Metro Rail General Rules 2022- Overview

Document Overview:

This document outlines the general rules and procedures for the safe and efficient operation of the Metro Rail system. It covers a wide range of topics, from signalling and train control to emergency procedures and personnel responsibilities. The primary focus is on ensuring safety and maintaining service continuity. The rules are highly technical, emphasizing automation and specific procedures for various scenarios.

Key Themes:

1. Automated Train Operation (ATO) & Automatic Train Protection (ATP): A major emphasis is placed on automated systems for train operation and safety. The document describes various modes of operation including ATP, ATO, and Driverless Train Operation (DTO) or Unattended Train Operation (UTO). The system is designed to run automatically but has fallback modes for when these systems are unavailable. “Operated rail paths and depots (if equipped with ATP) the movement of train will generally be governed by that automatic train protection system”
2. Safety First: Safety is the paramount concern, and the document details procedures to minimise risks. This includes a strong focus on preventing collisions, derailments, and passenger safety during emergencies. “Each authorised person will ensure every effort is made to ensure the safety of the public and the people with him/her”
3. Centralised Control: The Operations Control Centre (OCC) plays a central role in monitoring and controlling train movements, signalling, and managing emergencies. The OCC is the central point of contact and decision-making for the system. “Main line signal are controlled from an OCC and are normally operated under automatic control”
4. Contingency Planning: The document extensively covers procedures for handling various failures, including equipment malfunctions, power outages, fires, and medical emergencies. There are detailed protocols for evacuation and passenger safety in these scenarios. “In the event of an accident or obstruction, shall report immediately to his senior official upon request, shall assist the authorities.”
5. Personnel Responsibilities: Specific roles and responsibilities are assigned to train operators, station controllers, maintenance staff, and traffic controllers, all contributing to overall safe operation of the system. The document also outlines requirements regarding the qualifications and responsibilities of various personnel involved. “Each authorised person will, when asked, give his name and title without hesitation”
6. Signalling Systems: The signalling system, both fixed and cab signalling, is crucial for ensuring safe train movements. The document details different types of signals and their meanings, as well as procedures for handling signal failures. “Where available, two aspect fixed signals will be capable of displaying ‘Red’, ‘White or purple’ aspects under which, ‘Red’ aspect indicates a train must stop before signal”
7. Platform Screen Doors: Platform screen doors (PSDs) are an important safety feature mentioned frequently, and the rules detail procedures for their operation, including manual overrides and responses to malfunctions. “Platform Screen doors, opening and closing will be based on receiving a door open or close control signal from the signalling interface.”
8. Communication Protocol: The document emphasizes the need for clear and consistent communication between all personnel, particularly during emergencies and maintenance operations. All communications must be recorded for analysis and training. “All communications between signal and telecommunications and rail track structure section and other persons concerned with train operation, are to be recorded noting time and retained for analysis of events and training”

Most Important Ideas and Facts:

• Modes of Operation: The Metro Rail can operate under various modes:
• Automatic Train Operation (ATO): Train operation is fully automated with an operator in the cab for monitoring.
• Automatic Train Protection (ATP): A system that ensures train safety by automatically applying brakes in case of danger.
• Driverless Train Operation (DTO) / Unattended Train Operation (UTO): Trains operate without a driver, remotely controlled by the OCC.
• Restricted Manual (RM): A manual driving mode with specific speed limits.
• Restricted On Sight (ROS): A manual mode requiring extreme caution, train movement is permitted only if the path ahead is known to be safe.
• Cut-out Mode: A mode used when the regular signalling and control systems fail. Train operation speed is strictly limited.
• Emergency Procedures: There are detailed procedures for:
• Emergency Braking: An emergency brake that applies until the train comes to a complete stop. “Non-releasable emergency brake is an emergency brake that, when applied, remains in operation until the speed of the train is zero and the cause of the emergency brake application is remedied or reset”.
• Train Evacuation: Passengers are evacuated through various methods, including emergency exit doors, hand-operated doors, and by walking on the tracks in certain cases. “Emergency exit doors are designed to open forwards or backwards”
• Train Malfunctions: Faulty trains are either removed from service or, if possible, moved to the next station using backup procedures, sometimes with a rescue train.
• Fires: Protocols for handling fires both in trains and stations including tunnel ventilation adjustments.
• Floods: A speed reduction for low floods and complete service shutdown for high flood water.
• Safety Equipment:
• Authorised personnel are expected to carry a hand-held lamp capable of displaying red, green, and white aspects as well as a red flag and green flag.
• Trains are equipped with Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Operation (ATO), and Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS).
• Platform Safety:
• Platform screen doors (PSDs) are designed to open automatically only when a train is correctly positioned in the station.
• If PSDs fail, they can be opened manually by staff using specific keys.
• Track Access:
• Maintenance personnel must obtain permission from the Traffic Controller before accessing any track.
• During non-traffic hours, track access is controlled by the traffic controller with special safety precautions.
• Single Line Operation: Procedures are described to keep the line partially operational by using single-line working, where trains are passed in batches on a single track whilst repairs are done.
• Speed Limits: Strict speed limits are enforced, particularly when operating under manual modes or with equipment malfunctions.
• Communication Channels: Dedicated radio channels are used for communication between the OCC, train operators, and other staff.
• Traction Power: Rules cover the isolation and recommissioning of traction power both for overhead and third rail systems.
• Automated Reversal: A system for automated train reversal for terminal stations is described where the train will automatically reverse direction.

Key Quotes:

• ” ‘Building Management System’ means a control panel or central station installed at each station for monitoring and controlling the proper functioning of building services, including emergency safety systems;”
• ” ‘Cab signal’ means a visual indication displayed on the operator’s console on train, authorising him to proceed for a train under automatic driving mode or signalling based manual driving mode and indicating speed;”
• ” ‘Moving block’ means a block system where block is defined as safe area surrounding each train, in real time by signalling and train control system;”
• ” ‘Neutral section’ means a short section of insulated and inactive overhead equipment that separates the feeding zones by adjacent sub-station or feeding point for A.C. traction power system;”
• ” ‘Non-releasable emergency brake’ means an emergency brake that, when applied, remains in operation until the speed of the train is zero and the cause of the emergency brake application is remedied or reset;”
• “When an emergency alarm on the train is operated the train operator, will attempt to communicate loudly via the intercom or public announcement system and seek to establish the reason for alarm operation but will continue to the next station before taking any action unless there is a clear and immediate danger to the train and its occupants”
• “Each train will operate on each line of the metro railway within the speed limits prescribed in the approved Special Instructions”
• “In the event of a traction power failure all trains should coast as far as possible, and within signalling limits”

Conclusion:

This document provides a detailed framework for the safe and efficient operation of the Metro Rail system, with a focus on automated controls, safety protocols, contingency planning, and clearly defined personnel responsibilities. It emphasises the importance of technology and standard operating procedures in maintaining safe and efficient train services.