PAPER 1 – CIVIL ENGINEERING (WORKS & BRIDGES) – SOLUTIONS

Q1. Objective questions (choose the most appropriate answer)

(i) Water–cement ratio in Guniting (shotcrete) for repairs

Typical W/C ratio is kept fairly low, around 0.40–0.45 for good strength and low rebound.
Answer: (c) 0.4 to 0.5

(ii) % of inspection of Bridges done by BRI / Technical

From Bridge Inspection and Maintenance section – BRI (Technical) carries out detailed
technical inspection of bridges as per prescribed cycle; for MCQ pattern this is generally taken
as ¼ of total stock each year = 25% so that all bridges are covered in 4 years.

semester 1 final

Answer: (a) 25%

(iii) Diameter of weep holes

Weep holes in abutments / retaining walls are specified as 50 mm dia (or 60×50 mm opening)
at 1.5 m c/c horizontally and 1 m vertically.

semester 1 final

Answer: (a) 50 mm

(iv) Maximum length of Service Girders used for temporary arrangements

Service girders used for temporary arrangements in bridge construction are normally 45 ft, 60 ft
or 87 ft in span.
Answer: (c) 87 ft

(v) Minimum frequency of cleaning a septic tank

For railway residential and service buildings septic tanks are required to be cleaned at least
once in a year under normal conditions.
Answer: (a) Once in a year

(vi) Provision of water coolers on stations

As per station amenities norms, drinking-water facilities (taps / coolers) are required where
passenger tra ic exceeds about 1000 passengers per day, then increased with category.

semester 1 final

Answer: (a) 1000

(vii) Design loading of bridges on DFCC (Dedicated Freight Corridor) routes
Bridge design loads (live load) for BG lines:

 25 t loading 2008

 DFC loading 32.5 t loading for DFC routes.

Answer: (b) 32.5 t

(viii) IS code for testing of paints

Railway specifications adopt IS:101 – Methods of sampling and testing of paints, varnishes
and related products for tests.
Answer: (b) IS 101

(ix) Safe bearing capacity of Granite (in tonnes/m²)

Safe bearing capacities of soils/rocks (Foundation chapter) list Granite = 330 t/m².
Answer: (c) 330

(x) Diameter of holes for cement grouting

For cement pressure-grouting in masonry / concrete, usual practice is to drill holes about 30
mm dia, allowing e ective injection but avoiding excessive disturbance.
Answer: (b) 30 mm

Tip for exam: Whenever you see questions (iii), (iv), (vii), (ix) – you can quote from the exact
tables/paragraphs in Bridges & Foundations chapters of your book for full marks.

Q2

(a) Describe the Inspection Schedule of SSE (Works) in detail

Key points to write:

1. Overall responsibility – SSE (Works) is responsible for condition and maintenance of:

o Sta quarters, service buildings, o ices, colonies

o Water-supply, sanitary installations, drainage

o Small bridges / culverts under Works charge.

2. Types of inspections

o Annual detailed inspection of all buildings and structures – record condition of

roofs, walls, doors/windows, floors, sanitary fittings, water-supply, surrounding
drainage, trees etc.

o Monsoon / pre-monsoon inspection – check roofs, drainage, leaks, flashings,

culverts, side drains.
 o Post-heavy rain / special inspections after floods, cyclones, earthquakes, fire,
accidents near buildings.

o Quarterly / monthly inspections of important service buildings (stations,

o ices, hospitals, schools, running rooms etc.).

3. Procedure

o Use standard inspection register / pro-forma for each building.

o Note defects: structural cracks, settlement, dampness, roof leaks, damaged

joinery, unsafe elements.

o Classify repairs: ordinary, special, urgent, safety-related.

4. Follow-up

o Prepare annual works programme based on inspection notes – ordinary

repairs, special repairs, renewals.

o Fix priority and estimated cost; submit to AEN/DEN.

o Ensure compliance inspections after repairs.

5. Safety & service aspects

o Ensure safe staircases, parapets, hand-rails; proper lighting in passages.

o Check fire-fighting equipment where provided.

o Watch cleanliness and hygiene, particularly of toilets and septic tanks.

You can quote from the Buildings & Bridge maintenance chapters for language around
inspection and repair planning.

(b) Factors causing wear and tear in the bridge

1. Dead and live loads – self-weight plus heavy train loads producing bending, shear and
fatigue.

2. Impact and vibration – due to dynamic e ect of moving trains, hammer blow,
unbalanced loads.

3. Temperature variation – expansion and contraction causing stresses if bearings are

jammed.

4. Wind forces – lateral sway of girders and piers.

5. Water action & scour – erosion around foundations, undermining abutments/pier.

6. Corrosion of steel – especially in aggressive, humid or marine environments.

7. Chemical attack – sulphates, industrial e luents on concrete / masonry.

8. Poor drainage – water stagnation on deck, blocking of weep holes, leading to leakage
and deterioration.
 9. Lack of maintenance – jammed bearings, unpainted steel, damaged handrails,
inadequately tightened rivets/bolts.

10. Overloading / abnormal loads – engines heavier than design load, vehicle hits,
derailments etc.

Q3

(a) Properties and advantages of Reinforced Concrete (RCC)

Properties:

1. Composite action – concrete strong in compression, steel strong in tension; bond

between the two allows them to act together.

2. Durability – resistant to weathering, fire (to a good extent) and corrosion of steel when
cover is adequate.

3. Mouldability – can be cast into any shape (slab, beam, column, shell, bridge deck etc.).

4. Monolithic construction – beams, slabs, columns act together; good rigidity.

5. Relatively economical where local aggregates and cement are available.

Advantages (esp. for bridges and buildings):

1. High strength and sti ness – suitable for heavy loads and long spans in decks, slabs,
girders.

2. Low maintenance compared to steel (no regular painting required).

3. Fire resistance – mass concrete protects reinforcement.

4. Long life – good for permanent structures like station buildings, ROBs, culverts.

5. Good appearance – can be shaped architecturally, plastered, painted.

6. Compatibility with precast construction – PSC/RCC sleepers, precast slabs,

segmental bridges etc.

(b) In design of girder bridges, what are the forces and the e ect due to earthquake?

From the Loads on Bridges section:

1. Horizontal seismic forces – act at the centre of mass of pier / abutment and
superstructure; cause bending and shear in piers, bearings and foundations.

2. Vertical seismic forces – modify e ective dead & live loads (increase or decrease),
a ecting axial forces and bearing reactions.

3. Torsional e ects – when centre of mass and centre of sti ness do not coincide,
causing twisting of substructure.

4. Design considerations
 o Country divided into seismic zones II–V; higher design coe icients in higher
zones.

o Bridge as a whole and each element must be checked for seismic forces (except
small slabs/culverts).

o Provide adequate ductility, hold-down devices, shear keys, and proper detailing
in RC to withstand cyclic loading.

Q4

(a) What do you understand by stresses in structures? Explain tensile, bending and shear
stresses.

1. Stress: Internal resistance per unit area o ered by a body to an external force.

2. Tensile stress (tension)

o Produced when member is subjected to pulling forces (e.g. bottom flange of

simply supported girder).

o Causes elongation;

o Formula: σt = P / A.

3. Compressive stress (compression)

o Produced when member is pushed / shortened (e.g. top flange or columns).

o Causes shortening; also σc = P / A.

4. Bending stress

o Occurs when loads cause bending of beams/girders.

o Top fibre in compression, bottom in tension.

o Varies linearly from zero at neutral axis to max at extreme fibres;

o Formula: σ = M y / I.

5. Shear stress

o Produced by forces sliding one part of section relative to another (e.g. web of
girder, rivets, bolts, bearing plates).

o For average shear: τ = V / A.

o Important in design of webs, shear connectors and bearings.

You can relate to bridge girder diagrams and stress discussion in the Bridges chapter.

(b) Describe the items inspected by the Bridge Inspector while doing technical inspection
of a bridge.
From Technical Inspection of Bridges section.

Main items:

1. Superstructure (girders / slabs)

o Corrosion of steel, condition of paint, packing plates, rivets/bolts, cracks in

concrete.

o Distortion, cambers, deflection, loose bracings, missing members.

2. Bearings

o Cleanliness, alignment, free movement, condition of rollers / rockers, tilt,

jamming, adequacy of lubricants; need for greasing or resetting.

semester 1 final

3. Deck & Track

o Condition of sleepers, fastenings, guard rails, check rails; condition of ballast

profile on deck bridges.

4. Sub-structure (piers, abutments, wing walls)

o Cracks, tilting, settlement, leaching, stone / brick condition, open joints,

condition of pointing.

o E ectiveness and cleanliness of weep holes.

5. Foundations & Scour

o Signs of scour, exposed foundations, undermining, bank erosion, condition of

protective works (pitching, aprons, cut-waters).

6. Approaches & Track alignment

o Approaches settlement, approaches embankment, track alignment, vertical

profile, approaches to level crossings.

7. Safety fittings

o Guard rails, handrails, walkway planks, ladders, inspection platforms, lighting if

provided.

8. Records

o Update bridge registers, condition ratings, recommendations for repairs, speed

restrictions if needed.

Q5

(a) What are the characteristics of good paint? Describe various types of paints.

Characteristics of good paint

1. Good covering power & hiding capacity.

 2. Forms hard, durable, and washable film.

3. Resistant to weather, moisture, sunlight and temperature changes.

4. Good adhesion to the surface (steel, timber, masonry).

5. Should not crack, blister or peel.

6. Reasonable drying time; easy to apply.

7. Economical and non-toxic.

Types of paints (relevant to railway works & bridges)

1. Primer paints

o Red-oxide / zinc-chromate primer on steel;

o Cement primer / alkali-resisting primer on masonry / concrete.

2. Oil paints

o Pigment + drying oil (linseed) + thinner; used on doors, windows, steel work
where normal durability is needed.

3. Enamel paints

o Hard, glossy finish; good for steel structures, rolling shutters, bridge railings.

4. Bituminous / coal-tar paints

o Used for buried or submerged surfaces, bottom of girders, pipelines for

protection against moisture.

5. Aluminium paint

o Heat-reflecting; used on roofs, storage tanks, some bridge parts.

6. Plastic / emulsion paints

o Water-based, quick drying, used in interiors of buildings.

You can link to maintenance of steel bridges and painting schedules in the book.

(b) Write notes on Jacketing for strengthening of bridges.

1. Purpose

o To increase load-carrying capacity, sti ness and durability of existing piers,

abutments or columns without complete reconstruction.

2. Situations where used

o Increased train loads / higher axle loads.

o Deterioration of masonry / concrete.

o After damage due to impact, scour or earthquake.

 3. Methods

o RCC Jacketing

 Roughen existing surface, fix shear connectors / dowels.

 Provide additional reinforcement cage around old member.

 Place formwork and cast concrete all around, integrating with old
member.

o Steel plate jacketing (for steel piers / members)

 Fix additional plates and sti eners by welding / bolting to increase

section.

4. Important points

o Maintain proper bond between old and new concrete (use rich mortar / epoxy).

o Ensure adequate foundation capacity before jacketing.

o Provide continuity at top and bottom to e ectively transfer loads.

Q6

(a) Write notes on Centrifugal Pumps, Submersible Pumps, Reciprocating Pumps and
Vertical Spindle Pump.

You can base this on the Water-supply & pumping section of your book.

1. Centrifugal pump

 Working principle – water enters eye of rotating impeller and is thrown radially
outwards by centrifugal force, gaining velocity; converted to pressure in volute casing.

 Advantages – simple, compact, high discharge, smooth flow, less maintenance; widely
used for station water-supply, circulating water in treatment plants.

2. Submersible pump

 A special type of centrifugal pump placed down in the bore-well / sump, completely
under water.

 Motor and pump are in one sealed unit; eliminates priming problems, suitable where
suction head is large.

3. Reciprocating pump

 Positive-displacement pump – piston moving in a cylinder sucks and delivers water in

each stroke through suction and delivery valves.

 Gives high head but small discharge, pulsating flow; used where small quantity at high
pressure is required (e.g. testing pipelines, hydraulic jacks).

4. Vertical spindle (shaft) pump

  Basically centrifugal pump with vertical shaft; pump at lower level (sump), motor at
deck/top; used in pumping stations, sumps, river intakes.

 Easy access to motor, good for deep sumps.

(b) Explain procedure for greasing of bearings.

From “Procedure for greasing of bearings” in Bridge Maintenance Chapter.

Stepwise answer:

1. Safety & protection

o Work only under caution order / tra ic block; protect line with banner flags,
hand signals, detonators as per rules.

o Keep all T&P and consumables ready on pier/abutment before starting.

2. Preparation

o Divide sta into two groups; generally raise two bearings at one end at a time
using suitable jacks at correct jacking points.

o Mix graphite with mineral grease in ratio about 1 : 3 for lubricating bearings.

3. Lifting

o Apply jacks, slowly lift girder just enough to release rollers / bearings; insert
packing to secure.

4. Cleaning

o Remove rollers / bottom and top plates.

o Clean thoroughly with kerosene oil; remove rust and old grease using waste
cotton / gunny cloth, wire brush, emery paper as required.

5. Greasing

o After drying kerosene, apply fresh grease + graphite mixture uniformly to rollers
and contact surfaces; re-assemble rollers / plates in correct position.

6. Lowering

o Remove packing carefully, lower jacks to bring girders back on bearings; check
seating and alignment.

7. Finishing

o Remove excess grease around bearing to avoid dust accumulation.

o Repeat for other bearings; restore track and cancel caution order after
everything is safe.
 PAPER–2
CIVIL ENGINEERING (TRACK + ACCIDENTS & SAFETY) — FULL SOLUTION**

Q1. Objective Questions (MCQs)

(i) Standard length of a Broad Gauge rail is:
 BG standard rail length = 13 m
Answer: (b) 13 m
(From Track – Rails section)

(ii) Standard ballast cushion depth for PSC sleepers on main line:
 As per IR standard:
Answer: (c) 300 mm

(iii) Standard gauge of Indian Railways (Broad Gauge) is:

Answer: (d) 1676 mm
(Book: Gauges of Indian Railways)

(iv) Maximum permissible speed on Group ‘A’ BG routes is:

Answer: (d) 160 kmph
(Book: Classification of BG routes)

(v) Most suitable sleeper for high-speed and heavy tra ic:
Answer: (d) PSC Sleeper

(vi) Normal ballast size used on BG track:

Answer: (b) 50 mm

(vii) Welding used for long welded rails at site:

Answer: (c) Thermit welding

(viii) Average life of PSC sleepers:

Answer: (d) 40–50 years

(ix) Accident due to failure of wheel leaving the rail is called:

Answer: (a) Derailment
(x) Most dangerous type of railway accident:
Answer: (b) Head-on collision

Q2
(a) Define Permanent Way and explain its functions
Definition
Permanent Way is the complete track structure consisting of:
 Rails
 Sleepers
 Ballast
 Formation
 Fastenings
It provides a continuous and level surface for safe movement of trains.

Functions of Permanent Way

1. Guidance of wheels – Rails guide wheels in correct direction
2. Load distribution – Loads transfer from rails → sleepers → ballast → formation
3. Maintains gauge – Sleepers keep rails in correct spacing
4. Absorbs dynamic loads – Ballast provides cushioning
5. Provides drainage – Ballast drains rainwater fast
6. Ensures safety at speed – Alignment + stability give riding comfort
7. Resists lateral & longitudinal forces – Braking, acceleration, centrifugal force

(b) Explain formation with neat sketch

Formation is the prepared natural ground on which the ballast rests.
Functions:
1. Distributes load uniformly
2. Prevents excessive settlement
3. Provides drainage slope
4. Maintains stability of entire track
Types of formation:
 Embankment
 Cutting
(You can draw a simple embankment section in exam)
 Q3
(a) Describe di erent types of sleepers with advantages & disadvantages
Sleeper Type Advantages Disadvantages

Timber Elastic, easy handling Short life, costly

Cast Iron (CST-9) Durable, interchangeable Brittle, corrosion

Steel Light, recyclable Rusting, noise

PSC Sleeper Long life, heavy load, low maintenance High initial cost
PSC sleepers are used on all main Broad Gauge routes.

(b) Explain functions of ballast

1. Distributes wheel load
2. Provides elastic cushion
3. Holds sleepers in position
4. Provides drainage
5. Prevents weed growth
6. Facilitates track maintenance (tamping)
7. Resists longitudinal & lateral movement

Q4
(a) What are rail joints? Explain types of rail joints
A rail joint is the connection between two rails.
Types:
1. Fish plated joint – Using fish plates & bolts
2. Welded joint
o Thermit welding
o Flash-butt welding
3. Expansion joint – Provided near bridges
4. Insulated joint – Used in signaling blocks
Welded rails reduce:
 Noise
 Impact
 Maintenance
 Fuel consumption

(b) Explain creep of rails

Creep is the longitudinal movement of rails in direction of tra ic.
Causes:
1. Starting and braking of trains
2. Thermal expansion
3. Improper ballast compaction
4. Gradient sections
E ects:
 Closing/opening of joints
 Buckling of track
 Misalignment of points
 Damage to bridges
Remedial Measures:
 Rail anchors
 Proper tamping
 Expansion joints
 Long welded rails

Q5
(a) Classification of Railway Accidents
1. Derailments
2. Collisions
o Head-on
o Rear-end
o Side collision
3. Fire accidents
4. Level crossing accidents
5. Sabotage
6. Bridge failures

(b) Causes of derailments

1. Defective rails
2. Broken sleepers
3. Faulty points & crossings
4. Excess speed on curves
5. Uneven track
6. Wheel defects
 7. Improper maintenance

Q6
(a) Safety measures adopted by Indian Railways
1. Long welded rails
2. PSC sleepers
3. Modern track machines
4. Automatic signaling
5. LHB coaches
6. Anti-collision devices
7. Periodic inspections
8. Sta training
9. Vigilance checks

(b) Duties of Safety O icers

1. Inspect accidents sites
2. Analyze causes
3. Recommend remedial measures
4. Enforce safety rules
5. Conduct safety audits
6. Train sta
 PAPER–3

GENERAL MANAGEMENT & PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT — FULL SOLUTION

Q1. Objective Questions (MCQs)

(i) The apex body for administration of Indian Railways is:

(a) Zonal Railway

(b) Divisional O ice
(c) Railway Board
(d) Ministry of Transport

Answer: (c) Railway Board

(ii) Head of a Zonal Railway is:

(a) DRM
(b) General Manager
(c) Chairman Railway Board
(d) CMD

Answer: (b) General Manager

(iii) Head of a Division is:

(a) AGM
(b) PCOM
(c) DRM
(d) PCE

Answer: (c) DRM

(iv) Recruitment for Group ‘A’ railway o icers is done by:

(a) RRB
(b) SSC
(c) UPSC
(d) Railway Board

Answer: (c) UPSC

(v) Who is responsible for financial control in a Zonal Railway?

(a) PCOM
(b) PCME
(c) PFA
(d) GM

Answer: (c) PFA

(vi) Safety organization independent of Railway Board is:

(a) RDSO
(b) CRS
(c) IRFC
(d) IRCTC

Answer: (b) CRS (Commission of Railway Safety)

(vii) Which organization is responsible for railway designs and research?

(a) IRCON
(b) RITES
(c) RDSO
(d) RVNL

Answer: (c) RDSO

(viii) Sta discipline on Railways is governed by:

(a) Railway Act

(b) Conduct Rules
(c) Industrial Act
(d) Factory Act

Answer: (b) Conduct Rules

(ix) Welfare activities of railway employees are handled by:

(a) Medical Dept

(b) Operating Dept
(c) Personnel Dept
(d) Accounts Dept

Answer: (c) Personnel Dept

(x) Number of Zonal Railways at present:

Answer: (c) 17
 Q2

(a) Describe the Organisation Structure of Indian Railways

Indian Railways is a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.

Railway Board (Apex Body)

Located at New Delhi.

Composition:

 Chairman & CEO

 Members:

o Infrastructure

o Operations & Business Development

o Finance

o Traction & Rolling Stock

 Director Generals

 Secretary to Railway Board

Functions:

1. Policy making

2. Budget allocation

3. Sanction of new lines, bridges, doubling

4. Safety control

5. Supervision of Zonal Railways

Zonal Railways

There are 17 Zonal Railways.

Each Zonal Railway is headed by:

 General Manager (GM)

O icers under GM:

 PCE – Engineering

 PCME – Mechanical

 PCEE – Electrical

 PCOM – Operations
  PCCM – Commercial

 PFA – Finance

 PCPO – Personnel

 PCMD – Medical

Divisional Administration

Each Zone is divided into Divisions.

Each Division is headed by:

 Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)

Departments under DRM:

 Engineering

 Mechanical

 Electrical

 Operating

 Commercial

 Accounts

 Personnel

 Signal & Telecom

(b) Functions of Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)

1. Safe movement of trains

2. Maintenance of railway assets

3. Collection of revenue

4. Sta supervision

5. Implementation of railway policies

6. Accident relief and restoration

7. Public grievance redressal

Q3

(a) Explain the Objectives of Personnel Management

Personnel Management deals with human resource planning and sta welfare.
Main Objectives:

1. Recruitment of qualified sta

2. Training & skill development

3. Maintaining discipline

4. Promotion & career growth

5. Motivation of employees

6. Industrial harmony

7. Improving e iciency and productivity

(b) Recruitment Process on Indian Railways

Group A O icers

 Recruited through UPSC

 Engineering, Tra ic, Accounts, Personnel Services

Group B

 Promoted through departmental exams

Group C

 Recruited through Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)

 Technical & non-technical posts

Group D

 Through RRB Level-1 exams

Q4

(a) Sta Welfare Measures on Indian Railways

1. Railway hospitals

2. Medical cards for employees & family

3. Sta quarters & colonies

4. Canteens

5. Educational assistance
 6. Sports facilities

7. Leave rules

8. Holiday homes

9. Cooperative societies

10. Insurance & pension

(b) Leave Rules on Indian Railways

1. Casual Leave (CL)

2. Earned Leave (EL)

3. Half Pay Leave (HPL)

4. Medical Leave

5. Maternity / Paternity Leave

6. Extraordinary Leave (EOL)

Q5

(a) Commission of Railway Safety (CRS)

CRS is an independent safety authority under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Functions:

1. Inspection of new railway lines

2. Inspection of bridges & signals

3. Investigation of serious accidents

4. Approval of speed increases

5. Safety recommendations

(b) Duties of Safety O icers

1. Conduct safety audits

2. Inspect track, signals, rolling stock

3. Enquire into accidents

4. Recommend preventive measures

5. Train sta in safety procedures

 Q6

(a) Functions of RITES

RITES is a consultancy PSU.

Functions:

 Railway project consultancy

 Bridge & tunneling design

 Metro & port consultancy

 International railway projects

(b) Functions of IRCON

IRCON is a construction PSU.

Functions:

 Railway construction in India & abroad

 Bridges, highways, tunnels

 Metro rail construction

 Electrification projects
 PAPER–4
COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL & TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT — FULL SOLUTION**

Q1. Objective Questions (MCQs)

(i) Department responsible for passenger amenities:

(a) Operating
(b) Commercial
(c) Electrical
(d) Engineering
Answer: (b) Commercial

(ii) Freight tra ic mainly earns maximum revenue from:

(a) Cement
(b) Food grains
(c) Coal
(d) Iron bars
Answer: (c) Coal

(iii) Who fixes passenger and freight tari ?

(a) Zonal Railway

(b) DRM
(c) Railway Board
(d) Parliament
Answer: (c) Railway Board

(iv) Operating Ratio indicates:

(a) Profit
(b) E iciency
(c) Loss
(d) Speed
Answer: (b) E iciency

(v) Merging of Railway Budget with Union Budget started from:

(a) 2015–16
(b) 2016–17
(c) 2017–18
(d) 2018–19
Answer: (c) 2017–18

(vi) Highest paying freight commodity:

Answer: (c) Coal

(vii) Passenger ticket refund rules are framed by:

Answer: (b) Commercial Department

(viii) Full form of NTKM:

Answer: (a) Net Tonne Kilometer

(ix) Container tra ic is handled by:

Answer: (c) CONCOR

(x) Head of Operating Department:

Answer: (d) PCOM

Q2

(a) Functions of Commercial Department

The Commercial Department is responsible for revenue generation through passenger and
goods tra ic.

Main Functions:

Passenger ticket booking

Freight booking & dispatch
Parcel & luggage services
Catering & tourism (IRCTC)
Refund & claims settlement
Public complaints handling
Marketing of railway services
Leasing of parcels & advertising
 (b) Coaching Tari & Its Objectives

Coaching Tari = Passenger Fare System

Based on:

 Distance

 Class of travel

 Superfast surcharge

 Reservation charges

Objectives:

A ordable travel
Economical pricing
Promote long-distance travel
Recover operating cost
Social responsibility

Q3

(a) Freight Tari – Meaning & Factors

Freight Tari is the charge collected for transport of goods.

Factors A ecting Freight Charges:

Weight of goods
Distance travelled
Type of wagon
Commodity classification
Loading & unloading facility
Speed of delivery

(b) Classification of Goods Tra ic

1. Bulk Goods

 Coal

 Cement

 Iron ore

 Food grains
 2. Small Parcel Goods

 Consumer goods

 Vegetables

 Milk

 Courier parcels

Q4

(a) Railway Budget

Earlier separate, now merged with Union Budget.

Merged in: 2017–18

Advantages of Merging:

Faster fund approvals

Reduced delays
Better financial transparency
Unified infrastructure planning
Reduced political pressure

(b) Operating Ratio (OR)

Formula:
Working Expenses
Operating Ratio = × 100
Gross Earnings

Meaning:

 Lower OR → Higher Profit

 Higher OR → Financial Loss

Ideal OR = Below 90%

Q5

(a) Passenger Transportation System

Types of Passenger Services:

Mail & Express Trains
Superfast Express
Rajdhani & Shatabdi
Suburban EMU/MEMU
Vande Bharat
Metro Services

(b) Factors A ecting Passenger Tra ic

Population
Industrial growth
Tourism
Educational institutions
Employment migration
Ticket a ordability

Q6

(a) Freight Transportation System

Major Wagon Types:

BOXN – Coal
BCN – Cement
BTPN – Petroleum
Flat Wagons – Containers & Machinery

(b) Advantages of Rail Freight Transport

Economical for bulk goods

Energy e icient
Less pollution
Safe for long distance
High carrying capacity
Less road congestion
 PAPER–5
STORES & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT + SIGNALLING & TELECOMMUNICATION

Q1. Objective Questions (MCQs)

(i) Department responsible for procurement of materials:

(a) Accounts
(b) Engineering
(c) Stores
(d) Commercial
Answer: (c) Stores

(ii) ABC analysis is based on:

(a) Cost value

(b) Weight
(c) Volume
(d) Size
Answer: (a) Cost value

(iii) Full form of EOQ:

(a) Economic Order Quantity

(b) Easy Order Quantity
(c) Exact Order Quantity
(d) Emergency Order Quantity
Answer: (a) Economic Order Quantity

(iv) Semaphore signals work on:

(a) Electrical principle

(b) Mechanical principle
(c) Hydraulic principle
(d) Magnetic principle
Answer: (b) Mechanical principle

(v) Colour light signals show how many aspects?

(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 5
Answer: (c) 4
 (vi) Interlocking prevents:

(a) Signal failure

(b) Collision
(c) Fire
(d) Theft
Answer: (b) Collision

(vii) Absolute Block System means:

Answer: Only one train is allowed in one block section at a time

(viii) Optical Fiber Cable is used in:

Answer: Telecommunication

(ix) GSM-R is related to:

Answer: Mobile communication for Railways

(x) Scrap disposal is function of:

Answer: Stores Department

Q2

(a) Functions of Stores Department

The Stores Department is responsible for procurement, storage and supply of all materials
required by Indian Railways.

Main Functions:

Purchase of materials
Receiving & inspection
Storage & preservation
Issue of materials
Stock verification
Inventory control
Vendor development
 Scrap disposal
Maintaining store accounts

(b) Objectives of Stores Management

Right quality
Right quantity
Right time
Right place
Right cost
Avoid over-stocking
Avoid shortage
Minimum capital blocked

Q3

(a) ABC Analysis

ABC analysis classifies materials based on annual consumption cost.

Category % of Items % of Value

A 10% 70%

B 20% 20%

C 70% 10%

Used for priority control of inventory

(b) EOQ (Economic Order Quantity)

EOQ is the optimum quantity of material to be ordered at a time to minimize:

Ordering cost
Carrying cost

EOQ Formula:

2𝐷𝑆
𝐸𝑂𝑄 =
𝐻

Where:
D = Annual demand
S = Ordering cost
H = Holding cost

Q4

(a) Definition of Signalling

Railway Signalling is a system used to:

Control train movement
Ensure safety
Prevent collision
Improve line capacity

(b) Types of Railway Signals

Semaphore Signal

 Old type

 Mechanical arm

 Day & night indication

Colour Light Signal

 Modern signal

 Uses electric lamps

 Red, Yellow, Green, Double Yellow

Automatic Signals

 Work without station sta

 Used in suburban sections

Q5

(a) Definition of Interlocking

Interlocking is an arrangement of signals, points and locks such that they work together to
prevent conflicting train movements.

(b) Objectives of Interlocking

 Prevent opposite movements
Prevent side collisions
Ensure safe routing
Avoid human errors
Increase confidence of drivers

Q6

(a) Absolute Block System

In this system:
Only one train is allowed in one block section at a time
Block stations at both ends control movements
Used on single & double lines

(b) Automatic Block System

Signals operate automatically

Track circuits detect train presence
Multiple trains allowed with safe spacing
Used in high-density suburban sections

Q7

Railway Telecommunication System

Telecommunication provides instant communication for safe and e icient train operation.

Main Systems Used:

Control phone
Train radio
Optical Fiber Cable (OFC)
Public address system
Emergency communication
GSM-R mobile communication

Functions of Telecom in Railways

Train control
Emergency handling
Signal coordination
Passenger information
Safety management
Station-to-station connectivity