What are blocks? Line blocks, power blocks, etc.?

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What are blocks? Line blocks, power blocks, etc.?

July 17, 2019, 1:44 PM

A block is a bar on through traffic entering a particular section of track. It may affect only certain kinds of traffic, or may close the tracks to all trains; it may affect one track of a double line or multiple line, or may affect all tracks up and down. A block is used when work of a more involved nature is undertaken and speed restrictions are not suitable because through running on the affected line is not possible.

The simplest is a line block, or traffic block, which blocks a particular track (or tracks) when repair or construction work has to be carried out on the permanent way, points, crossings, interlockings, OHE, signalling equipment, etc. Such blocks are sometimes also called possession blocks (since the permanent-way staff ‘take possession’ of the tracks).

A line block is requested by the engineering official in charge, and granted by the Divisional Railway Manager. The station master of a station adjacent to the affected block section receives a copy of the line block order from the DRM, and he decides when to implement the line block. In busier sections the Section Controller is also involved in deciding when to impose the line block. In some cases, if the traffic disruption is extensive and the block is required for longer than usual, necessitating much rerouting and rescheduling of trains, the block is termed a megablock (or ‘mega block’).

The guard of the last train that is to run through on the section before the line block comes into effect is given the notice from the station master that the line block will come into effect as soon as that train leaves the block section. A caution order is also issued to the driver of this last train, advising him to look out for a stop indicator or signal from the engineering crew. When stopped by the engineering crew, a copy of the line block certificate is handed to them. Once the last train clears the block section, the block instruments are set to line blocked status and remain so until the block is removed.

A power block is a bar on all traffic using electric traction, on account of work on the OHE equipment. In addition to the station masters and Section Controllers, the Traction Power Controller has to coordinate when the electricity supply to the catenary in the affected section is to be shut down. A power and traffic block bars all traffic, not just electric traffic, on the section when work is being done on the OHE. A programmed power block is a power block imposed on a regular schedule as part of the routine maintenance regime for the OHE.

An emergency power block is imposed when accidents or other occurrences cause damage to the OHE or defects are noticed. An emergency power block may also be requested by the driver of an electric loco when it is urgently necessary to perform repairs or inspection of the pantographs and other electrical equipment (especially on the roof of the cab) while the loco is in a block section.

Source – IFRCA.org

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