Double locks, signal after proper verification: Rlys order to zones

Additionally, the signal for trains that are to run through should be given only after verification on the Electronic Interlocking panel that the trains are on the right track.

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A portion of Bahanaga High School, which was used as morgue for the accident victims, being demolished on Saturday. PTI

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Stop, watch, proceed with caution. This is the crux of a series of directives sent by the Railways Ministry to its zones over the past three days as it tries to get its house in order after last week’s Odisha train tragedy.

In the latest directive issued Saturday, the Signalling Department — which is under the spotlight as it is suspected that lapses in signalling maintenance protocol caused the accident — has asked all zonal railways to stop the first train after maintenance work is complete to verify that everything with the signal is in place.

Additionally, the signal for trains that are to run through should be given only after verification on the Electronic Interlocking panel that the trains are on the right track.

“These should be applicable for all Up and Down direction trains,” said the ‘Joint Procedure Order of Disconnection and Reconnection for Signalling Gears’, issued jointly by the Signalling and the Traffic Departments.

Saturday’s directive also called for double locks on all installations that house signalling and level crossing panels (like location boxes).

“Double locking arrangement should be provided at all level crossing gate relay huts/goomties within station limit housing S&T equipment of LC gates and point/track circuit signals,” the order says, adding: “Gate goomty/cabin housing signalling equipment in station yard should be treated as relay hut.” A goomty is a small cabin.

Till double locks are arranged, the single keys will be in the custody of the Station Master, it said.