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Right To Information

Right To Information under Section 4(1)(b)

(i)

The particulars of its organization, functions and duties.

· Signalling and Telecom Department

· Organisation Chart

(ii)

The powers and duties of its officers and employees.

· Duty List of Officers    Duty List of Employees

(iii)

The procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability.

·Click here for  Details

(iv)

The norms set by it for the discharge of its functions.

· Click here for Details

(v)

The rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records, held by it or under its control or used by its employees for discharging its functions.

· Click here for Details

(vi)

A statement of the categories of documents that are held by it or under its control.

· Click here for Details

(vii)

The particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with, or representation by, the members of the public in relation to the formulation of its policy or implementation thereof.

· Click here for Details

(viii)

A statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted as its part or for the purpose of its advice, and as to whether meetings of those boards, councils, committees and other bodies are open to the public, or the minutes of such meetings are accessible for public.

· Click here for Details

(ix)

A directory of its officers and employees.

· SWR Officers’ Telephone Directory

· SWR Employees Telephone Directory

· SWR Employees Email IDs


(x)

The monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its regulations.

· Click here for Details

(xi)

The budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made.

· Click here for Details

(xii)

The manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details of beneficiaries of such programmes.

· Click here for Details

(xiii)

Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations granted by it.

· Click here for Details

(xiv)

Details in respect of the information, available to or held by it, reduced in an electronic form.

· Click here for Details

(xv)

The particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading room, if maintained for public use.

· Click here for Details

(xvi)

The names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers.

· Click here for Details

(xvii)

Such other information as may be prescribed

· Click here for Details   


1. Signalling and Telecommunication Department

1.a. Signalling

Subsequent to formation of South Western Railway in 2003 out of a population of 245 stations, 75 stations were still interlocked with mechanical Signalling. All these stations have been gradually replaced with Panel Interlocking. At present there are 296 stations with PI/EI/RRI(Panel operation), Colour light signals, motor operated points and track circuiting thereby enhancing safety in train operations and increasing section capacity.

Interlocking is an arrangement between various signalling gears, points, level crossing gates etc. so interconnected to ensure safety of train operations.

The era of interlocking began with mechanical lever frames and Semaphore signals. These mechanical lever frames required to be operated physically by an operating Points man who had to operate several levers in a particular sequence to receive or dispatch a train. This activity was time consuming and used to cause detention to train movements. As the size of the yards increased the size of the lever frames also increased requiring more spacious cabins. It also required more maintenance efforts from the staff.

With the advent of Electro Mechanical relays, these Lever frames gave way to relay interlocking, where the interlocking between various functions were achieved through Relays. This resulted in centralized operations from a Panel, faster operations, enhanced safety and reduced building size.

Panel interlocking is normally provided for smaller yards. It is a signal interlocking system which ensures that all the conditions required for safe passage of a train have been complied within SWR 230 stations have been provided with Panel Interlocking.

With the increase in traffic, major yards and Junction stations required to be provided with an interlocking system where simultaneous movements were possible ensuring safety. This led to the development of Route Relay Interlocking (RRI).Route Relay Interlocking has been provided at Hubballi Jn and Yeshwantpur stations of SWR.

With the development of modern fault tolerant and fail safe techniques, Electronic Microprocessors were found useful in Electronic Interlocking systems. Electronic Interlocking is a computer based electronic system controlling the various Signalling gears from a centralized panel/visual display unit. The Interlocking is achieved through Microprocessors. This system has the main advantages of more reliability, ease in installing amd maintaining, less space requirement, less train detention for initial installation and yard remodeling due to reduced line block. Electronic Interlocking has been installed at 66 stations over SWR.

The initial Mechanical Interlocking system was provided with Semaphore signals, the position of the arm indicating/Signalling to the driver of a train as to how he has to pass the signal. With advance in Signal Interlocking systems and with a view to increase the speed of trains Semaphore signals were replaced with Multi Aspect Colour Light signals. These signals were lit by signal bulbs which had a better visibility and reliability than semaphore signals. Due to enhanced visibility of these signals the trains could travel at a higher speed. However these Signal bulbs were prone to fusing due to aging and voltage fluctuations. To overcome these, LED units for lighting signals were introduced. These LED lit signals had a very high visibility and reliability thereby enhancing section capacity. All stations over SWR are provided with LED lit signals.

To ensure safe passage of trains between two stations Block Instruments are provided. In the initial interlocking systems Token Block instruments were provided where in the driver of a train can enter the section and travel to the next station only if he is in possession of a token, delivered by the token block instrument. This token was physically picked up by the driver of a running train and handed over at the next station. Due to speed of trains at times these tokens were not able to be picked up properly causing detention to trains. They were also liable to be lost when dropped at stations. Further when there was crossing between two trains at a station trains were delayed due to the interlocking provided with these token instruments. Such detentions were avoided with the introduction of Token less Block Instruments. At present Token less block instruments have been provided at 304 out of 306 Block Sections.

  Other Modern Signalling Equipments provided:

1.Block Proving Axle counters (BPAC)

It is a safety equipment which monitors the movement of trains into the Block section between two adjacent stations. This device counts the train axles entering and leaving a Block section and controls the clearance of associated signals ensuring the safety in train operations. BPAC have been provided at 254 Block sections over South Western Railway.

2.Data Loggers

It is a Microprocessor based system which logs selected the events i.e. Signal gear operations and train movements in a station yard. This system helps in monitoring the functioning of Signalling gears, analyzing failures and is useful in performing preventive maintenance thus enhancing the reliability of Signalling system. Data loggers are installed at 315 locations over South Western Railway and are networked to central locations at Hubli, Bangalore and Mysore as well as Railway Board.

3.Integrated Power Supply (IPS)

Integrated Power Supply is a comprehensive power supply system which provides complete power solutions with redundancy, from a single system to all Signalling circuits. Its function is to provide a stable and reliable AC and DC power supply to the Signalling installations which is very essential for their proper functioning.IPS have been provided at 224 stations over South Western Railway.

4.Safety at Level Crossing Gates

All the Level crossings Gates in station area and other important and busy locations in the section between stations are provided with signal interlocking to protect the road users. There are 435 interlocked LC gates in South Western Railway Road warning signals with Hooters have also been provided at all interlocked LC Gates.

All Manned Non Interlocked Level Crossing gates have also been provided with communication arrangement with nearby station.

5.Second Distant Signal

Second Distant signal is provided at stations to give advance information to train drivers regarding the aspect of the First Stop Signal ahead. With Double Distant Signal, a driver gets information of the First Start Signal 2 Kms in advance. This increases the confidence level of the drivers and helps in increasing the average speed of trains thus enhancing section capacity. Double distant is provided in Jolarpettai-Whitefield section of Bengaluru Division.

6.Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS)

IBS have been provided to split a lengthy block section into two, thereby enhancing the section capacity. In South Western Railway IBS have been provided between Bangalore Cantonment –Baiyyappanahalli stations and Bisanattam-Kuppam stations, Malur - Tyakal stations, Devangothi - Malur stations of Bengaluru Division and between Kuditini and Ballari Cantonment stations of Hubballi Division.



     1.b. Telecommunication:

Being part of the most preferred and economical mode of transport, communication is pivotal in the Rail Industry. Telecommunication being a fast-developing field has been making the work practices more convenient for employees and journey of a passenger more comfortable progressively.

South Western Railway has witnessed quite a distinct transformation in its communication means from its birth. It has strived hard to incorporate technology advancements within the Railway system to improve the system of working adding to the efficiency. Comprising of three divisions – Hubballi, Bengaluru and Mysuru, South Western Railway provides connectivity between major IT Centres, Heritage Sites, Tourist Places, and Freight Business Locations etc.

South Western Railway covers 3522 Route Km of Broad Gauge line which is well connected by multiple means of communication as on date. The various modes employed to establish connectivity between/within stations in the jurisdiction and with other Railway Zones are discussed thenceforward.

Media and Route Diversity

Overhead ACSR Lines were the connecting medium over which critical circuits like Block Circuits, Section Control, Emergency Control & LC Gates were connected. The same circuits were then transferred to underground Quad cable that alleviated most of the reliability issues and other inconveniences of overhead lines. The entire zone is connected with underground 6 quad cable amounting to 3488 Route Km. 

Optic fiber cables brought in more efficient and reliable communication mode decreasing the frequent need for maintenance. With the use of Optic media more sophisticated equipments like the STM-1, STM-4 and STM-16 were introduced to the working system, exponentially increasing the channel capacity for multiple circuit connectivity between stations for continued service.

As on date, about 84% of the zone’s route Km that amounts to 2962 Km, is laid with OFC for connectivity of crucial circuits like train control, STD circuits (PRI), Passenger reservation and unreserved ticketing system channels, video surveillance, freight operation information system, inter railway network links etc.

Train Traffic Communication

For punctual and efficient running of trains, total track area under each division’s jurisdiction is divided into smaller control sections where train movements are monitored and controlled and overall traffic movement is regulated. This sectional control communication is provided to all stations, connecting them to Divisional Headquarters. 

Emergency Control Communication is another most critical means of communication provided at every kilometer along the total track distance with the Divisional Headquarters. This form of communication is essential at times of emergencies to alert the Headquarters.

Control communication saw a phenomenal change with the advent of Optic fiber technology increasing the reliability and efficiency compared to Quad Cable. However, Emergency control is still continuing on 6 quad cables. There has been a transition in the control phones utilised by the controllers and station masters from the STC key technology to DTMF. 

Passenger amenities

The most drastic advancements have been witnessed in the sector of passenger amenities. During the formation of the zone, the passenger amenities included manual announcements, mechanical clocks, conventional display boards for coach guidance, train indication including single line and 5 line boards.

At present, South Western Railway offers its passengers the most sophisticated services to make their travel experience more comfortable right from the purchase of tickets to alighting the train at the destination station.

The main and primary amenity provided at a station is a clock. Mechanical clocks have now been replaced by digital clocks synchronised with GPS. Public Announcement which was earlier performed manually has been replaced by microprocessor based Digital Passenger Announcement System (DPAS) and PC based announcement systems.

The Integrated Passenger Information System installed at many important stations combines public announcement system, Train Arrival/Departure Display Boards and Coach Guidance Display Boards on a single system. Important stations have been provided with true colour display boards replacing the conventional ones. Electronic Train Reservation Charts are also provided at important stations. Divisional Train Enquiry System with touch screen interface is available at major stations for providing information regarding passenger queries.

Video surveillance system has been introduced to assist the Security Department at multiple strategic locations at important stations. Integrated Security System has been made functional over South Western Railway at Bengaluru, Yeshvantpur and Mysuru with connectivity to Divisional Railway Manager/ Additional Divisional Railway Manager and Chief Health Inspector to monitor cleanliness of platforms through ISS cameras.

VHF Radio Mobile Communication

VHF Base Station of 25W and Walkie Talkies of 5W are utilized for wireless communication for operation and maintenance functions including communication between Driver-Guard, Stations, RPF and other departments. VHF communication is also critical at Accident spots for relief and restoration arrangements. There are 348 No’s of 25 Watt VHF Base Station sets & 5544 No’s of 5 Watt Walkie Talkie sets available over South Western Railway. 

Data Networks of South Western Railways

Several applications like Passenger Reservation System(PRS), Unreserved Ticketing System(UTS), National Train Enquiry System(NTES), Freight Operations Information System(FOIS), Coaching Operations Information System(COIS) etc allow passengers/customers to avail services offered by Railways. 312 UTS/PRS Locations, 84 FOIS Locations, 32 Railnet Locations, 40 Exchange Locations, 3 NGN Locations and 3 Hotlines are networked across the entire stretch of South Western Railways with multiple redundant paths to ensure uninterrupted services and better deliverance.  

Section 4.1.B.iii.

The procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability

  For different categories of works, the processes are enumerated as under:

(1)Budgeting


The system of periodic review of budget is followed as per Railway Board’s instructions. The Budget estimate and revised estimate received from field units are compiled by XSTE/Plg and after approval of CSTE, the same is communicated to FA & CAO for onward transmission to Railway Board.

(2)Works Programme (WP)

WP proposals duly vetted by Divisional Accounts Department and approved by DRM are received from field units in two categories i.e. under GM’s power (Costing below 1 Crore for safety category) and at Railway Board’s level (Costing above Rs. 1 crore).

 · Works proposals under GM power (Costing below Rs. 1 crore for safety category)


The proposals received from units are scrutinized by CSE/SWR and after obtaining approval of CSTE/SWR, the proposals sent to CPDE/SWR. CPDE/SWR sends the proposals to FA&CAO/SWR for obtaining concurrence. After FA&CAO’s concurrence proposals are put up to GM/SWR by CPDE/SWR for obtaining approval duly considering the lumpsum budget grant. After the approval of GM, the work features in LAW (List of Approved Works) Book.


   ·  Works proposals at Railway Board’s level (Costing above Rs. 1  crore)

The proposals received from units are scrutinized by CSE/SWR and after obtaining approval of CSTE/SWR, the proposals are sent to CPDE/SWR. CPDE/SWR obtains the approval of GM for inclusion in PWP (Preliminary Works Programme). After approval of GM, CSTE/SWR sends the proposals to FA&CAO/SWR for obtaining concurrence. After FA&CAO’s concurrence, the proposals are sent to CPDE/SWR for inclusion in PWP (Preliminary Works Programme). CPDE/SWR then sends the proposals to Railway Board via IRPSM. Railway Board then publishes Pink Book for sanctioned works costing above 2.5 Crores. Railway Board also advises GM/SWR to include the sanctioned works costing between Rs 1.0 Crores and Rs 2.50 Crores in LAW.

On being featured in LAW book/Pink Book, detailed estimate is prepared and got vetted and sanctioned by competent authority. Mode of executing the work is decided as per SOP (Works).


(3)Condemnation of over-aged and damaged assets


On certification as being beyond economical repairs, process for condemnation of such assets shall be proposed. The proposal is adjudged by concerned functional HOD and a survey committee will be set up after finance concurrence and approval of CSTE. On the basis of the survey committee report, the condemnation of the asset is certified.


(4)Monitoring of System Reliability


Reconciled data of Signal and Telecom incidences received from units are compiled subject wise by concerned supervisors and then put up to CSTE in prescribed format through functional HOD for perusal and to take further necessary action.


(5)Procurement of material

Stock and non-stock requisitions duly vetted, are scrutinized by XSTE/Plg and put up to CSE/CCE/CSTE after the verification of funds availability for countersignature as per SOP/GEN and forwarded to Stores department for further necessary action.


Section 4.1.B.iv.

The norms set for the discharge of functions

     à The following norms laid down for the discharge of functions mentioned below


Sl No.

Item

Laid down Norms

1

Sending MCDO to GM

By 5th of every month

2

Sending MCDO to Rly Board

By 10th of every month

3(i)

August Review

Target as given by Rly Board

(ii)

Revised Estimate

Target as given by Rly Board

(iii)

Final Modification

Target as given by Rly Board

 




Section 4.1.B.v.

The rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records held or under control of CSTE’s office or used by its employees for discharging its functions

     à    Rules/Manuals held by S&T Branch

         Signal Engineering Manual

 

         Telecommunication Manual

 

Section 4.1.B.vi.

Statement of the categories of documents that are held by it or under its control

·        ·Details of drawings for various stations  

·       ·Details of stations with type of interlocking provided

·       ·Details of interlocked level crossing gates 


Section 4.1.B.vii.

The particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with or representation by the members of the public in relation to the formulation of policy or implementation thereof. 

     Primarily, there is no direct public dealing in S&T Department. However, the inputs required from S&T department for ZRUCC/DRUCC etc are being furnished at appropriate level, through proper channel.

Matters pertain to MP/MLA and other VIP references are being replied through appropriate channel.

Section 4.1.B.viii.

Statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted as part of CSTE’s office or for the purpose of its advice, and as to whether meetings of those boards, councils, committees and other bodies are open to the public, or the minutes of such meetings are accessible for public

     à Not applicable

Section 4.1.B.ix.

A directory of its officers and employees

     à Link provided in the Table.

Section 4.1.B.x.

The monthly remuneration received by each of the offices and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its regulations.

     à The information is available with CPO/SWR.

Section 4.1.B.xi.

The budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made.

 Click Here for details

Section 4.1.B.xii.

The manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details of beneficiaries of such programmes. 

     à Not applicable.

Section 4.1.B.xiii.

Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorization granted by CSTE’s office

     

     à Not applicable.

Section 4.1.B.xiv.

Details in respect of the information, available to or held by CSTE’s office, reduced in electronic form


     à Information is available on South Western Railway website.

Section 4.1.B.xv.

The particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading room if maintained for public use


à       àOffice is open from 09:30 hrs to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday.   

Section 4.1.B.xvi.

The names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers.

     à List of Public Information Officers

Section 4.1.B.xvii.

Such other information as may be prescribed

     à All information is available onSouth Western Railway website.




Source : South Western Railway CMS Team Last Reviewed : 01-03-2023  


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