Patrolling & Its Type

Types of Patrolling :

The following are the types of patrolling in vogue:

• Keyman’s daily patrol.

• Gang patrol during abnormal rainfall or storm.

• Night patrolling during monsoon.

• Security patrolling during civil disturbances and for movement of VIP specials.

• Hot / cold weather patrolling for long welded rails/ continuous welded rails.

• Watchmen at vulnerable locations.

1. Keyman’s Daily Patrol –

Every portion of the permanent way shall be inspected daily on foot by the keyman of the beat in which the portion of the track falls. Provided that the interval between such inspections may, under special instructions, issued by Chief Engineer be increased to once in two days in the case of specified section of lines with light and infrequent traffic.

2. Gang Patrol during Abnormal Rainfall or Storm –

In the event of abnormal rainfall or storm during day or night, the Mate should, on his own initiative organise patrolling over the length affected, independently of other patrolling, if any being done. This patrol should, in case of heavy rainfall, confine its inspection to known points of danger, such as cutting or culverts likely to scour, banks affected by tanks likely to breach and bridge approaches. In case of high winds, the patrolman should inspect the length of track likely to be fouled by falling of tree etc. Arrangements exist with the Meteorological Department of the Government of India for issuing telegrams of warning, wherever storms, gales, or heavy rainfall are expected. On receipt of such information from the Control, the Permanent way Inspector will arrange to advise monsoon patrolmen,watchmen and gangmates to be extra vigilant and be prepared to introduce patrolling, as necessary.

3. Night Patrolling during Monsoon –

During the monsoon, certain section of the railway line, asmay be specified, shall

be patrolled to detect damage by flood, such as breaches, settlements, slips and scours and immediate action taken to protect trains, when so warranted.

4. Security Patrolling during Civil Disturbance and on Special occasions –

a. On apprehension of a Civil disturbance, the Divisional authorities should contact the local Civil authority and arrange, as circumstances may warrant for security patrolling of the railway line. This may be arranged on the pattern of the monsoon patrolling with modifications, as deemed necessary, in consultation with Civil authorities.

b. Security patrolling on special occasions should be carried out according to the special instructions issued by the administration.

c. The primary duty of the patrolman employed on Security patrolling shall be to protect trains against any condition of danger, such as tampering with track or obstruction placed on line.

5. Hot / cold weather Patrolling for LWR/CWR –

Hot weather patrol is carried out when the rail temperature reaches td + 20 degree or above.Cold weather patrolling is started when rail temperature falls below td – 30 ºC.The patrolling should be done in accordance with the provisions of Manual of Long Welded Rails.

6. Watchmen at vulnerable locations.

In addition to patrolmen, stationary watchmen are posted at known or likely locations of danger or trouble.

Protection of line in case of Emergency –

Should any patrolman/stationary Watchman/ Gangman / Keyman deputed for the

purpose of patrolling notice any condition likely to affect the safety of trains, he

shall at once protect the line and report the damage to the nearest Station Master.