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SWR Authority

Quick reference for LP / ALP working

⚠️ Important: This page is a quick-reference study aid. Always follow the applicable SWR, G&SR, Operating Manual, special instructions and current railway instructions.

Authority & Speed During Different Abnormal Condition

As per Athority

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Sl. No. Authority When Authority Issued Speed
1 T/369(3b) PILOT IN & PILOT OUT 1. Reception Stop Signal
Absolute Block System
i). To pass defective Outer/Home/Inner Home/Routing signals at ON or defective
Automatic Block System
ii). Home/Inner Home/Routing/Manual Stop/ Semi-automatic(A marker not glowing) signals pas at ON or defective
2. Departure Stop Signal
Absolute Block System
i). Starter/Intermediate Starter/ Advance Starter/IBS Signal pass at ON or defcetive.
Automatic Stop Signal
ii). Manual Stop signal/Semi-Automatic Signals (Without glowing 'A' marker) at ON position or defective. 		i). Not exceeding 15 kmph
ii). Not exceeding 15 kmph
2 T/369(1) Advance Pilot in memo Issued advance only in Absolute Block System when the reception stop signal of a station has become defective. It is issued from the station just in rear or the last stopping station of the train. Not exceeding 15 kmph
3 T/409 Divisional Caution Order Issued at a notice stations in all system of working AS PER CAUTION ORDER
4 T/A 409 Nil Caution Order Issued from a notice station/ block station when there is no cautious driving up to the next notice station/ block stations. Nil
5 T/B 409 Reminder Caution Order Issued by the station master of the block station immediately in rear of the affected block section to only the loco pilot of all scheduled stopping trains and of the trains which may be stopped out of course. AS PER CAUTION ORDER
6 T/509 Issued in both Absolute and Auto block System-
To receive the train on an obstructed line in yard/station. 		Not exceeding 15 kmph subjected to other restriction
7 T/510 Authority to receive a train on a non-signalled line. (SR.5.10.01 A/C No.-12)
Authority to receive a train which has stopped after passing reception stop signal due to any reason		 Not exceeding 15 kmph (During Piloted in)
8 T/511 Authority to start a train from non-signalled line.
Authority to dispatch a train which has stopped after passing the departure stop signal of a station othe than LSS due to any reason (SR.5.11.02)
--
9 T/512 Issued in both Absolute and Auto block System-
Dispatch a train from a line provided with common departure signal or common starter. 		--
10 T/A 602 Authority to proceed for a relief engine/train into an occupied block section in Absolute Block System View ahead is clear: Not exceeding 15 kmph
View ahead is not clear: Not exceeding 10 kmph
11 T/B 602 Authority to send engine/M-Trolley/T-wagon/Emnpty EMU etc, for opening communication during Total Interruption of Communication (TIC) on single line in absolute block system. (Along with T/A 912 in Automatic system for same purpose) View ahead is clear: Not exceeding 15 kmph
View ahead is not clear: Not exceeding 10 kmph
12 T/C 602 Issued only in absolute block system as an authority. To proceed during Total Interruption of Communication (TIC) on Double line section View ahead is clear: Not exceeding 25 kmph
View ahead is not clear: Not exceeding 10 kmph
In thick foggy weather walking speed or pilot by foot ith RED light.
13 T/D 602 Issued only in absolute block system as an authority. To proceed when Temoporary Single Line (TSL) working introduced on D/L section. First Train- not exceeding 25 kmph. Subsequent train- at booked speed.
14 T/E 602 Line Clear Enquiry Message Line clear enquiry message asking line clear to dispatch trains during TIC on single line section.
15 T/F 602 Conditional Line Clear Reply Message Issued in Absolute system during TIC on S/L section. It is the reply to the line clear enquiry message.
16 T/G 602 Condtional Line Clear Ticket (UP) Issued both in Absolute & Auto block system as an authority to proceed after opening communication during TIC on S/L section. First Train: Normal Speed.
Subsequent Train: View ahead is clear: Not exceeding 25 kmph
View ahead is not clear: Not exceeding 10 kmph.
17 T/H 602 Condtional Line Clear Ticket (DN) Issued both in Absolute & Auto block system as an authority to proceed after opening communication during TIC on S/L section. First Train: Normal Speed.
Subsequent Train: View ahead is clear: Not exceeding 25 kmph
View ahead is not clear: Not exceeding 10 kmph.
18 T/609 Issued by the TMR both in Absolute and Auto Block System.
i). When it becomes neccessary to divide the train and clear the fron portion from the section.
ii). While clearing the front of a train during train parting.
19 T/806 Shunting Order Issued in both Absoulte and Auto Block Systems when shunting ir to be performed on the train. Normal shunting speed not exceeding 15 kmph subject to ither restriction imposed.
20 T/A 912 Authority to pass Automatic/Semi-Automatic/Mannual Stop Signals/Gate Stop Signals in Automatic Section.
(A/C-20:- T/A 912 shall always be issued with either of these forms- T/B 602, T/511, T/F 602 or as prescribed by SR or zonal Rly) 		Speed: 15 kmph (view clear), 10 kmph (view not clear), Flasher ON, continuous whistle While returning may run at sectional speed.
21 T/B 912 Failure of signals on double line Automatic section, when no means of communication.
Hand over the authority to SM of receiving station. 		First Train: 15 kmph(view clear), 10 kmph (view not clear)
Subsequent train: After interval of 25 minutes at speed of 15 kmph (view clear), 10 kmph (view not clear)
22 T/C 912 Block Ticket in Auto Section Authority to proceed for relief engine/train into an obstructed block section. View ahead is clear: Not exceeding 15 kmph
View ahead is not clear: Not exceeding 10 kmph
23 T/D 912 1. Prolong failure of signals of all auto signals between two or more block stations & last for sometimes, causing a serious delay when means of communications available.
2. Sible line in automatic block system when means of communicaton are available but direction of traffic cannot be established.(SR 9.12-6) 		First Train: 15 kmph(view clear), 10 kmph (view not clear)
Subsequent train: Subject to other speed restrictions.
Speed over facing points, of any, being restricted to 15 kmph
24 T/E 912 Authority issued during Temporary Single Line (TSL) working on double line Automatic Section to all trains running in working line and right line. Right Line:
Every first train: Not exceeding 25 kmph.
Subsequent train: May run at sectional speed, as per signal aspect.
Wrong Line:
Every first train: Not exceeding 25 kmph.
Subsequent train: May run at sectional speed.
Speed over facing points, if any, restricted to 15 kmph.
No matching wagon or speed found.

📌 Reference

NOTE : - Above emtnioned forms are indicative in nature and does not supersede any manual or code provision, So, please check the manual in case of any confusion.

Ref: S&T CON UNIT, ROU


1. Important Authorities in Various Circumstances

As per Condition

No. Condition Authority Speed
1 Home signal defective • Calling-on signal
• P.N. from telephone
• T/369(3b)
• T/369(1) 		• Cautious max. 15/10 kmph
• 15 kmph
• Normal speed / PLCT if Advance Starter has points – 15 kmph
• Section normal speed; passing Home – 15 kmph
2 Starter defective • Calling-on signal
• T/369(3b) + P.H.S. 		• Cautious max. 15/10 kmph
• Normal speed
3 Advance Starter / L.S.S. defective – D/L T/369(3b) + P.N. + I.D. No. —
4 Advance Starter / L.S.S. defective – S/L P.L.C.T. + P.N. + I.D. No.
T/C-1425 – UP train; T/D-1425 – DN train 		—
5 Advance Starter on Auto defective T/369(3b) + P.H.S. from foot of signal 15/10 kmph
6 D.C.O. T/409 —
7 Nil caution order T/A 409 —
8 Remainder / Sectional caution order T/B 409 —
9 Train admitted on obstructed line T/509 —
10 Train admitted on non-signal line T/509 – SER
T/510 – SECR
T/369(3b) – ECOR 		—
11 Train departure from non-signal line T/511 + T/369(3b) + P.H.S. —
12 Train departure from common loop starter T/512 —
13 Train sent on obstructed block section T/A 602
1. Block ticket
2. Authority to pass signal at ON
3. Caution Order 		Max. 15/10 kmph
14 Train sent on opening communication – S/L
TIC on S/L 		T/B 602
1. Authority without L/C
2. T/369(3b) – LSS at ON
3. Caution Order
4. Line clear enquiry message
5. Conditional line clear message 		15/10 kmph
15 Train sent on TIC – D/L T/C 602
1. Authority without L/C
2. Authority to pass LSS at ON
3. Caution Order 		All trains 25/10 kmph
16 Train sent on TSL working T/D 602
• Line clear ticket
• Authority to pass at ON
• Caution Order
• Line on which train will run
• Obstruction KM
• Speed restriction, if any
• Trap point set & locked, if applicable 		Wrong line: 1st train 25 kmph; subsequent trains normal speed.
Right line: Normal speed.
17 Train sent on TIC – D/L Auto T/B 912
• Without L/C
• Pass all stop signals at ON except FSS of next station
• Caution Order 		15/10 kmph
18 Prolonged failure of Auto signals T/D 912 + T/B 409 + I.D. No.
Indicating signals to be passed at ON 		1st train – 25 kmph
2nd & subsequent – Normal speed
Facing point – max. 15 kmph
19 TSL working – Auto Right direction: 1st train PLCT; 2nd & subsequent – Auto signals
Wrong direction: PLCT + P.N. + I.D. No. 		—
20 Shunting order T/806 —
21 Auto Section – Block Ticket T/C 912
• Block ticket
• Authority to pass signal at ON
• Caution Order 		Max. 15/10 kmph
22 One Train Only System (ATP) Metallic Badge / Line Clear Ticket —

2. Important Authorities & Speed Reference

No. Authority / Circumstance Speed Remarks
1 P/IN – Home 15 kmph —
2 P/Out – Starter 15 kmph —
3 Advance Starter
T/369(3b) + P.N. + I.D. 		Normal speed
PLCT + points → 15 kmph 		—
4 Adv. P/IN – T/369(1) Section normal speed
Passing Home – 15 kmph 		—
5 T/509 15 kmph Be prepared to stop dead if required
6 Non-signal line admission 15 kmph —
7 Non-signal line departure 15 kmph —
8 Shunting – T/806 Normal: 15 kmph
Inflammable: 8 kmph 		—
9 Train backing in section Walking speed —
10 Material Train:
A. Available block
B. Pushing B/V leading
C. Pushing B/V not leading 		A. 25 kmph
B. 25/8 kmph
C. 8 kmph 		—
11 A Class ODC
B Class ODC
C Class ODC 		A. Sectional speed
B. 40/15/8 kmph
C. 25/8 kmph, dead stop & walking speed 		—
12 Foggy weather – Green
Fog signal device provided 		60 kmph
75 kmph 		—
13 Foggy weather – Attention (YY) 30 kmph —
14 Foggy weather – Caution (Y) Cautious speed —
15 OHE tripped & reason unknown for more than 5 min 35/20 kmph —
16 N.I. working 30 kmph —
17 1 in 8½ turnout 10 kmph —
18 1 in 12 turnout 15 kmph —
19 IB ON – telephone not working 15/8 kmph Stop short of any obstruction
20 IB defective – telephone working P.N. + I.D. Normal speed
21 Advance P/IN of IB Normal speed + T/369(3b)
Strike-out speed restriction 		SECR provisions as applicable
22 Std. I(R) Interlocking 50 kmph —
23 Std. II(R) Interlocking 110 kmph —
24 Std. III(R) Interlocking 140 kmph —
25 Std. IV(R) Interlocking 160 kmph —
26 Patrolman not turn up within 15 min 40/15 kmph —
27 Bad riding due to P-Way defect 10 kmph First train stop dead and proceed after satisfying
28 Less serious rail fracture 20 kmph 2nd & subsequent trains

3. Timings to be Maintained

No. Circumstance Timing
1 TIC on D/L – A.B. System 30 minutes interval for each train
2 TIC on D/L – Automatic System 15 minutes interval
3 A.R.M.E. – Signal Exit 25 minutes from ordering
4 A.R.M.E. – Double Exit 15 minutes from ordering
5 A.R.T. – Day 30 minutes
6 A.R.T. – Night 45 minutes
7 Telephone out of order at IB signal 5 minutes
8 LC Gate stop signal ON Day: 1 min / Night: 2 min
9 Auto signal ON Day: 1 min / Night: 2 min
10 Train held at FSS – rear protection under GR 6.03 15 minutes before protection

4. Detonator Placement

1 Detonator

Extreme emergency

2 Detonators

  • Foggy weather
  • 270 m + 10 m in rear of Home signal

3 Detonators

  • Block ticket → 250 + 250 + 10 m
  • TIC D/L or S/L → 250 + 250 + 10 m
  • Auto section → 90 + 90 + 10 m
  • Auto Engineering protection → 180 + 10 + 10 m
  • Absolute Engineering protection → 1200 + 10 + 10 m

4 Detonators

  • Train protection rear → 600 + 600 + 10 + 10 m
  • Train protection front → 600 + 600 + 10 + 10 m
  • Adjacent line protection → 600 + 600 + 10 + 10 m
  • One Train Only System → 600 + 600 + 10 + 10 m
Adjacent line protection: 600 – 600 – 10 – 10 metres with 4 detonators in all systems of working. On return, collect the intermediate detonator.

5. Fire in Passenger Train – LP / ALP Duties

  1. Stop the train immediately.
  2. Switch on flasher light.
  3. Detrain passengers first.
  4. Give FIR to concerned officials with KM, time and nature of fire.
  5. If postal van is attached, save the mails.
  6. Disconnect electrical fittings in the affected coach.
  7. Extinguish fire using fire extinguisher.
  8. Isolate burning vehicle at least 45 m on both ends.
  9. Give first aid to injured persons.
  10. Shift injured persons to nearest hospital where possible.
  11. Protect the train as per GR 6.03.
  12. Assist in rescue, relief and restoration operations.
  13. Do not leave the site until relief arrives.

6. Duty After Single Detonator Burst

  1. Control the train and proceed cautiously.
  2. Give intermittent whistle.
  3. Proceed cautiously up to 1.5 km. If no abnormality is noticed, pick up normal speed and inform SM of the next station.

7. Block Ticket Working – LP / ALP / GD(TMR)

  1. In obstructed block section, proceed with authority T/A 602 in A.B. system or T/C 912 + T/A 912 in Automatic Block System, as issued by SM.
  2. Speed restriction: 15/10 kmph.
  3. On arrival at rear/next station, hand over block ticket to SM with remarks.
  4. Mention obstruction KM, LSS/IB passed at ON and sectional caution order on block ticket.

8. Dead Engine Attaching

Normal: Dead engine should normally be attached in the rear of the leading engine.
Train In Front In Rear – Emergency
Goods 1 working + 1 dead engine
2 working + 2 dead engines
3 working + 1 dead engine 		Always one engine as L.V.
Coaching One dead engine One dead engine except Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express
1 in 100 down gradient: Dead engine should not be attached in rear for Goods/Coaching trains. If attached in rear, it should be manned, hand brake must be in proper working order, LV indicator placed in rear and engine piped.

9. Wheel Slipping – LP / ALP Duties

  1. Note KM number and extent of damage.
  2. Inform TLC / SCR / Power Controller regarding assistance required.
  3. Inform SM of next station in writing with full particulars.
  4. If track is considered unsafe for normal speed, take action as per applicable SR 6.07.01.

10. Storm / Cyclone / Strong Wind

  1. If safety is likely to be endangered, control speed and stop at the first convenient place, avoiding sharp curves and bridges.
  2. Avoid jerks while stopping.
  3. In coaching trains, open doors/windows with assistance of GD or railway staff to allow free passage of wind.
  4. Note time and inform TLC/SCR/Coaching Control/SM.
  5. Restart only after cyclone/storm/wind abates and in consultation with Guard.

11. Engine Lurching / Hunting / Swaying

  1. Note time and KM.
  2. Proceed cautiously up to next station.
  3. Report facts in writing to SM/TLC/SCR.
  4. State whether assistance is required or journey can continue.
  5. Further movement should be as advised by TLC/SCR.

12. Bad Riding Due to P-Way Defect

  1. Note KM accurately.
  2. Note time.
  3. Stop at next station without clearing BOL and give written memo to SM.
  4. Record exact location and nature of defect.
  5. In S/L section, issue message to SM of next station before handing over authority.
  6. Report occurrence to Crew Controller on arrival at crew lobby.
  7. Follow applicable GR 6.07.01, 6.07.02 and 6.07.03.

13. Train Backing in Section

  1. Due to abnormality, backing may be done at walking speed.
  2. LP shall inform GD before backing.
  3. GD should give written memo and obtain LP's acknowledgement.
  4. In IB/Auto section, backing is generally not permitted; in unavoidable circumstances follow prescribed procedure.
  5. Guard/TMR shall obtain required permission/P.N. as applicable.
  6. Two copies of authority should be prepared where required.
  7. In Auto section, follow the prescribed IB-zone procedure where applicable.
  8. Train may be backed by lowering Home signal / P-IN as applicable with T/369(3b).

14. Shunting Authorities & Precautions

Shunting Authorities

  1. Within station section, if shunting is controlled by signals, shunting memo is not required; verbal/ written instructions may be given.
  2. Defective shunt signal → T/806 + P.H.S.
  3. Beyond station section → T/806 + B/B or B/F P.N.

Shunting Precautions

  1. Normal shunting max. 15 kmph.
  2. Inflammable articles max. 8 kmph.
  3. In Ghat section, engine should be in down gradient.
  4. Loose/hand shunting prohibited in Ghat section.
  5. Secure unaffected shunting portion first.
  6. Exercise utmost care during shunting.

15. Distant Signal – No Light

  1. Stop the train and give prescribed whistle.
  2. Ensure P marker.
  3. Inform GD and proceed continuously up to Home signal; obey Home signal aspect.
  4. Give written information to SM regarding failure.
  5. Mention failure in S&T Failure Book at crew lobby.

16. Home Signal Defective – LP Duties

  1. Stop train and give continuous long whistle.
  2. If Calling-on signal is lowered, proceed cautiously and be prepared to stop short of obstruction.
  3. If no Calling-on signal and telephone is provided, obtain P.N. and ensure facing/trailing points are correctly set and locked. Maximum 15 kmph.
  4. If T/369(3b) is issued, proceed at maximum 15 kmph after ensuring points are correctly set and locked.
  5. If T/369(1) is issued at rear station/last stopping station, maintain sectional speed, ensure P.H.S. at Home and proceed at maximum 15 kmph after ensuring points.

17. Starter Defective – LP Duties

  • If Calling-on signal is lowered → proceed cautiously.
  • If T/369(3b) is given → ensure P.H.S. at starter and proceed maximum 15 kmph, ensuring points are correctly set and locked.

18. Head Light Defective

  • Switch on marker lights and maintain max. 20 kmph during night/thick/foggy weather.
  • Give whistle frequently.
  • Inform TLC and SM of next station for repair.
  • Proceed to repair/engine-changing station. If marker lights also fail, clear one block section at walking speed.

19. Leading Driving Cab Defective

  • Inform TLC / SM of next station.
  • ALP shall work the train from trailing cab.
  • LP remains in leading cab for correct operation.
  • Proceed at maximum 40 kmph up to repair station.

20. Speedometer Not Working

LP shall work the train at a speed 10% less than MPS.

Speed calculation references:
Total electric masts passed in one minute × 4.3 = kmph

3600 ÷ time taken to cover 1 km in seconds = kmph

21. Leading Cab Horn Defective

  • Day: Maximum 40 kmph up to destination.
  • Night: Clear only one block section at 40 kmph.
  • ALP should blow whistle from rear cab when required.

22. If LP is Incapacitated

  • If ALP is not duly qualified → stop train, inform concerned and do not start.
  • If ALP is duly qualified → inform concerned and clear section at maximum 25 kmph, one block section only.

23. Thick / Foggy / Tempestuous Weather

Signal Aspect Speed / Action
GREEN Max. 60 kmph if fog signal device not provided; up to 75 kmph if provided.
ATTENTION (YY) 30 kmph
CAUTION (Y) Cautious speed
RED – AUTO Maximum 10 kmph up to next signal

24. TSL Working – LP Duties

  1. Obtain T/D 602 with P.N. + ID.
  2. First train → 25 kmph.
  3. Inform gate men and track men en route.
  4. Second & subsequent trains → normal speed.
  5. Give frequent whistle.
  6. Wrong direction → give frequent whistle and switch on flasher light.
  7. Train will be P/IN as applicable.
  8. Protection as per GR 6.03.

25. Auto Signal ON

  1. Stop train and give long continuous whistle.
  2. Ensure A marker / illuminated marker.
  3. Wait 1 minute day / 2 minutes night.
  4. Proceed at 15/10 kmph up to next signal.

26. Advance Starter / L.S.S. Defective

S/L: T/C-1425 for UP train; T/D-1425 for DN train.

D/L – Absolute Block: T/369(3b) + P.N. + ID.

Auto – D/L: T/A 912.

Auto – S/L: T/A 912 + Starting Order.

Speed: Normal speed, except when LSS protects slip siding points with P.H.S.; maximum 15 kmph until LSS is cleared.

27. Shunt Signal Defective

  1. T/806 authority is issued.
  2. P.H.S. at shunt signal by station staff / shunting supervisor.
  3. Ensure correct setting and locking of points.
  4. Speed maximum 15 kmph for other loads and 8 kmph for inflammable articles.

⚡ Quick Speed Reference

8 kmph – Inflammable shunting 10 kmph – 1:8½ turnout 15 kmph – Common restriction 20 kmph – Headlight / specific cases 25 kmph – First train / specified working 30 kmph – Attention / NI 40 kmph – Horn / cab defects 60 kmph – Fog, Green 75 kmph – Fog device provided
📌 Reference: This page is intended for quick revision and working reference. In actual operation, the LP/ALP must follow the latest applicable G&SR, SWR, Operating Manual, Safety Circulars, Engineering/S&T instructions and special instructions issued by the Railway.