CHAPTER VII : Accident and Unusual Occurrences

CHAPTER VII
ACCIDENT AND UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES

48. Report of the accident and unusual occurrences –– (1) An y accident or incident shall be reported by the Metro Railway employee concerned or any other person who notices it with utmost expediency to the Traffic Controller or the nearest Station Controller as soon as practicable.
(2) On receipt of a report under sub-rule (1), the Station Controller shall inform the Traffic Controller and vice versa.
49. Duties of the station staff –– (1) On receipt of a report of an incident or accident or emergency, as the case may be, under sub-rule (1) of rule 48, the Traffic Controller shall first ascertain the extent of injury to passengers and others and take prompt action to prevent further injuries and he shall also assess the potential effect on the train
services and then take all reasonable measures to maintain the train services, prevent delay or damage to property and equipment.
(2) If the incident is an emergency, the traffic controller shall report it to the Chief Controller and the Chief Controller shall arrange for the assistance of the Metro Railway emergency response staff and where necessary, arrange the assistance of the Police, fire and the Ambulance services.
(3) The Traffic Controller shall keep a log of all reports and requests received, action taken and other relevant information obtained or distributed.
(4) A Station Controller, in the event of an accident at his station, shall take measures to prevent the situation becoming worse, render first aid if possible, arrange for the injured to be hospitalised and inform the Traffic Controller for outside help, if required.
(5) If the accident is an emergency, the Station Controller shall evacuate the area concerned and take measures to prevent access to the area other than by the emergency services, and in extreme cases, the station may be closed and the Traffic Controller requested to arrange for trains to pass the station without stopping.
(6) A full record of events and actions shall be entered in the Station Log, including the video recording as necessary, to preserve the clues.
(7) All staff of the metro railway shall deal with the accidents and emergencies expeditiously and with the following priorities––
(a) save life, prevent further injury, and alleviate suffering;
(b) protect the Metro Railway property and equipment;
(c) take steps for preservation of clues;
(d) inform the public of the effect on train services and the availability of alternative transport facilities;
(e) restore the safe operation of the train services as quickly as practicable;and
(f) restore normal services.
50. Train stopped between stations –– (1) (i) If a Train Operator cannot isolate a defect on his train and is unable to move it under its own power, he shall secure the train and request the Traffic Controller for assistance;
(ii) the Traffic Controller shall, if possible, instruct the Train Operator of the following train to drive as close to the stalled train as possible under Coded Manual mode and at the limit of authority under cab signaling;
(iii) the Traffic Controller shall then instruct the Train Operator of the assisting train to change to Restricted Manual mode, and to proceed at reduced speed and stop about ten meters short of the stalled train;
(iv) in case it is more convenient to provide assisting train from the leading end direction, the Traffic Controller shall instruct the Train Operator of the assisting train, to detrain the passengers at the station, to change the cab and proceed in the direction of the stalled train under Coded Manual mode as far as limit of authority under cab signaling and thereafter change to Restricted Manual mode and stop short of about ten meters of stalled train;
(v) the Traffic Controller shall instruct the Train Operator of defective train to secure his train, and instruct the Train Operator of the assisting train to couple to the defective train by mechanical means only and to isolate all electrical connections to the defective train;
(vi) once the trains are confirmed as coupled, the Traffic Controller shall instruct the Train Operator of the defective train to release the brakes of his train;
(vii) the Traffic Controller shall then authorise the Train Operator of the assisting train, if in front, to once again change the cab and to drive forward in Restricted Manual mode at slow speed while exchanging communication with the front cab of defective train until the assisting train has completely reached on platform of the next station;
(viii) The combined consist shall then be moved forward until the defective train has completely reached on platform and then, the passengers of the defective train shall be detrained at the station and the combined consist shall be moved to the depot;
(ix) the Train Operator of the assisting train, if in the rear, will drive the combined consist in Restricted Manual mode at a speed not exceeding ten kilometer per hour, while exchanging communication with the Train Operator of the defective train in the lead cab until the defective train is at the platform of the next station;
(x) all passengers shall be detrained from the defective train, and the combined consist shall then be moved further until the assisting train is completely on the platform;
(xi) all passengers of assisting train shall then be detrained at the station and the combined consist worked to the depot in Restricted Manual mode at a speed not exceeding ten kilometer per hour, with leading and intermediate Train Operators exchanging communication on cab to cab telephone particularly if being assisted from rear.
(2) (i) If traction power is lost, all trains shall coast as far as the momentum of the train and the signaling system permit, after ascertaining from Traffic Controller that there is no defect in the overhead contact wire or third rail system, as the case may be. The objective is to get every train to a platform or as close to the platform as possible where passengers can be detrained if the incident is likely to be prolonged;
(ii) if the traction power has not been restored within fifteen minutes, passengers shall be detrained from all trains at stations, and the process of detraining passengers from any Train stopped between stations shall be initiated after switching off third rail power supply, or overhead power supply in case of side evacuation, as the case may be, and the Train Operator shall also take suitable measures of securing his train;
(iii) the traffic Controller shall advise the Station Controllers of the adjoining station to which evacuation is planned, who shall in turn make suitable arrangement for assisting the evacuation process and, if applicable, intrain baggage tagging for identification of passenger baggage later;
(iv) after evacuation of passengers, the Traffic Controller shall take appropriate action of working the stranded trains to nearest station siding or depot using other suitable shunting vehicles.
(3) (i) If a train cannot be moved as a result of derailment or a mechanical failure, leading to possible infringement, the Train Operator of the stalled train shall switch on the flasher light, secure the train, and immediately inform the Traffic Controller advising him of any infringement on other track (if any) and possibility of injuries to passengers among other things, and also inform him that he is unable to move his train;
(ii) the traffic controller in consultation with the Train Operator shall decide the most appropriate method of evacuation, assistance needed and working of failed train cars taking into account proximity of stations, availability of trains and other local conditions and, advise the Train Operator the direction from which assistance is to be provided and inform the Station Controller at the station to which passengers shall be evacuated;
(iii) the following methods of evacuation, as the case may be, shall be followed, namely: ––
(a) evacuation to a train on the same track;
(b) evacuation to a train on an adjacent track (except in twin tunnel sections);
(c) evacuation to train on adjacent track (in twin tunnels);
(d) evacuation on foot to the nearest station;
(e) evacuation by climbing down the viaduct or climbing up the evacuation shaft in tunnels;
(4) Evacuation to a train on the same track:
(a) (i) Wherever considered necessary, the traffic on the adjacent track may be stopped, as prescribed under Special Instructions;
(ii) If being assisted by an assisting train from the rear, passengers shall, if possible, be first detrained from the assisting train at station and the Traffic Controller shall instruct the Train Operator to drive in Coded Manual mode until the limit of authority under cab signaling;
(iii) the Traffic Controller shall, thereafter, instruct the Train Operator to change to Restricted Manual mode and drive at not more than twenty five kilometer per hour to stop about ten meter from the stalled train;
(iv) if assistance from the rear is not possible, assistance may be provided from the front end direction, following similar procedure once the Train Operator has changed the cab for driving in the other direction as provided in the special instructions;
(b) the Train Operator of the assisting train shall report to the Operations Control Centre when he has reached this location and the Traffic Controller shall then instruct him to move his train slowly and stop it ten meters short of the stalled train;
(c) the Train Operator of the assisting train shall secure his train, and open the appropriate s id e o r end door and ramps (if any), and the Train Operator of the stalled train shall open the corresponding door on his train and the two Train Operators shall assist passenger to shift from the stalled train to the assisting train and where applicable the assisting metro staff or the Train Operator of the stalled train shall also take appropriate measures for in-train baggage tagging for identification of passenger baggage later;
(d) when all passengers have been transferred, the doors and ramps(if any), of both the trains shall be closed and secured;
(e) the Train Operator of the stalled train shall remain with his train and the Train Operator of the assisting train shall move to the other cab and report to the Traffic Controller that all passengers have been transferred and that his train is ready to move;
(f) only after receiving the instructions from the Traffic Controller, the Train Operator of the assisting train shall select Restricted Manual mode and drive the train to the station from which he came where passengers can be detrained.
(5) Evacuation to a train on an adjacent track (except in twin tunnel sections):
(a) if assistance cannot easily be given by a train on the same track, a train on the adjacent track may be used;
(b) on receipt of a request for assistance, the Traffic Controller shall inform the Station Controllers at the station on the either side of the location of the incident;
(c) the Passengers may be detrained from the assisting train at a station;
(d) the Traffic Controller shall instruct the Train Operator of the assisting train to select Coded Manual mode and proceed towards the stalled train as near as permissible and then, select Restricted Manual mode in consultation with the Traffic Controller and drive his train to a point, near the stalled train;
(e) the Train Operator of the assisting train shall secure his train and open the appropriate door of his train and report completion to the Traffic Controller.
(f) the Traffic Controller shall then instruct the Train Operator of the stalled train to open appropriate door and ramp (if any) of his train;
(g) the two T rain Operators shall then supervise the transfer of passengers via the ramps or step ladders and the track from the stalled train to the assisting train taking particular care to inform passengers of the dangers of tripping on rails and other equipment, and where applicable, the assisting metro staff or the Train Operator of the stalled train shall also take appropriate measures for in-train baggage tagging for identification of passenger baggage
later;
(h) once all passengers have been transferred, the doors and ramps (if any), shall be secured and completion reported to the Traffic Controller by the Train Operator of the assisting train;
(i) the Train Operator of the stalled train shall remain with his train;
(j) the Traffic Controller shall then authorise the Train Operator of the assisting train to proceed to the next station in the normal direction of traffic, where normal service may be resumed.
(6) Evacuation to train on an adjacent track (in twin tunnels):
(a) In twin tunnel sections, if assistance cannot easily be given by a train on the same track, a train on the adjacent track may be used;
(b) on receipt of request for assistance, the Traffic Controller shall inform the Station Controllers at the station on the either side of the location of the incident;
(c) Passengers may be detrained from the assisting train at a station;
(d) The Traffic Controller shall instruct the T rain Operator of the assisting train to select Coded Manual mode and proceed toward the direction of stalled train as near as permissible to an appropriate Cross Passage as advised by Traffic Controller and then change to Restricted manual mode in consultation with Traffic Controller to drive his train to a point, near a Cross Passage as advised by the Traffic Controller;
(e) The Train Operator of the assisting train shall secure his train and open the appropriate door and ramp (if any), of his train and report completion to the traffic controller;
(f) the Traffic Controller shall then instruct the Train Operator of the stalled train to open its appropriate door and ramp (if any), as applicable, which is nearest to this Cross Passage;
(g) the two T rain O perators shall then supervise the transfer of passengers via the Cross Passage and the track from the stalled train to the assisting train taking particular care to inform passengers of the dangers of tripping on rails and other equipment, and the hazards of walking through the Cross Passage, and the two Train Operators shall ensure that all passengers have been safely transferred and accounted for. Where applicable, the assisting metro staff or the Train Operator shall also take appropriate measures for in-train baggage tagging for identification of passenger baggage later.
(h) once all passengers have been transferred, the appropriate doors and ramps (if any), of assisting train shall be c losed, secured and completion reported to the Traffic Controller by the Train Operator of the assisting train;
(i) the Train Operator of the stalled train shall close the doors and ramps (if any), and return to his train cab;
(j) the Traffic Controller shall then authorise the assisting train to select appropriate mode and proceed to the next station where normal service may be resumed.
(7) Evacuation on foot to the nearest station:
(a) In case of evacuation on foot, the Traffic Controller shall decide as to which station passengers are to be evacuated which shall normally be the nearest station subject to other factors, such as the location of the trains, ventilation consideration in tunnel sections and any damage to track, train or structures which may make it desirable to use an alternative station;
(b) the Traffic Controller shall inform the Station Controller at the station designated to receive the passengers and the Station Controller shall clear the platform concerned of waiting passengers and, if necessary, stop incoming passengers, and if a tunnel section is involved, he shall ensure that the tunnel lighting is switched on, open all emergency doors, manual secondary doors and platform screen doors, where provided, and he shall position himself and his security staff on the platform to receive the arriving passengers;
(c) the Station Controller shall prepare to render assistance or first aid to any passenger who may have had difficulty or met an accident during the evacuation;
(d) on open sections and in double track tunnels, the Traffic Controller may arrange for traffic to be suspended on the adjacent track for the duration of the evacuation, and in case of Third Rail Traction system instruct the Traction Power Controller to switch off the Third Rail power supply;
(e) the Traffic Controller shall verify with the Train Operator that the train has been secured and then instruct him to deploy the appropriate door and ramp (if any) of the train, nearest to the designated station;
(f) passengers shall be informed of the procedures to be followed and given explicit warning on tripping hazards, where to walk, or hazards of walking on the raised walkway, not to raise any object above head level, and what to
expect at the station;
(g) wherever applicable, the Train Operator or assisting metro staff shall take appropriate measures for in-train baggage tagging for identification of passenger baggage later;
(h) passengers shall be detrained on the track, or on the raised walkway, as applicable, , by the Train Operator and directed to the station and the Train Operator shall count passengers as they leave the train;
(i) the Station Controller shall count the passengers as they arrive at the platform;
(j) the Train Operator shall ensure that the last passenger has left the stalled train and also check that all passengers have left the track or raised walkway, as the case may be;
(k) the Train Operator and Station Controller shall check their respective count of passengers’ numbers and satisfy themselves that all passengers have reached the platform and thereafter the Train Operator shall return to his train and secure the end door and ramp (if any) or the side doors, as the case may be;
(l) the Station Controller shall record in the station log the details of the incident, in particular, the number of passengers detrained, and then report the statistics to the Traffic Controller.
(8) Evacuation on foot by climbing down on via-duct or climbing up the evacuation shaft in tunnels:
(a) If the train is near a suitable location designated for evacuation of passengers by climbing down the via-duct or climbing up the evacuation shaft in tunnels, the Train Operator of stalled train shall consult the Traffic Controller and on instructions from Traffic Controller, secure his train;
(b) the Traffic Controller shall intimate the S tation C ontrollers of adjoining stations for assisting in the evacuation, who shall depute competent metro staff and security personnel at the safe evacuation point to assist the evacuation;
(c) the assisting metro staff shall prepare to render assistance or first aid to any passenger who may have had difficulty or accident during the evacuation;
(d) the Traffic Controller may arrange for traffic to be suspended on the adjacent track for the duration of the evacuation;
(e) on the advice of the Traffic Controller, the Train Operator of stalled train shall open the appropriate door or ramp (if any) of the stalled train;
(f) passengers shall be informed of the procedures to be followed and given explicit warning on tripping hazards, where to walk and not to raise any object above head level, and what to expect at the evacuation point;
(g) the assisting metro staff or the Train Operator shall take appropriate measures, where applicable, for in-train baggage tagging for identification of passenger baggage later;
(h) passengers shall be detrained on the track by the Train Operator and directed to the evacuation staircase or rescue vehicle and the Train Operator shall count passengers as they leave the stalled train;
(i) the passengers shall again be counted as they arrive at the safe location after evacuation by the assisting metro staff at the safe evacuation point;
(j) the Train Operator shall ensure that all passengers have left the stalled train and check that all passengers have left the track;
(k) the T rain Operator and the assisting metro staff at the safe evacuation point or vehicle shall check their respective count of passengers’ numbers and satisfy themselves that all passengers have reached the safe evacuation point or vehicle and report the same to Traffic Controller. The Train Operator shall, thereafter, return to his train, secure the end door, and seek further instructions from Traffic Controller;
(l) the evacuated passengers shall be brought to nearest station;
(m) the concerned Station Controller shall record in the station log the details of the incident, and, in particular, the number and other details of passengers detrained, and transfer of their luggage and repeat the complete incidence details to the Traffic Controller.
(9) If a train can not be moved as a result of failure of Traction system the Train Operator shall consult the Traffic Controller who in turn shall consult the Traction Power Controller, and after ensuring that it is not possible to restore Traction power, shall arrange to cut off Traction power in the affected section and take any further measures for safety of passengers and then action, in accordance with sub-rules (5) to (8), wherever applicable, shall be taken to evacuate the passengers from the stalled train.
(10) Notwithstanding, anything contained in sub-rules (1) to (9), in the case of Third Rail Traction system, the Third Rail power supply shall be ‘switched off’ in all cases of evacuation in which passengers are required to come on the raised walkway or the track.
51. Train divided –– (1) If a train is stopped by an irrevocable emergency brake application and cab signaling indications are normal, the Train Operator shall examine the Train Control Monitoring System panel, or Train Integrated Management System panel, as the name given, to ascertain the cause, if indication of faults in multiple circuits affecting the whole train or rear cars of the train are present, the train shall not be moved until, it has been verified that the train is complete and coupled.
(2) After the verification about complete arrival and the integrity of the train is completed under sub rule (1), the Traffic Controller may authorise the Train Operator to make appropriate isolations and proceed. If the train is not divided, but is still unable to move on its own, the train shall be worked in accordance with sub rule (1) of rule 50.
(3) If the train is found to have parted, the Train Operator shall first satisfy himself that no passenger has been injured or has fallen from the train, and then –
(i) the passengers shall be cleared of the open ends of the train and train re-coupled with the help of assisting staff as per special instructions, if possible, in consultation with Traffic Controller and Rolling Stock Supervisor.
(ii) if the Train Operator has successfully re-coupled the train, he shall return to the leading cab, report the circumstances to the Traffic Controller and seek permission to proceed to the next station following the instructions given by the Traffic Controller.
(4) The train shall be withdrawn from passenger service at the next station and worked to depot for investigation of the incident.
(5) If train cannot be re-coupled, the Train Operator shall inform the Traffic Controller and the Traffic Controller shall then inform the Station Controller at the previous station to detrain passengers from the following train if possible, and use it to go to the site and take at least two staff with him.
(6) The Train Operator of the following train shall drive his train in Coded Manual Mode as far as the signaling permits, thereafter the Traffic Controller shall instruct the Train Operator to drive the train under Restricted Manual Mode and proceed at reduced speed as near to the divided train as possible and stop, and the Station Controller and the staff shall then leave the train from the front, or from the side, as applicable, and board the parted train.
(7) The staff shall be positioned at the rear of the front portion of the train and the Train Operator of the divided train shall return to the leading cab, make the necessary isolation and seek permission from the Traffic Controller to proceed.
(8) The Traffic Controller shall instruct the Train Operator to proceed at a speed not exceeding ten kilometer per hour as far as the next station and to stop at the far end of the platform.
(9) The other staff shall be positioned at the front end of the rear divided train portion and the assisting Station Controller shall, then, drive the rear portion of the train from the shunting position of the assisting train with utmost caution, and with the staff keeping a look out at the front, maintaining continuous communication with the traffic controller and the train shall be driven to the next station at a speed not exceeding ten kilometer per hour in any case.
(10) On arrival of the train at the station, passengers shall be detrained.
(11) The two portions of the train shall then be worked under the supervision of rolling stock Engineer in Restricted Manual Mode, if possible to the nearest depot or siding at a slow speed.
(12) The assisting train shall proceed once the cab signaling displays a proceed code and shall entrain passengers at the next station and resume normal working.
(13) In case of depot being in the direction opposite to the direction of working of the divided train, the rear portion of the divided train shall first be worked toward the nearest station in the direction of depot after positioning a security staff at the divided train portion in the rear, after the Train Operator has changed his cab in the leading direction of movement, in consultation with the Traffic Controller.
(14) The other parted portion of the train shall then be worked cautiously in the shunting mode after appropriate isolation, at a very slow speed after positioning the other security staff at the divided end keeping a close look out at the front and maintaining continuous communication with the Traffic Controller.
(15) After reaching the station, the assisting train can resume normal operation.
(16) The parted portions of the divided train shall be worked to depot under supervision of rolling stock supervisor in Restricted Manual mode, if possible.
(17) In case it is not possible to move any parted portion of the divided train on its own power, it shall be worked to the depot using another suitable train under instructions of the Traffic Controller.
52. Unusual occurrences –– (1) All Metro Railway employees shall be conversant with the location and use of fire alarms and fire fighting equipment at their place of work.
(2) All Metro Railway employees observing the smoke or fire shall raise the alarm by means of the equipment provided or by informing the Station Controller and Traffic Controller as may be most appropriate and expeditious.
(3) If smoke or fire is reported on a train between stations, the Train Operator shall inform the Traffic Controller, drive his train to the next station and detrain passengers. Traction power shall then be switched off, and in overhead traction territory the pantographs of the affected train lowered, or in the third rail traction territory the current collection devices of the affected train retracted, before traction power is restored to other trains.
(4) If the fire on a train or on the track causes a train to stop between the stations, passengers shall be evacuated as per the provisions specified in sub-rules (3) to (8) of rule 50, as applicable.
(5) If the incident occurs in a tunnel, the Traffic Controller shall arrange with the Auxiliary Systems Controller for the ventilation system to supply fresh air to the chosen route for evacuation before authorising detrainment of passengers.
(6) If the fire alarm on a station is actuated or a verbal report is received of smoke or fire on the station, the Station Controller shall inform the Traffic Controller and then verify for himself by closed circuit television or actual inspection whether or not the alarm is genuine.
(7) If smoke or fire is present, the Station Controller shall inform the Traffic Controller and arrange for passengers to be evacuated from the area concerned preventing further access and if necessary, the station may be completely evacuated and the traffic controller may be requested to arrange for trains not to stop.
(8) The Traffic Controller shall inform the Chief Controller who shall arrange for the attendance and assistance of the fire fighting services and if necessary the ambulance services.
(9) If a Train Operator or Station Controller observes a fire in adjacent premises that could affect the property of the Metro Railway he shall report the circumstances to the Traffic Controller and the Traffic Controller shall inform the Chief Controller and the Security Controller and maintain normal services unless or until a local inspection confirms
that a potential danger exists.
53. Flooding –– (1) Any Train Operator or Station Controller or the other member of the staff, who observes water accumulating on the track, shall report to the Traffic Controller giving as much detail as possible with respect to location, distance of track affected, and approximate level of water with respect to the rail.
(2) The Traffic Controller shall inform all trains required to pass through the area and requests reports of the state of the water level and if the water level is below the level of rail fastenings, the Traffic controller shall instruct the Train Operator to reduce the speed of their trains to twenty five kilometer per hour when passing through the affected area.
(3) If the water level rises above rail fastenings, passenger train service shall only be permitted under special instructions.
54. Other unsafe conditions –– (1) All Metro Railway employees, and, in particular, Train Operators and Station Controllers shall keep a look out for unsafe conditions on or in the vicinity of the railway track which are as follows:-
(a) damaged or dislodged fixed equipment within the railway right of way;
(b) broken or buckled rails;
(c) displaced or damaged overhead traction power conductors or third rail power conductors, as the case may be;
(d) construction activities adjacent to the track including use of cranes which can swing within 6 metres of the track;
(e) road accidents which might cause or have caused damage to bridges and viaducts;
(f) road accidents which might cause or have caused vehicles or their loads to encroach on the metro railway right of way; and
(g) any other obstruction on the track.
(2) If the Train Operator observes any unsafe condition, he shall report to the Traffic Controller immediately so that action can be taken to minimise the effect and remove the cause.
(3) In the event of an earthquake, the Traffic Controller shall instruct all trains to stop immediately and after such earthquake has subsided, the Traffic Controller may instruct each stranded Train Operator to proceed in Restricted Manual mode at walking speed after examining that the track is safe for train movement and free from obstruction up to the next station: Provided, that in such event, the normal operation of trains may be resumed if all the track and structures are examined, as per Special Instructions.
55. Accidents –– (1) In case of accidents, arrangements for medical aid, evacuation of sick, injured passengers, access for ambulance, staff and vehicles shall be made and included as per the provisions specified in special instructions.
(2) In the event of serious accident, the Chief Controller may, in consultation with senior management, declare the situation an emergency, as per the provision specified in special instructions.
(3) A senior member of the management shall be appointed as an emergency officer and shall set up an emergency control either at Operations Control Centre or at the site depending on the nature of the occurrence.
(4) The emergency officer shall be in over all charge of all the Metro Railway resources of staff and materials for the handling of the emergency and the coordination between the Metro Railway and external emergency agencies, such as fire, ambulance and police and utility services.