Railways mandates double-locking for all signalling assets

13 Jun 2023 CW Team

The Railway Board announced that a double-locking system should be implemented in all relay rooms containing train controlling mechanisms, relay huts housing signalling and telecommunications equipment at level-crossings, as well as point and track circuit signals. This directive to the railway zones is the most recent in a series of instructions given after the tragic incident on June 2 in Balasore, Odisha, where three trains collided, resulting in the deaths of over 280 individuals.

The order signifies that the "access to the relay room" played a crucial role in the "signalling interference" that led the Coromandel Express to divert to the loop line at Balasore and collide with a stationary goods train.

Senior officials stated that with substantial evidence suggesting tampering with the interlocking system, the focus now is to ensure its "tamper-proof" nature.

This implementation of double locking will guarantee that these areas cannot be accessed individually.

The order stated that level crossing gates (goomty/cabin) housing signalling and telecommunications equipment in the station yard should be treated as relay huts. Until the double-locking system is established, the Station Master (SM) will possess the key to the current single lock.

"The Station Master should maintain the relevant records regarding the issuance and return of the key in the same manner as it is done for the station relay room. The proforma for handing over/taking back the key by the Assistant Station Manager (ASM) on duty should include a column specifying that the location for which the key was obtained by the maintenance staff has been properly closed and locked by the maintenance staff returning the key," the order explained.

One of the findings from the preliminary investigation is that work was being conducted near the accident site.

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