopardized.
(b) Due to the vibrations and impact of high-speed trains, the fittings of the track come undone and there is
heavy wear and tear of the track and its components.
(c) The track and its components get worn out as a result of the weathering effect of rain, sun, and sand.
VII. ADVANTAGES OF TRACK MAINTENANCE
The advantages of track maintenance are as follows:
(a) If the track is suitably maintained, the life of the track as well as that of the rolling stock increases since
there is lesser wear and tear of their components.
(b) Regular track maintenance helps in reducing operating costs and fuel consumption.

(c) Small maintenance jobs done at the appropriate time such as tightening a bolt or key, hammering the dog
spike, etc., helps in avoiding loss of the concerned fitting and thus saving on the associated expenditure.
(d) When track maintenance is neglected for a long time, it may render the track beyond repair, calling for
heavy track renewals that entail huge expenses.