CHAPTER IX

THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK SYSTEM

A. Rules applicable to Double Line

9.01. Essentials of the Automatic Block System on double line. –

(1) Where trains on a double line are worked on the Automatic Block System, -

(a) the line shall be provided with continuous track circuiting or axle
counters,

(b) the line between two adjacent block stations may, when required, be
divided into a series of automatic block signalling sections each of which is
the portion of the running line between two consecutive Stop signals, and
the entry into each of which is governed by a Stop signal, and

(c) the track circuits or axle counters shall so control the Stop signal
governing the entry into an automatic block signalling section that -

(i) the signal shall not assume an 'off' aspect unless the line is clear not
only upto the next Stop signal in advance but also for an adequate
distance beyond it, and

(ii ) the signal is automatically placed to 'on' as soon as it is passed by

the train.

(2) Unless otherwise directed by approved special instructions, the adequate

distance referred to in sub-clause (i) of clause (c) of sub-rule (I) shall not be less
than 120 metres.

9.02 Duties of Loco Pilot and Guard when an automatic Stop signal on double line is to
be passed at 'on'. –

(1) When a Loco Pilot finds an Automatic Stop signal with an 'A' marker at 'on', he
shall bring his train to a stop in the rear of the signal. After bringing his train to a
stop in the rear of the signal, the Loco Pilot shall wait there for one minute by day
and two minutes by night. If after waiting for this period, the signal continues to
remain at 'on', he shall give the prescribed code of whistle and exchange signals
with the Guard and then proceed ahead, as far as the line is clear, towards the
next Stop signal in advance exercising great caution so as to stop short of any
obstruction.

(2) The Guard shall show a Stop hand signal towards the rear when the train has
been so stopped at an Automatic Stop signal, except as provided for in sub-rule
(4).

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 (3) Where owing to the curvature of the line, fog, rain or dust storm, engine
working the train pushing it, or other causes, the line ahead cannot be seen
clearly, the Loco Pilot shall proceed at a very slow speed, which shall under no
circumstances exceed 10 kilometres an hour. Under these circumstances, the
Loco Pilot, when not accompanied by an Assistant Loco Pilot, and if he considers
necessary, may seek the assistance of the Guard by giving the prescribed code
of whistle.

(4) When so sent for by the Loco Pilot, the Guard shall accompany him on the
engine cab, before he moves forward, to assist the Loco Pilot in keeping a sharp
look-out.

(5) When an Automatic Stop signal has been passed at 'on', the Loco Pilot shall
proceed with great caution until the next Stop signal is reached. Even if this signal
is 'off', the Loco Pilot shall continue to look out for any possible obstruction short of
the same. He shall proceed cautiously upto that signal and shall act upon its
indication only after he has reached it.

SR.9.02 [i] “The ON’ position of an Automatic Signal may be due to the presence of a
train in the Automatic Signalling section ahead including the overlap or due to an
obstruction on the track or broken or a displaced rail or any other cause.

Therefore, when a Loco Pilot passes an Automatic Stop Signal at ‘ON’ either on
double line or single line he shall proceed with great caution at a speed never
exceeding 15 [FIFTEEN] Kmph. even if the visibility may be quite clear. He shall go
on proceeding with such caution, looking out for any possible obstruction and be
prepared to stop short of the same until he reaches near the obstruction or near
the next Automatic signal, as the case may be, even if this signal may from some
distance be seen exhibiting “off” aspect.

[ii] When a train has to stop at an Automatic signal because of its being at “ON”,
the Loco Pilot of the train shall draw his train as close as possible in rear of the
signal, in order to provide maximum possible margin for a train following cautiously
behind it in accordance with GR 9.02 .

[iii] After passing a permissive Stop signal at ‘ON’ either on double line or single
line, the Loco Pilot shall proceed with great caution at a speed never exceeding
15 [FIFTEEN] Kmph. even if the visibility may be quite clear. He shall go on
proceeding with such caution, looking out for any possible obstruction and be
prepared to stop short of it, until he reaches the obstruction or the next Stop
signal, as the case may be, even if this signal may from some distance be seen
exhibiting “off” aspect.

[iv] Whenever any Automatic signal is passed at ‘ON’, the Guard shall record in his
Train Journal the time of passing the signal at ‘ON’ and the time of passing the
next Stop signal. All such cases of passing the Automatic Stop signal at ‘ON’
together with the timings of passing the two signals shall be recorded in a special
register to be maintained in the Control office and this should be scrutinized by
the operating officers to ensure that the Loco Pilots take not less than the
minimum running time required for observing the speed restriction and cautious
driving.

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 [v] Every Loco Pilot passing an Automatic Signal at ‘ON’ must proceed cautiously
upto the foot of the next signal even if the ‘Off’ aspect of the same is visible as the
line between those two signals may be obstructed.
(vi) After passing automatic signal at ‘ON’ in clear weather, the Loco Pilot of a
train shall ensure that minimum distance of 150 metres or two clear OHE masts is
maintained between his train, and the preceding train, or any obstruction on the
line ahead. However, in the case of an EMU minimum distance of 75 metres or
one OHE mast shall be maintained between the EMU and the preceding
train/EMU or any obstruction on line ahead. However, during dense fog, after
passing an Automatic Stop Signal at ‘ON’ (Red), the Loco pilot / Motorman of the
train/EMU shall move at a speed not exceeding 10 kmph. He should also ensure
that he maintains a reasonable distance at which he is able to observe the
flashing tail lamp of the train ahead or the obstruction. Loco Pilots who work in
Automatic sections affected by fog may control speed of the train / EMU, MEMU,
DEMU etc. so as to be able to stop adequately short of the train or obstruction
immediately.
[vii] After passing an Automatic Stop signal at ‘ON’ the Guard of a train shall
watch that the Loco Pilot does not exceed the speed prescribed. In case of
EMU/MEMU trains if the Motorman exceeds the speed prescribed, the Guard [
when not traveling with the Motorman ] shall give three pause three [ ooo pause
ooo ] rings on the bell code to warn the Motorman and take action as prescribed
in GR 4.45.

In case of other trains also if the Loco Pilot exceeds the speed prescribed, the
Guard shall take action as per GR 4.45

Note. – All Guards and Loco Pilots/Motormen who are required to work on Automatic
Signalling Section shall be imparted one day’s intensive course once in every six
months about rules pertaining to this system and competency certificate
issued/renewed in token of their knowledge and proficiency in these rules.

A record of such competency certificate issued shall be maintained by Divisional

Safety Officers/Mechanical Engineer/Electrical Engineer concerned.

No Guard and Loco Pilot/Motorman shall be put on duty on such sections unless
he possesses such a certificate.

B. Rules applicable to Single Line

9.03 Essentials of the Automatic Block System on single line.-

(1) Where trains on a single line are worked on the Automatic Block System.-

(a) the line shall be provided with continuous track circuiting or axle
counters,

(b) the direction of the traffic shall be established only after Line Clear has
been obtained from the block station in advance,

(c) a train shall be started from one block station to another only after the
direction of traffic has been established,
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 (d) it shall not be possible to obtain Line Clear unless the line is clear, at the
block station from which Line Clear is obtained, not only upto the first Stop
signal but also for an adequate distance beyond it,

(e) the line between two adjacent block stations may, where required, be
divided into two or more automatic block signalling sections by provision of
Stop signals,

(f) after the direction of traffic has been established, movement of trains into,
through and out of each automatic block signalling section shall be
controlled by the concerned Automatic Stop signal and the said Automatic
Stop signal shall not assume 'off' position unless the line is clear upto the next
Automatic Stop signal ,

provided further that where the next Stop signal is a Manual Stop signal,
the line is clear for an adequate distance beyond it, and

(g) all Stop signals against the direction of traffic shall be at ‘on’.

[2] Unless otherwise directed by approved special instructions, the adequate

distance referred to in clauses [d] and [f] of sub-rule [1] shall not be less than 180
metres.

9.04. Minimum equipment of fixed signals in Automatic Block territory on single line. -
The minimum equipment of fixed signals to be provided for each direction shall be
as follows-

(a) Manual Stop signals at a station -

(i) a Home,
(ii) a Starter
(b) An Automatic Stop signal in rear of the Home signal of the station.

Note: Under approved special instructions, the Automatic Stop signal may be dispensed
with.

9.05. Additional fixed signals in Automatic Block territory on single line.-

(1) Besides the minimum equipment prescribed in Rule 9.04, one or more
additional Automatic Stop signals, as are considered necessary, in between block
stations, may be provided.

(2) In addition, such other fixed signals as may be necessary for the safe working
of trains may be provided.

9.06. Conditions for taking 'off' Manual Stop signals in Automatic Block territory on single
line.-

(1) Home signal - When a train is approaching a Home signal, otherwise than at a
terminal station, the signal shall not be taken 'off' unless the line is clear not only
upto the Starter but also for an adequate distance beyond it.

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 (2) Last Stop signal - The last Stop signal shall not be taken 'off' for a train unless the
direction of traffic has been established and the line is clear upto the next
Automatic Stop signal, or when the next Stop signal is a Manual Stop signal for an
adequate distance beyond it.

(3) The adequate distance referred to in sub-rules (1) and (2) shall never be less
than 120 metres and 180 metres respectively unless otherwise directed by
approved special instructions. A sand hump of approved design, or subject to the
sanction of the Commissioner of Railway Safety, a derailing switch shall be
deemed to be an efficient substitute for the adequate distance referred to in
sub-rule (1).

9.07. Duties of Loco Pilot and Guard when an Automatic Stop signal on single line is to
be passed at 'on'. –

(1) When a Loco Pilot finds an Automatic Stop signal with an 'A' marker at 'on', he
shall bring his train to a stop in rear of that signal and wait there for one minute by
day and two minutes by night.

(2) If after waiting for this period the signal continues to remain at 'on', and if
telephone communication is provided near the signal, the Loco Pilot shall contact
the Station Master of the next block station or the Centralised Traffic Control
Operator of the section where Centralised Traffic Control is provided, and obtain
his instructions. The Station Master or the Centralised Traffic Control Operator, as
the case may be, shall, after ascertaining that there is no train ahead upto the
next signal and that it is otherwise safe for the Loco Pilot to proceed so far as is
known, give permission to the Loco Pilot to pass the signal in the 'on' position and
proceed upto the next signal, as may be provided under special instructions.

(3) If no telephone communication is provided near the signal or if the telephone

communication provided near the signal is out of order and cannot be made use
of, the Loco Pilot shall give the prescribed code of whistle and exchange signals
with the Guard and then proceed past the signal as far as the line is clear, upto
the next Stop signal in advance, exercising great caution so as to stop short of any
obstruction.

(4) The Guard shall show a Stop hand signal towards the rear when the train has
been so stopped at an Automatic Stop signal, except as provided for under
sub-rule (6).

(5) Where owing to the curvature of the line, fog , rain or dust storm, engine
working the train pushing it, or other causes, the line ahead cannot be seen
clearly, the Loco Pilot shall proceed at a very slow speed, which shall under no
circumstances exceed 10 kilometres an hour. Under these circumstances, the
Loco Pilot, when not accompanied by an Assistant Loco Pilot, and if he considers it
necessary, may seek the assistance of the Guard by giving the prescribed code
of whistle.

(6) When so sent for by the Loco Pilot, the Guard shall accompany him on the
engine cab, before he moves forward, to assist the Loco Pilot in keeping a sharp
look-out.

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 (7) When an Automatic Stop signal has been passed at 'on', the Loco Pilot shall
proceed with great caution until the next Stop signal is reached. Even if this signal
is 'off', the Loco Pilot shall continue to look out for any possible obstruction short of
the same. He shall proceed cautiously upto that signal and shall act upon its
indication only after he has reached it.

SR 9.07[i] When a train has to stop at an Automatic signal because of its being at ‘ON’ ,
the Loco Pilot of the train shall draw his train as close as possible in rear of the
signal, in order to provide maximum possible margin for a train following cautiously
behind it in accordance with GR 9.07

[ii] After passing an Automatic Stop signal at ‘ON’ the Loco Pilot of the following
train hauled by any locomotive shall ensure that a minimum distance of 150
metres or two clear OHE spans is maintained between his train and the preceding
train or any obstruction on the line. However, the above distance may be
reduced to 75 metres or one clear OHE span which ever is more in the case of an
EMU/MEMU train following. In case of special circumstances like floods etc. the
following train may be pulled closer to the preceding train or the obstruction. But
in such cases it must be ensured that a proper caution order is given to the
second train/EMU/MEMU before it enters the block section.

[iii] After passing an Automatic Stop signal at ‘ON’ the Guard of a train shall
watch that the Loco Pilot does not exceed the speed prescribed. In case of
EMU/MEMU trains if the Motorman exceeds the speed prescribed the Guard (
when not travellng with the Motorman ) shall give three pause three ( 000 pause
000 ) rings on the bell code to warn the Motorman and take action as prescribed
in GR 4.45.

In case of other trains also if the Loco Pilot exceeds the speed prescribed the
Guard shall take action as per GR. 4.45.

9.08. Person in charge of working trains on Automatic Block System on single line. –

(1) Except where Centralised Traffic Control is in operation, the Station Master shall
be responsible for the working of trains at and between stations.

(2) On a section where Centralised Traffic Control is in operation, the Centralised

Traffic Control Operator shall be responsible for the working of trains on the entire
section except as provided for in sub-rule (3).

(3) On a section where Centralised Traffic Control is in operation, the working of

trains at a station or part of a station may be taken over by or handed over to the
Station Master during emergency or as prescribed by special instructions. When
such emergency control is transferred, the Station Master shall be the person in
charge of working trains at the station or part of the station and the station shall be
worked in accordance with sub-rule (1).

C. Rules applicable to both Double and Single Lines.

9.09. Working of trains on Centralised Traffic Control territory. – On a section where

Centralised Traffic Control is in operation, the working of trains shall be governed
by special instructions.

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9.10. Protection of a train stopped in an Automatic block signalling section . –

(1) When a train is stopped in an Automatic block signalling section, the Guard
shall immediately exhibit a Stop hand signal towards the rear and check up that
the tail board or tail light is correctly exhibited.

(2) If the stoppage is on account of accident, failure, or obstruction and the train
cannot proceed, the Loco Pilot shall sound the prescribed code of whistle and the
train shall be protected immediately as per Rule 6.03 except that for the
protection of the occupied line one detonator shall be placed at 90 metres from
the train on the way out and similarly two detonators, 10 metres apart, not less
than 180 metres from the train or at such distances as has been fixed by special
instructions.

9.11. Loco Pilot to report failures. –

(1) When a Loco Pilot has to pass an Automatic Stop signal at 'on', he shall stop his
train at the next reporting station or cabin as prescribed by special instructions
and report particulars of Automatic Stop signals passed at 'on' by him.

(2) The Station Master or person in charge of the reporting station or cabin shall
promptly report the fact to the signal and operating officials concerned.

SR 9.11 [i] The Divisional Railway Manager shall issue instructions specifying the stations
or cabins where Loco Pilots will be required to report particulars of Automatic Stop
signals passed in the ‘ON’ position by them, particulars of the signals so reported
along with date, train No., Loco Pilot’s name, action taken, &c. shall be recorded
by the stations or cabins in the registers maintained for the purpose.

[ii] The Automatic signal failures shall also be recorded in the Divisional office
and checked to ensure that there are no hold-ups and that failures, if any, are
promptly attended to and requirements of safety are fully maintained.

Note.- Special instructions for working trains during failure of Automatic Signalling are
detailed in Appendix “E”

9.12. Procedure during failure of Automatic signalling .- When a failure of Automatic

signalling is likely to last for some time or cause serious delay, trains shall be
worked from station-to-station over the section or sections concerned under
special instructions.

9.13. Movement of trains against the direction of traffic on the Automatic Block System.-
In Automatic signalling territory, trains shall run in the established direction of
traffic only. Movement of trains against the established direction of traffic is not
permitted. When in an emergency it becomes unavoidably necessary to move a
train against the established direction of traffic, this shall be done only under
special instructions which shall ensure that the line behind the said train upto the
station in rear is clear and free from obstruction.

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9.14. Procedure when Semi-Automatic Stop signal is 'on'.- (1) When a Semi-Automatic
Stop signal is worked as an Automatic Stop signal, Rule 9.02 or 9.07 shall apply as
the case may be.

(2) When a Semi-Automatic Stop signal is working as a Manual Stop signal and
becomes defective, it may only be passed under relevant rules detailed in
Chapter III, Section 'H'.

(3) When a Loco Pilot is authorised to pass a Semi-Automatic Stop signal at 'on' by
taking 'off' the Calling-on signal fixed below it, he shall follow the precautions
stipulated in Rule 9.02 or 9.07 as the case may be.

9.15. Passing a gate Stop signal at 'on' in Automatic signalling territory. -If the Loco Pilot
finds a gate Stop signal at 'on' in an Automatic signalling territory,-

(a) he shall comply with the provisions of Rule 9.02 or 9.07 as the case may be, if
the 'A' marker is illuminated, or

(b) (i) if the ‘A’ marker light is extinguished, he shall sound the prescribed code of
whistle to warn the Gateman and bring his train to a stop in rear of the signal, and

(ii) if after waiting for one minute by day and two minutes by night, the signal is
not taken ‘off’, he shall draw his train ahead cautiously up to the level crossing,
and

(iii) if the Gateman is available and exhibiting hand signals, proceed further past
the level crossing gate cautiously, or

(iv) if the Gateman is not available, or, is available but not exhibiting hand signals,
stop in rear of the level crossing and after ascertaining that the gates are closed
against road traffic and on getting hand signals from the Gateman, and in his
absence from Assistant Loco Pilot, the Loco Pilot shall sound the prescribed code
of whistle and cautiously proceed up to the next stop signal complying with the
rule 9.02 or 9.07 as the case may be.

SR. 9.15. Passing a semi-automatic gate Stop signal, provided with illuminated ‘A’ and
illuminated ‘AG’ markers, at ‘ON’ in Automatic signalling territory – If the Loco Pilot
finds a gate Stop signal provided with illuminated ’AG’ marker at ‘ON’ in an
Automatic signalling territory,

[a] he shall comply with the provisions of General Rule 9.02 or 9.07 as the case
may be, if the ‘A’ marker is illuminated but the ‘AG’ marker light is extinguished, or

[b] if the ‘A’ marker light is extinguished but the ‘AG’ marker light lit, he shall
comply with the provisions of clause [b] of General Rule 9.15.

[c] if both the ‘A’ marker and ‘AG’ marker Lights are extinguished, he shall
sound the prescribed code of whistle to warn the Gateman and bring his train to
a stop in the rear of the signal. Thereafter, he shall proceed further only in
accordance with the procedure laid down under special instructions.

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9.16. Illustrative diagrams. – Automatic change of sequence of aspects behind the
train in three-aspect and four-aspect signalling is illustrated in the following
diagrams, which are not drawn to scale.

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