Control Organization:

The Control Organization of Indian Railways is the nerve center of train operations. It controls the asset management of the Railways, in a dynamic situation, round the clock incessantly moving trains on its entire network. It has come a long way from being an exclusively telephone-based system emerging in the form of an Information Technology enabled organization.

This basic structure of Operating Control on Indian Railways exists at the Divisional Level, which has also been extended to Area Control levels. In addition, Central Control Office is situated in the headquarters office and one at Railway Board.The area spread of a division is divided into control sections, each section having a given number of stations.

The two-way telephone system also called an omnibus circuit which permits all stations to have direct communication with Section Controller, who is responsible for train regulation in this area. The section Controller can speak to all stations at the same time or to one station selectively, using individual numbers/buttons. Movement of trains is plotted on a time distance graph to record their actual progress, these records, called control charts, can be analyzed later. To guide and assist the section controller, there are shift Deputy Controllers.

All technical disciplines involved in train movement have a representative in the Control office to provide the required support from his department. These would include,

  • Motive Power Controller
  • Traction Power Controller
  • Signaling and Tele-Communication Controller
  • Commercial Controller
  • Security Controller
  • C& W Control
Engineering Control:

The entire organization works round the clock, all days of the year without any interruption to monitor the actual movement of trains on the entire rail network.The detailed organization of the control selected and duties assigned to employees depends on the demands of the transport task appropriate to each grade of the employee or to diversity in the transport task. The Chief Controller is the head of Divisional Control Organization.

Basic Functions of Control:

Train Control:

Supervising & regulating the movement of trains from station to station on the section to avoid delay to trains and to maximize utilization of the capacity of the section by Monitoring movement of trains from station to station and recording paths and detention on charts.Arranging crossing and precedence of trains judiciously.

Arranging to work of departmental and material trains. Giving time signal to all stations on the section daily at appointed time Fulfilling interchange commitment.Arranging proper movement of assisting/banking /light engines.

  • Clearance of sick wagons from Roadside stations.
  • The arrangement of relief for 10 hrs duty staff.
  • Incident management on rail network & at station
  • Arranging Engineering and/or power blocks in such a way as to involve minimum disturbance to train running.
  • Maintaining fluidity of yards by controlling the flow of stock in and out of yard
  • Arranging Speedy relief in case of accidents.
Traffic Control:

It is the general and over-riding control for supervision of the movement of goods and coaching traffic on the section. It is exercised by :

Collecting information from the various stations on the section in respect of Registration for wagons outstanding at stations and arrangements for the supply of wagons.A number of wagons loaded and empty wagons/rakes awaiting despatch.Arranging running, regulation, putting back and cancellation of trains.(both freight & coaching)

Securing maximum loads for trains.Collecting stock position from the different stations, marshaling and terminal yards.The arrangement of Crew & Guard for freight trains.To keep liaison with adjoining Railways and Divisions for interchange commitments Monitoring and co-ordinating working of yards, goods sheds sidings, loco-shed, TXR depots etc.

  • Supervising of stock control.
  • Arranging supply of wagons against pending registration.
  • Securing optimum utilization of stock, with minimum detention.
  • To ensure optimum utilization of loco and staff.
  • To arrange ART & Crane from adjoining Railway/Division in case of accidents and other coordination.
Power Control:

It is responsible for the provision of motive power to all trains by maintaining the position of locomotivesRequisitioning engines in loco sheds for all operating requirements, i.e. Train working, Shunting and Banking.Ensuring most economical use of engines by close supervision both in Traffic Yards and sheds.

Ensuring the return of engines to “Home Sheds” at regular intervals for servicing and maintenance.Ensuring an even balance of engines and crews between running sheds for meeting demands of traffic,

  • Ensuring that light engine kilometers are kept to the minimum.
  • Providing guidance to running staff for troubleshooting.
  • Carriage and Wagon Control: It is responsible to assist the train and traffic control and to-
  • Ensure timely examination and fitness of all trains
  • To keep a watch over the detachment of sick wagons/coaches and to arrange for their early repair and fitness.
  • Keeping a watch over the availability of vital C&W components, like Air Hoses, Washers, Clamps etc.. and efficient working of equipment &machines in C&W depot to avoid detention to trains.
  • To keep a watch over the placement of wagons/coaches in sick line and their release.
  • To keep account of detention to trains on C&W account and take remedial action.
  • To provide guidance to running staff for troubleshooting.
  • For Electrical Multiple Units, this function is performed by EMU controller.
  • Monitor the movement of POH due stock to workshops
  • Commercial Control: It assists the Traffic and Train Control.
  • To expeditiously dispose of unclaimed and unconnected wagons, parcel consignments
  • To keep a watch on detention to trains on a Commercial account like Alarm Chain Pulling.
  • Carriage watering, Parcel working etc.and take remedial measures.
  • To ensure quick transshipment of sick wagons by arranging matching stock and labor.
  • To keep a watch over submission of station returns.
  • Monitoring of public complaints lodged at the stations.
  • To ensure proper maintenance of public amenities available at stations.
  • Any other job entrusted by Sr. DCM/DCM.
Traction Power Control:

It is provided to assist in Traffic and Train Control for Arranging maintenance blocks for OHE Arranging alternative power supply in case of tripping etc., through remote control. Monitoring OHE failures and taking remedial action.

  • Monitoring detention of trains on OHE accounts.
  • Guiding running/ station staff in troubleshooting.
Engineering Control:
  • It Monitors imposition & cancellation of Engineering Restrictions, Working on track machines & monitoring integrated maintainable blocks.
  • To co-ordinate works during maintenance blocks Running of Material trains.
Signal Control:
  1. It assists Traffic and Train Control and is responsible –To keep a watch over the S&T failures and take remedial action.
  2. To ensure efficient working of communication channels
Security Control:
  • It is responsible for prevention of theft of property and assists passengers in trains/stations.
Functions of Control:

The main functions of Traffic Control are:

  • Continuous supervision of the movement of all traffic in the controlled area with a view to achieving the maximum possible operating efficiency.
  • Systematic maintenance of accurate charts of train movements and the arrangements of crossing and precedence to the greatest advantage.
  • Analysis of detentions to trains
  • Planning, ordering and running of goods trains to the best possible paths.
  • Maintaining the fluidity of marshaling yards/freight terminals.
  • Taking remedial action in the event of yard/terminal congestion.
  • Elimination of avoidable detentions to goods stock at loading and unloading points and at transshipment stations.
  • Allotment and distribution of goods stock to stations,
  • Supply of information to adjoining controls, terminals and engine changing stations regarding the movements of trains to enable adequate timely arrangements for their reception and onward dispatch
  • Arranging for engineering and other departments blocks with minimum detention to traffic.
  • Running of material trains and other track machines, tower wagons etc.
  • Arranging relief for engine crews and Guards.
  • Ensuring maximum utilization of locomotives.
  • Issuing instructions for train working in case of equipment failures and whenever abnormal methods or working have to be resorted to.
  • Speedy arrangements for relief rescue and restoration in the event of the accident.
  • To assist in the realistic planning of timetables and punctual running of passenger trains in coordination with various departments, other divisions, and other railways.
  • To keep a watch over damaged stock at roadside stations, yards, and sick lines and to ensure that they are promptly attended to
  • To rectify immediately the irregularities on the part of line staff and provide the necessary guidance.
  • To provide operations management information.
  • To ensure smooth functioning of FOIS and other IT applications.