Basic Concepts of

Signalling

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 Basic concepts of Railway signalling

• What is Railway Signalling

• A type of communication
• Between Driver and the Station Master, in connection with the Train operation

• Purpose of Signalling
• To ensure safety and speed

• To achieve maximum Line Capacity

 Basic concepts of Railway signalling

• Principles of Signalling
• Fail -safe Feature
• One aspect one indication
• Normal danger system
• One operation and one clearance of the signal
• Minimum no of fixed signals in a route
 Basic concepts of Railway signalling

• Continuous visibility of signal to driver

• Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS)

• Block signalling to be independent of yard signalling

• Operation friendly system(Flexibility)

• Uniformity of signalling on a section

 Signals

• Signal is a medium to convey a pre-determined meaning in a verbal form

• “Aspect of a signal” means the appearance ( colour of light)of a fixed signal as seen
by the Driver of a train approaching it

• “Indication of a signal” means the information or meaning conveyed by the aspect of a signal

• “In advance of a signal” The Driver of an approaching train is said to be “in advance of the
signal", after he has passed the signal. This portion of the line is protected by the signal, if it is
a Stop signal.
 Signals

• “In rear of a signal” The Driver of a train approaching the signal is said to be “in rear of the
signal”, so long as he has not passed it.

• ON aspect: A fixed signal is said to be at ‘ON’ when it shows its most restrictive aspect.

• OFF aspect: A fixed signal is said to be at OFF when it shows any prescribed aspect other than ON.
 Kinds of Signals

Kinds of Signals

Fixed Signals Hand Signals

Reception Signals Departure Signals Subsidiary Signals Other Signals

• Starter • Shunt Signals • Gate Stop Signal

Permissive Signals Stop Signals
• Advanced Starter • Calling-on Signal • Intermediate Block Signal

Distant Signal Home Signal

 Hand signals

Hand signals are exhibited

• During day:
• By showing a Flag or Hand . Hands are used only in emergencies when flags are not available

• During night:
• A Hand signal is given using a Red or Green light
• A white light waved violently is used as a stop signal only when Red light is not available
 Mechanical fixed Signals

Cabin with Lever Frame Two Aspect LQ Signalling Multiple Aspect UQ Signalli
 Colour light Fixed Signals

• A signal of fixed location by the side of the track, indicating a condition effecting the movement
of a train having different fixed lights

• Reception Signals: Signals which are governing the approach and entry of trains in to a station
• Permissive signals:Otherwise called Distant signal, is provided to indicate the driver about
the condition of the stop signal ahead or the condition of the block section ahead
• Stop Signals: Minimum one permissive and one stop signal is sufficient for trains
approaching a station. When stop signal is taken OFF it permits the driver to enter the
station. This is called the “Home Signal” of the Station
 Fixed Signals

• Departure Stop Signals: At the departure end of the station, the stop signal controlling the movement of the train

leaving the station

• Starter Signal: In a station if two or more converging lines are there, each line shall be provided with a starter

signal protecting the respective points

• Advanced Starter: Where departure of train is controlled by more than one stop signal, the outermost starter

signal is called the Advanced starter

• An Advanced Starter shall be placed out side all connections on the line to which it refers. It shall be

placed at not less than 120mts. from the outermost trailing point
Various aspects for reception & dispatch of a train

All signals displaying normal aspects

Various aspects for reception & dispatch of a train

To receive a stopping train on main line

Various aspects for reception & dispatch of a train

...

To receive a stopping train on loop line

Various aspects for reception & dispatch of a train

To run-through a train via main line

Various aspects for reception & dispatch of a train

...
To run-through a train via loop line
 Second distant signal

>1000m >1000m

All signals displaying normal aspects

Train stopping at Home Signal
Second distant signal

Reception of stopping train on Main Line

 Second distant signal

Reception of stopping train on Loop Line

 Second distant signal

Run Through On Main Line

 Second distant signal

Run Through Via Loop Line

 Fixed Signals

• Running/Main Signals
• To control through movement of trains to and from a station, reception and
despatch signals are used
• They are called running signals
• Subsidiary Signals
• Some special type of signals called subsidiary signals are provided
• To control short movement of trains within the station yard
• To convey certain information to the driver about the portion of the track ahead
 Subsidiary Signals

• Shunt Signals:
• Shunt signals authorise movement only at such slow speeds as to be able to stop short of any obstruction
and control shunting movements
• Shunt signals can be placed on a separate post by itself close to the ground or can be placed below a stop
signal other than the first and last stop signal of a station
• Shunt signal when taken 'OFF' authorises the driver to draw ahead with caution even though the stop
signal, if any, above it is at 'ON' position
No light in the “ON” Position
• Shunt Signal on Independent Post “ON” Position “OFF” Position

• Shunt Signal Below a Stop Signal

 Subsidiary Signals

• Calling-On Signals:
• A subsidiary signal provided with a miniature yellow light with ‘C' marker board
• Provided below a reception stop signal
• Under approved special instructions, may be provided below any stop signal except the LSS
• There is no light in the “ON” position
• In the “OFF” position a miniature yellow light will lit
• Calling on signals are taken “OFF” only after the train has come to a stop before the stop signal
• Used for the following purposes:
• When the main signal cannot be taken OFF
• Any Track circuit failure on the route
• Receiving a train on an obstructed road
 Other Stop
Signals

• Gate Stop Signals:

• When road traffic crosses the rail traffic at the same level they are known as level crossings

• Signalling arrangements at such crossings may be required for controlling the train movement through the gate

• Gate signal shall be placed at an adequate distance before the gate and provided with a “G” Marker Board
 Other Stop
Signals
• IBS (Intermediate Block Signal):

• Signal of this kind exists only on double line section

• It is a replacement to Class "C” station with the following advantages
• Block instruments are not required
• Station master and operating staff are not required
• Station building is not required
• Section capacity is increased
• It splits a lengthy block section into two sections namely
• A rear section with IB Signal (controlled by axle counter/ track circuits)
• Advanced section (controlled by block instruments)

• Maximum two trains can be dealt in this section in each line

• IBS (Intermediate Block Signal):
 Types of Marker Boards

• Signals are provided with prescribed markers to distinguish the signals

• These boards help the Loco Pilot to act accordingly during failure of the signal

• These boards will be fixed at the signal post below the signals

• ‘A’ Marker Board (letter ‘A’ in black on white circular disc)

• To distinguish the signal as a fully Automatic Signal

• Available in Automatic Signalling Section

 Types of Marker Boards

• illuminated letter ‘A’ against black background(Semi-Automatic Signal)

• Lit when working as an automatic stop signal

• Letter ‘A’ extinguished when working as a manual stop signal

• Available in Automatic Signalling sections for the following Signals

• Home Signals

• Main Line Starters

• Signals Controlled by L.C. Gates in Automatic Section

 Types of Marker Boards

• Calling -ON Signals are provides with Letter ‘C’ in black on white circular disc

• Colour light Distant are provided with Letter “P” in black on white circular disc

• Intermediate Block stop signal are provided with letter “IB” in black on white circular disc

• Gate Stop Signals are provided with Letter ‘G’ in black on Yellow circular disc

• Automatic Signals are provided with Letter “A” in black on white circular disc

• Semi Automatic Signals are provides with white illuminated miniature letter “A” against black back ground

• Repeating signal are provided with white illuminated letter ‘R’ against black back ground
Kinds of fixed Stop signals in Automatic Block territories

• An Automatic stop signal which is

– not dependent upon manual operation
– but is controlled automatically by the passage of a train
– into, through and out of the automatic block signalling section

• A Semi –Automatic Stop signal which is

• capable of being operated either as an Automatic stop signal or
as a Manual stop signal, as required.

• A Manual stop signal

– operated manually and which cannot work as an Automatic stop
signal or a Semi-Automatic stop signal.
Kinds of fixed Stop signals in Automatic Block territories

• Stop signals in Automatic Block territory shall be of the following kinds

• Automatic Stop signal
• Controlled automatically by the passage of a train with the help of Track Circuit

A
A

A
 Automatic Stop signal

A
A
 Automatic Stop signal

A
A

A
 Automatic Stop signal

A
A

A
 Automatic Stop signal

A
A

A
 Automatic Stop signal

A
A

A
 Automatic Stop signal

A
A

A
Kinds of fixed Stop signals in Automatic Block territories

• A Semi-Automatic Stop signal:

• Capable of being operated either as an Automatic Stop signal or as a Manual Stop signal
• When works as an Automatic Stop signal, “A” marker illuminates
• Assumes “on” and “off” automatically according to the condition of the automatic signalling sections ahead
• When works as a Manual Stop signal, the `A’ marker is extinguished
• Its normal aspect is “on” but assumes “off” aspect when operated manually
• Provided the portion up to the next automatic signal plus overlap is clear
• Then the signal shall be deemed to work as a Manual Stop signal

• A Manual Stop signal:

• Operated manually and which cannot work as an Automatic or a Semi-Automatic Stop signal
Semi-Automatic Stop signal
Semi-Automatic Stop signal
 Route Indicators
Introduction:

• A Route Indicator is always attached to a colour light stop signal

• Stop signal situated just before a diverging line (Home Signal)
• Or at the converging lines (Starter)
• From where trains are expected to divert to different directions
• It lit up along with the stop signal below it
• Indicates to the Loco Pilot that a diverging route has been set for the train
• Types-
• Directional type
• Nondirectional type
• LED Matrix with Directional type route indicator
 Route Indicators

• Direction (Junction) type route Indicators:

• Provided where speed in excess of 15 Kmph exists

• Indicates a route by a row of five white lights either to the right or to the left
• Depending upon the direction of the route when the signal is “off”
• It shall not show any route when the signal is taken “off” for the straight line
• The signal shall be deemed to have failed if the route indication is shown without `off’
aspect on the signal.

Directional/Junction
Type
 Route Indicators

• Non-directional type route indicators are of the following types:

• Stencil type where the route is shown by an illuminated stenciled letter or number
• Multi-lamp type where route is shown by the burning of multiple miniature lamps
(In the form of a letter or number )
• LED Matrix with Directional type route indicator

Non directional
(stencil type)

Multi Lamp Route Indicator

 Matrix Type Route Indicator

• It is a combination of both Directional and Non-Directional type route indicator

• It is provided in a station with more than 3 lines on one or both sides of the main line
• No route when the signal is taken 'OFF' for the straight line
• When the signal is taken 'OFF' for the turn out
• The road number will be displayed in the LED matrix along with the glowing of the Directional type indicator

LED Matrix with Directional type

 Type of Warning Boards
• Shunting Limit Board:
• A board rectangular in shape with "Shunting Limit “
• Painted black with a cross in black on a yellow background
• It will be facing the station
• Provided on a single line class ‘B’ station in place of LSS
• where shunting in the face of an approaching train is permitted
• The shunting limit board shall be placed from the outer most facing point
• Shall not be less than 180m from the opposing first stop signal
• Shunting Limit Board demarks the station section and block section
 Type of Warning Boards

• Block Section Limit Board:

• Provided on Double line, “B” Class, in multiple aspect signalling territory
• To distinguish the limit of the block section
• It shall be provided at a double line station, where there are no points or the outer most points at
the approaching end are trailing
• It shall be placed at a distance not less than 180m from the Home Signal
• Protect the fouling mark of the trailing point if any, in the approach and shall be facing the station
 Type of Warning Boards
• Passenger Warning Boards:

• Provided in rear of the first stop signal of the station

• Or in rear of the Gate stop signals
• At a distance of not less than 1000 meters from the First stop signal
• For the purpose of giving the driver adequate warning that he is approaching a stop signal
• Where the distance between home signal and distant signal were less than 1000 meters
 Type of Warning Boards
• Goods Warning Boards:
• When sectional speed of the goods trains increased to more than 75 KMPH
• The Distant Signals were shifted to 1000meters (To have more braking distance)
• Then a new board replaced the old one and is known as Goods warning board
• Placed at a distance of not less than 1400 meters from the first stop signal
• When the speed of the trains increased to more than 120KMPH
• In those sections, to have more breaking distance
• one more Distant signal has been introduced
• In this case the warning boards are dispensed with
OVERLAP
 OVERLAP
Overlap
An adequate distance to be kept clear in advance of a signal, to ensure Safety.

Signal Overlap Block Overlap

• The length of track in advance of a stop signal, which • The length of track in advance of a stop signal, which should
should be kept clear before the signal next in rear can
be taken 'OFF’ be kept clear before granting Line Clear.
• NLT 180 mts in Two Aspect Territory. • Reckoned from First Stop Signal always.
• NLT 120 mts Multiple Aspect Territory. • NLT 400 mts. In Two Aspect Territory.
• Can be reduced by CRS.
• NLT 180 mts. In Multiple Aspect Territory.
• Can be substituted by:
• Can be reduced by CRS.
• Sand Hump.
• Over Run Line.
• Derailing switch.
 Basic concepts of Railway signalling

• Block overlap
• It is the adequate distance kept in advance of First stop signal of a station in
advance before granting Line clear for a train to the station in rear

• On Two aspect signalling territory the Block overlap is

• Not less than 400 metres in advance of FSS

• On multiple aspect signalling territory the Block overlap is

• Not less than 180 metres in advance of FSS

• At ‘C’ class stations (which includes IBS), the Block overlap is

• Not less than 400 metres.

• On Automatic signalling section the Block overlap is

• Not less than 120 metres.
 Basic concepts of Railway signalling

• Signal overlap
• It is the adequate distance to be kept clear before taking ‘off’ Home signal of a station beyond the
trailing points or beyond the place at which the train is required to come to a stand on single line and
• Beyond starter signal on double line section

• In addition to keeping clear of trains from foot of the Home signal to trailing points/ place at which
the train is required to come to a stand on single and
• Up to starter signal on double line section
Block Overlap and Signal Overlap
Block Overlap and Signal Overlap
Left side Turn Out and Right side Turn Out
Trap Point

57
Single end Point

Double end Point

 Braking Distance

• The distance travelled by a train after its brakes are applied is known as the
braking distance
• An important concept in signalling for determining the signal sighting distance
• There are two methods of application of brakes:
• A normal or service application which involves only the shutting off the power and
the gradual application of brakes
• An emergent application in which shutting off power and full application of
brakes are done without any loss of time
 Braking Distance

• Factors that can have effect on braking distance (Still cannot be established
very accurately)
• Speed brake power available
• Gradient
• Rollability of wheels
• State of rails (wet or dry)
• Curvature of track
• Velocity of wind etc.,
 Sighting Distance

• Sighting Distance is the distance over which the most restrictive aspect of a signal is

visible from the driving compartment of an approaching train under normal conditions of visibility

• The minimum sighting distances required of signals will be as follows: -

• Distant Signals: The Distant Signal is not a Stop Signal

• So long as NBD is available between a Distant and the next Stop Signal

• The actual sighting distance of the Distant is unimportant

Sighting Distance and Visibility Distance

• Stop Signals: As the aspect of each is pre-warned by the signal in rear,

• No sighting distance would be required provided
• Braking Distance is available between signals displaying yellow
• And the signal next in advance displaying red

• Visibility of Multiple Aspect Signals Signals are Prescribed as Under:

• Distant Signal 400 Meters.
• Inner Distant Signal 200 Meters.
• All Stop Signals 200 Meters.
Isolation
 Isolation

The condition in which a line for a particular movement is separated from all adjoining lines connected to it in
such a manner that the isolated line cannot be fouled or interfered with by any movement taking place on the
adjoining lines

• Where isolation is required:

• A line on which train movements at speeds higher than 50KMPH are permitted should be isolated from all
connected lines
• Passenger lines should be isolated from all connected goods lines and sidings, whatever the speed may be
• The isolation of goods reception lines from sidings is considered desirable
• It is not necessary to isolate one goods reception line from another or
• One passenger line from another when dealing with speeds of 50KMPH and less
 Isolation

• Means of Isolation:
• Trap Point
• Short Dead/Over Run Line
• Sand Humps
• Catch Sidings
• Slip Sidings
• Siding
Isolation
Simultaneous Reception and Despatch of Trains

• Taking “OFF” signals for different trains at the same time with different routes is called simultaneous
reception of trains
• Possible if for each and every one of the approaching trains has the following facilities
• The line on which the train is to be received is clear up to the point where the train is to come to a stand
• And overlap distance in advance of it
• On single line sections track capacity will increase
• If the layout permit simultaneous reception of two opposing trains

Simultaneous Reception and Dispatch Facility(Single Line)

Signal Overlap
(Not Less Than120M.)

Home Signal
Simultaneous Reception
in Single Line Facility
Simultaneous Reception and Dispatch
Facility in Double Line
BSLB

FP
 Classification of Stations

• The following factors are taken into consideration when classifying a railway station

• Least expenditure with regard to the provision of the least number of signals

• Flexibility in shunting operations

• Increasing the line capacity

• Faster movement of trains

 Classification of Stations

Railway stations are classified into various classes on the basis of two main considerations

Operational Consideration Functional Considerations

Block stations Non-block stations  Crossing Stations or Wayside Stations

 Junction Stations
 Terminal Stations
 Class “A” Station Class “D” or Flag Stations

 Class “B” Station

 Class “C” Station
 Splecial class Station
 Class `A' Stations
• Available only in Single Line
• For the special reasons that the trains cannot be stopped at the first signal because of rising gradients
• Line clear may not be given for a train unless
• The line is clear for at least 400 metres beyond the Home Signal or up to the starter
• The block section extends from the last stop signal of one station to the home signal of the next
• And the block overlap from the home to the starter signal
• Shunting in the face of an approaching train cannot be performed since station section is not available
 Class `B' Stations

• Where “line clear” may be given for a train before the line has been clear for the reception of the train within the
station section
• In Class `B' stations, station section is available
• Station Master can perform shunting with in this section even after granting Line Clear
• In Indian Railways most of the stations are Class “B” Stations
Class `B' Stations
 Class `C' Stations or Block Huts

• Class `C' are stations where the lengthy block section is splitting in to two
• And provided with IBH or IBS for increasing the line capacity
• Here two trains can be accommodated at a time
• Where permission to approach may not be given for a train unless the whole of the last proceeding train
has passed complete at least 400 metres beyond the Home Signal (IBS / IBH) and is continuing its journey
 Class “D” Stations

• Stations where authority to proceed is not given and used for passenger dealings only
• There will not be any points or signals
• Some selected trains stop and start at such stations to enable passengers to entrain or
detrain
• Staff will be there for issuing train tickets
• Now a days it is being out sourced
 Standards Of Interlocking

• Signal & Telecommunication equipment are provided based on safety, efficiency, speed, density etc.

• For this purpose four standards of interlocking are prescribed

• These standards were amended / revised to suite the new requirements

• On the basis of speed the previous and revised standards of interlocking are as follows

• The minimum equipment prescribed is based on considerations of safety alone

• In view of efficiency and staff economy, it is best to work all points from a central location

• Complement of signals and the number of aspects provided conform to the requirements of operation and safety

subject to the minimum equipment prescribed for each standard

Standards Of Interlocking
 Test Your Knowledge?
• Aspect of a signal means -------------------? • The appearance ( colour of light)of a fixed signal

• Indication of a signal ---------------------------? • The information or meaning conveyed by the aspect of a signal

• In advance of a signal --------------------------? • The portion after the signal

• In rear of a signal --------------------------------? • The portion from where the Driver of a train approaching the signal

• On aspect ------------------------------------------? • The most restrictive aspect of a signal

• OFF aspect -----------------------------------------? • Any prescribed aspect other than ON

• A train when received in a railway station, is made to stand on a platform line, called as _____________ track?

• Berthing track
• The area in which shunting can be done at a station is called as _________ section?

• Station section
 Test Your Knowledge?

• Distant signals and Home Signals are called as --------------------------- Signals?

• Another name for the distant signal is -----------------?

• Starter and Advanced Starters are ---------------------- signals?

• Shunt Signals and Calling On Signals are ---------------- signals?

• Other two stop signals are ------------ & -------------?

• Signal which a train to enter in to the block section is ----------- signal?

 Test Your Knowledge?

• Distant signals and Home Signals are called as reception signals

• Another name for the Distant Signal is permissive signal

• Starter and Advanced Starters are departure signals

• Shunt Signals and Calling On Signals are subsidiary signals

• Other two stop signals are Gate Signals & Intermediate Block(IB) Signals

• Signal through which a train enter in to the block section is Advanced Starter(LSS)
 Test Your Knowledge?

• Calling -ON Signals are provides with ---------- marker board?

• Colour light Distant are provided with --------- marker board?

• Intermediate Block stop signal are provided with --------- marker board?

• Gate Stop Signals are provided with ---------- marker board?

• Automatic Signals are provided with ---------------- marker board?

• Semi Automatic Signals are provides with white illuminated ----------- marker light?

• Repeating signal are provided with white illuminated ---------- marker light?
 Test Your Knowledge?

• Calling -ON Signals are provides with ‘C’ marker board?

• Distant are provided with “P” marker board?

• Intermediate Block stop signal are provided with “IB” marker board?

• Gate Stop Signals are provided with ‘G’ marker board?

• Automatic Signals are provided with “A” marker board?

• Semi Automatic Signals are provides with white illuminated “A” marker light?

• Repeating signal are provided with white illuminated ‘R’ marker light?
 Test Your Knowledge?

• To indicate to which road the train is diverted, ------------- is attached to a colour light stop signal ?

• ---------- & ----------Stop signal shall have route Indicators?

• Type of route indicators are ------------ ,-----------,--------- & --------------?

• An adequate distance to be kept clear in advance of a signal, to ensure Safety is called -----------?

• The length of track in advance of a stop signal, which should be kept clear before the signal next in rear can be taken

'OFF’ is called ----------------?

• Length of track in advance of a stop signal, which should be kept clear before granting Line Clear is called ---------------?
• Goods warning boards are dispensed with in ---------- signalling territory?
• Second Distant Signal is provided at a distance of ------------ mts. from the Home Signal?
 Test Your Knowledge?

• To indicate to which road the train is diverted, Route Indicator is attached to a colour light stop signal

• Home & Starter Stop signal shall have route Indicators

• Type of route indicators are Directional Type ,Stencil Type,Multi Lamp & Combined Type

• An adequate distance to be kept clear in advance of a signal, to ensure Safety is called Overlap

• The length of track in advance of a stop signal, which should be kept clear before the signal next in rear can be taken

'OFF’ is called Signal Overlap

• Length of track in advance of a stop signal, which should be kept clear before granting Line Clear is called Block Overlap

• Goods warning boards are dispensed with in Second Distant Signalling territory

• Second Distant Signal is provided at a distance of 2000 mts. from the Home Signal
 Test Your Knowledge?

• A line for a particular movement is separated from all adjoining lines connected to it is called ------------------?

• A line on which train moves at speeds higher than ----- KMPH should be isolated from all connected lines?
• It is not necessary to isolate one goods reception line from another, or one passenger line from another, when dealing
with speeds of ------- KMPH and less?
• Three main means of Isolation are -----------, -------------- & ------------?
• Taking “OFF” signals for different trains at the same time with different routes is called ------------- movement of trains?
• What are the classifications of block stations ---------, -------------, ---------------- & ------------- ?
• Station Master can perform shunting even after granting Line Clear in ----------- stations?
• ------------- type of stations have station section ?
• Lengthy block section divided in to two and provided with IBH or IBS is called --------------- station?

• Speed at which train can travel at different standard of interlocking are, Standard I ---------, Standard II ----------,

Standard III ------------ & Standard IV ------------- ?

 Test Your Knowledge?

• A line for a particular movement is separated from all adjoining lines connected to it is called isolation

• A line on which train moves at speeds higher than 50 KMPH should be isolated from all connected lines?
• It is not necessary to isolate one goods reception line from another, or one passenger line from another, when dealing
with speeds of 50 KMPH and less?
• Three main means of Isolations are trap point, over run line & sand hump
• Taking “OFF” signals for different trains at the same time with different routes is called simultaneous movement of
trains?
• What are the classifications of block stations Class “A, Class “B”, Class “C”, & Special Class
• Station Master can perform shunting even after granting Line Clear in Class “B” stations
• Class “B” type of stations have station section
• Lengthy block section divided in to two and provided with IBH or IBS is called Class “C” station
• Speed at which train can travel at different standard of interlocking are, Standard I up to 50 KMPH,
Standard II up to 110 KMPH, Standard III up to 140 KMPH & Standard IV up to 160 KMPH
Thank You