Railway Board Instruction – Tail Lamp for Goods Trains
Railway Board, vide letter No. 2026/TT-IV/12/2 Misc. dated 23.09.2026, has directed Zonal Railways to provide Tail Lamps for goods train working without Train Manager/Working Train Manager and without Brake Van.
LP/ALP are required to take over the Tail Lamp at the lobby and hand it over at the lobby after duty. Compliance has been advised to be ensured.

During train working, LP/ALP must observe and call out the point setting along with the signal aspect, with the LP acknowledging it before proceeding. In case of a loco trouble, the crew must first inform TLC/CKP and act as advised, without directly bypassing TLC to contact Call Centres. When signal visibility is below 200 metres, the LP must strictly follow the speed restriction specified in the Caution Order, even if no speed restriction board is provided.

South Eastern Railway has relaxed the Permanent Speed Restriction (PSR) at Tata Yard (Down Line), CKP Division, between chainage 248.589 and 248.434, increasing the permissible speed from 25 km/h to 45 km/h.

Summary – Mobile Phone Use by Drivers & Guards - Drivers and Guards are not permitted to carry mobile phones on their person while working a train. - Mobile phones should be kept inside the bag/box used for personal stores and kept switched OFF or in silent mode throughout the journey. - Mobile phones must not be used during train running, except in an emergency to call for assistance in case of an accident or failure. - Before entering the cab/brake van, crew should switch off their mobile phones. - Reports indicate that the rule is not being followed, with crew using mobile phones for personal communication, other purposes, and even enquiring about signal aspects. - Detection of a mobile phone being carried on the person or being used during train running may invite severe disciplinary action under D&AR. In short: 📵 No mobile phone on person + OFF/Silent during the entire train journey + use only in an emergency.

SPAD Incident: Down NTV/Goods train at Ayodhya Cantt, Line No. 5, passed the Down Starter Signal while it was at ON. The train overshot the signal by 132 metres. The signal was located 100 metres ahead of its usual position.

- Ensure sufficient brake-release time before starting after ACP/stoppage. - If tractive effort/load fluctuation indicates brake binding, stop the train and attend it to prevent overheating, smoke or fire. - Ensure the locomotive air dryer is functional to prevent moisture ingress. - Conduct monthly sensitization/trainingof LP/ALP/LPs to prevent brake-binding incidents.

The Railway Board has issued preventive measures following the SPAD incident involving Train No. 12392 at Fatuha on 27.04.2026 and the side-collision incident at Dalauda on 07.05.2026. The instructions emphasize timely braking without assuming the next signal aspect, strict compliance with prescribed speeds at YY and Y signals, vigilance by ALPs, regular analysis of braking patterns and RTIS/data-logger information, use of SA-9 brake during light-engine operation, and proper precautions during light-engine trials. CLIs should accompany trial runs, verify permitted speeds and braking locations, and ensure such locations are clearly indicated to the Loco Pilot

Precautions for cyclone, storm and strong winds: LP/ALP/Motorman must reduce speed and stop at a safe place if severe weather threatens train safety, avoiding sharp curves, high embankments and bridges. Train should be restarted only after the storm subsides and it is safe to proceed, in consultation with the Guard. Remain alert for fallen trees, branches, foreign objects and OHE obstructions. Lower the pantograph and take necessary action if pantograph entanglement or OHE damage is likely. Take precautions against rolling of trains/engines and protect own/adjacent lines using prescribed protection measures. Immediately inform TLC/SCR/SM of any situation threatening safe train operation. Loco/Crew Controllers and Loco Inspectors should ensure prompt communication, relief/rescue arrangements, crew availability and awareness of cyclone/storm precautions. All concerned staff must follow SR 2.11.04 & 2.11.05 and other applicable precautions. A month-long Safety Drive from 21.05.2026 to 20.06.2026 was advised for counselling and sensitising LPs, ALPs and LPS.

During fog or restricted visibility, the Loco Pilot shall run at a speed at which the train can be safely controlled and stopped short of any obstruction, with a maximum speed of 75 kmph. Frequent whistling should be given at Level Crossings to warn the Gateman and road users. In Absolute Block territory, the speed must not exceed 75 kmph. In Automatic Block territory, the maximum speed is 75 kmph with a Green signal, 30 kmph with Double Yellow, and with a Yellow signal, the train must proceed at a further restricted speed so as to be prepared to stop at the next Stop Signal.