Action Taken Status on the Minutes of the 31st Meeting of the

Governing Council held on 17/7/2015 at R.D.S.O. Lucknow

SN Description Action By Action taken

1. Welcome Address by DG RDSO All
Welcoming CRB & all the Members of Sr.EDs/EDs
the Governing Council, DG/RDSO gave
an overview of the action taken on the
decisions taken in the last GCM. In
addition, he listed the following
achievements of RDSO:
1.1. Important projects completed during All
the past one year include development Sr.EDs/EDs
of 25t Axle Load wagon, new wagon for
salt loading, TCAS for non-auto
sections, ballast less track with
indigenous fastening system, double
decker coaches, rail free fastening
system for girder bridge, automatic
smoke./fire detection system with
alarm in AC LHB coaches, Fog Pass,
Satellite based accident site interaction
system, Distributed power control
system for long haul operations,
development of electrical and diesel
loco with hotel load features, high rise
OHE, Bio-toilet etc.
1.2. Immoral International Exhibition-cum- All
Conference was held in RDSO for the Sr.EDs/EDs
first time, on emerging areas i.e. high
speed, safety and heavy haul
operations.
1.3. First Research conference held in All
February 2015 at the behest of Hon'ble Sr.EDs/EDs
MR, which was attended by all
Directors of major IITs, Scientists from
ISRO,BARC,SAC,CSIR, Min. of Science
and Technology and representatives
from Industry. Arising out of detailed
discussions held thereon, 16 new
project/proposals identified for further
development.
1.4. Action initiated on the announcements All
made by Hon'ble MR in Budget Speech Sr.EDs/EDs
of 2015-16, viz. development of
warning system for unmanned level
crossing, RDSO to be made Centre of
Excellence for research, new fire
detection system techniques, aesthetic
interior design of the coaches etc.,
setting up of Malaviya Chair with BHU
and signing of MoU with NID,
Ahmedabad
1.5. Specification / description for train ED/Carriage
sets have been formulated & forwarded ED/PS&EMU

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to Board. Besides, a large number of
technical inputs given to MRVC for
successful execution of Phase-II
projects.
1.6. Substantial inputs given for successful All
completion of DFCCIL project viz. Sr.EDs/EDs
checking of drawings for 1 in 12
Canted turnouts, development of 25t
sleeper for fastening, design and
development of higher axle load
wagons. Also, required technical inputs
in formulating tenders for western
corridor provided for various high tech
items including GSMR radio,
auto/intermediate block signal etc.
1.7. Requisite approvals given to 6 Metros All
viz Gurgaon, Bangalore, Mumbai, Sr.EDs/EDs
Jaipur, Chennai and Hyderabad. The
approval process for Bangalore and
Jaipur Phase-II, Hyderabad, Lucknow,
Kochi and Navi Mumbai is in process.
1.8. As desired by Hon'ble MR, a report on All
the Global Benchmarking along with Sr.EDs/EDs
present status of Indian Railways 'and
road map to achieve global standards
prepared by RDSO.
1.9. Details of technical inputs required for ED/UTHS
introduction of Semi High Speed trains EDR
on selected 9 routes submitted to
Board and also discussed with Hon'ble
MR in January 2015. A presentation
will be made to Saraswat Committee on
Benchmarking.
1.10. Detailed discussions held with Shri All
Som Mittal, Chairman of IT Vision Sr.EDs/EDs
Committee on various IT related
projects being undertaken by RDSO.
1.11. Discussions also held with ISRO ED/Telecom
Chairman to switch over GPS based
system on newly launched "gagan"
system of ISRO, to make the system
more accurate and also facilitate
revival of the flagship project of RDSO
"Satellite Imaging for Rail Navigation
(SIMRAN)"to provide real time train
information system.
1.12. To simplify the approval process and ED/QA/Mec
also to improve transparency, the h.
complete vendor approval process has
been made "on-line". In addition,
dispatch of Inspection Certificates (ICs)
after inspection has also been made
on-line to avoid any discrepancy and to
simplify the process of payment.

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1.13. Number of environment friendly Sr.ED/CNG
initiatives taken viz. development of ED/ED
natural gas operated DMU for sub-
urban services in NCR area,
installation of 45KW Grid connector
solar energy power plant and
introduction of Bio diesel over Indian
Railways. In addition, various
proposals for fuel additives and
catalyst devices resulting in reduction
in fuel consumption and reduced
exhaust emissions are under evolution
and engine performance test.
1.14. Critical inputs have been obtained All
from the different Professional chairs Sr.EDs/EDs
at IIT/Roorkee, lIT/Kanpur, etc for
development of several items and also
for the failure analysis of various
issues referred to by railways.
1.15. During the last 1 year, Aptitude test of All
more than 1,80,000 candidates was Sr.EDs/EDs
organized and coordinated by RDSO
for 18 RRBs, which was the highest
ever in a year.
2. Presentation by RDSO & discussions
thereon
A presentation was made by DG/RDSO
which gave an overview of RDSO and
also covered various aspects related to
RDSO including the important
activities & projects undertaken/
completed, etc. During the course of
the presentation, the following
deliberations took place and decisions
taken:
2.1. On the issue of projects to be taken up All
by the Malaviya Chair, CRB instructed Sr.EDs/EDs
to identify and limit the number of
projects to four to facilitate setting
tangible targets and monitor the
progress. This should be done after
analysing the expertise and
infrastructure available at lIT/BHU.
2.2. On the issue of TCAS:
i) CRB emphasized that since TCAS has ED/Signal
lot of potential, the pilot project for 250
kms should be completed early for
which the equipment should be
installed early in 40 locos, both diesel
and electric, in all the three sections
identified for trial. Month wise, section
wise and even block section wise
targets should be set and followed up
meticulously.

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ii) ML& MT mentioned that cab signalling
itself is a great advantage of TCAS.
This will be one of best facility which
can be given to the loco pilots.
iii) MT advised that Safety Dte of Board
should be closely involved in this
project, so that their concerns/views
are timely taken care of.
iv) On a query from MS regarding doing
away with line-side signals, DG
clarified that in the absence of GSM-R,
it cannot be done.
2.3. Regarding Pre-warning system for Road
users at UMLC:
i) DG/RDSO informed that the main ED/Telecom
features of the system are: the system ED/Signal
is vandal/tamper proof, self-sustaining
from the view-point of power-supply
and requires little maintenance.
ii) MT suggested that behaviour of the
road user at the trial level crossing
should be noted and taken care of in
the system as this system is not stand-
alone, but involves interaction of the
system and road user.
iii) ML suggested that recording of the
reaction of road users should be
carried out with the help of video
cameras.
iv) MS mentioned that in all the
Parliamentary Committees, the
railways are asked to explain the steps
being taken to control accidents at
unmanned level crossings; they hold
railway responsible for such accidents.
So, some warning to the road users will
be very much in order and the need of
hour. Therefore, RDSO must go ahead
with this project .
v) CRB directed RDSO to go ahead with
this project, as it will be very useful to
Indian Railways.
2.4. On the development of smoke and fire
detection system for AC passenger
coaches:
i) MM mentioned that there have been ED/Carriage
very few cases of fire. Having this
system and not having a fire does not
mean the system is successful. There
has to be rigid regime for checking the
effectiveness of the system, not only at
the time of purchase, but later on in
service also. The acceptance criteria
should, therefore, include this aspect.

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MM also instructed that RDSO should
clearly lay down maintenance practice
which has to be followed in the field for
these systems.
ii) On its implementation status, EDSC ED/Carriage
informed that final specifications of the
system have been released; currently
the system is running in three rakes
and procurement action is being taken
by RCF/Kapurthala for installation in
sixteen rakes.
iii) Since this system is for AC coaches ED/Carriage
only, CRE desired that in non-AC
coaches also smoke and fire detection
system should be developed. EOSE
informed that RDSO has developed
trial specification for non-AC coaches
and procurement of one rake
equipment as per this specification is
in progress at ICF/ Chennai for
assessing adequacy of the system.
Further, in this regard DG/RDSO
informed that this project is proposed
to be taken up under TMIR.
iv) MM mentioned that since specification ED/Carriage
has now been upgraded by RDSO to
include the heat release test as per
EN45545, there are some
representations from industry that not
many labs are available in the country
which will be able to do these types of
tests. Hence, RDSO should examine
whether this test should be kept as a
Type tests or as an Acceptance test.
While taking this decision the. number
of units available in the country for
carrying out this test and cost of the
test should be taken into account. This
will prevent problems of compliance at
a later date.
2.5. On the Vehicle Borne Ultrasonic Flaw ED/Track
Detection system, ME mentioned that Machine
the progress in this project has been ED/Track
slow. Now, it has reached tendering
stage. He also mentioned that this
project highlights the need to adopt an
integrated approach at the time of
framing of specifications, which should
not only take care of purchase
requirement, but also the maintenance
requirements.
2.6. Regarding development of improved AT ED/Track
welding technique, ME directed that
implementation of single-shot crucible

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technique should be expedited and
also RFID based welder's competency
certificates may be prescribed by
RDSO.
2.7. On the issue of new track machines, ED/Track
MT suggested that RDSO may examine Machine
the feasibility of developing such
machines which can do multifarious
jobs.
2.8. On Fog Pass, the following discussions
took place:
i) MT mentioned that it's a very good ED/Telecom
system and should be proliferated. ED/Signal
However, its reliability in foggy
condition needs to be assessed. In this
connection, DG mentioned that since
it's a GPS based system, its reliability
even in foggy weather remains good.
ii) On query by MM as to what is the
indication to the Loco Pilot, when the
system fails, it was submitted that a
failure message is displayed on the
system. MM suggested that periodic
alerts should be issued in such case so
as to remind the loco pilot that the
system is not working.
2.9. Regarding communication between
Station Master and Gateman:
i) It was informed that this system has ED/Telecom
been installed in 100 LC gates. CRB ED/Signal
directed that the working of the system
at these LC gates should be monitored
and feedback obtained from Railways
based on which decision for provision
of this system on all manned LC gates
may be taken.
ii) Stating that in certain isolated sections ED/Telecom
the number of LC gates may be as high ED/Signal
as 20 and since this system caters for
12 legates i.e. 6 legates for both side
block sections from the station, MT
suggested that in order to meet the
specific need of more than 12 gates,
modified equipment may be developed.
2.10. MT desired that complaints relating to ED/PS&EMU
the unsatisfactory functioning of AC in ED/Carriage
double decker coaches should be
looked into.
2.11. Replying to the query from CRB about ED/Wagon
the reaction of users on the Salt
Wagons, DG/RDSO informed that this
wagon was developed on directives
from Hon'ble PM and after conducting
a meeting with salt manufacturers.

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However, the response of the users,
after its development has been
lukewarm. MM mentioned that it is
due to problem of empty running being
booked to them in case of purely salt
wagons. MM also mentioned that
some fertilizer manufacturers have
shown interest in use of these wagons
in view of the facility of use of this
wagon, as both covered and open. MT
mentioned that he will get this wagon
examined for transportation of
alternative commodity.
2.12. On the development of Distributed
Power Control:
i) MT informed that there is issue of ED/Motive
interoperability, in view of more than Power
one make of OPCS in locos. To this, OG
explained that interoperability between
two different OPCS is possible with
common RF protocol, common
encryption/ decryption,
modulation/demodulation techniques
and RDSO is working in this direction.
ii) MM mentioned that from next year ED/Motive
onwards all newly manufactured Diesel Power
locos will come out fitted with OPCS.
As a result of proliferation of such
locos, problem of inter operability will
be minimised.
2.13. Replying to a query from CRB on the ED/PS&EMU
fitment of Hotel Load Converter in only
four locos, EOSE informed that next
year onwards all new WAP7 locos will
be fitted with this system. Pointing to
the fact that it will replace only one
power car, MT advised RDSO to
develop such a convertor which can
take care of train of 21 to 24 coaches,
duly ensuring redundancy.
2.14. On the design and development of high ED/TI
rise OHE, ML advised RDSO to
examine whether the existing tower
wagons are suitable for the
maintenance of this OHE.
2.15. Regarding Development of Permanent
Magnet Alternator and implementation
in field:
i) It was informed that speed certificate ED/UTHS
for oscillation trial of coaches fitted ED/PS&EMU
with permanent magnet alternator will
be issued shortly.
ii) Pointing out that RDSO has very ED/Research
limited sections for trial and this leads

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to delays, CRB stressed on the need to
take care of this constraint. Informing
that 50 trials are pending for want of
CRS sanction at present, DG requested
that RDSO be empowered to issue
speed certificate for oscillation trial,
after obtaining Joint Safety Certificate
from PHODs of concerned Zonal
Railway. Mentioning that a proposal
has already been submitted by RDSO
to Board, DG/RDSO stated that if it is
agreed to, trials can start within a
week. CRB desired that this may be
looked into by Board.
iii) CRB emphasized for expeditious ED/PS&EMU
induction of permanent magnet
alternator coaches in the system.
2.16. On the indigenous Air Conditioned
EMUs, the following was discussed:
i) MT mentioned that maintenance issues ED/PS&EMU
of these rakes should be taken care of.
He also mentioned that since fully air
conditioned EMU results in reduction
in carrying capacity of passengers, its
proliferation needs to be done after due
consultation.
ii) CRB suggested that the possibility of ED/Carriage
having only one or two air conditioned ED/PS&EMU
coaches in EMUs, as in conventional
trains, may be looked into.
2.17. Regarding Ballastless track:
i) DG informed that he has suggested ED/Track-II Noted
Secretary/MoUD to use this track in
Metro system as cost of this track is
one fourth of the track being currently
provided in Metro. This can be
stipulated at the time of submission of
DPRs by state governments.
ii) Regarding the trial of this track, ED/Track-II RDSO has completed the inspection of
ED/Track-II informed that WCR is BLT-IFS components viz PCRSB and
about to commence trial of ballast less SGCI bearing plate in Mar 2015 and Aug
2015 respectively.
track. Also, RDSO is in the process of
RDSO has received the inspection call for
procuring world class technology for 10mm Composite base pad on 29.3.16.
Ballastless track. The M&C dte. has been informed to carry
out inspection vide this office letter dated
30.3.16. The issue of inspection has been
taken up with M&C dte.
After pad inspection ,construction work of
BLT-IFS will commence shortly in WCR.
2.18. Regarding bio-toilets, the following
discussions took place:
i] Replying to a query from CRB, EDSC ED/Carriage
mentioned that major problem is
external objects being thrown in the

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toilet by passengers, leading to
choking. He further mentioned that to
address this problem, RDSO has
provided ball valve mechanism which
can be operated by OBHS staff.
However, this is resulting in problem of
foul smell. He suggested that ultimate
solution lies in increasing awareness of
general public and passengers.
ii) On display of instructions for use of ED/Carriage
these toilets, it was informed that
pictorial instruction for use and DOs
and DONTs are displayed in the toilets.
CRB directed that these should be
made more elaborate.
iii) CRB desired that maintenance issues
of these toilets should also be taken
care of.
3. Address by AM/Planning/Rly. Bd.
3.1. Stating that there is merit in the ED/VDG
proposal to retain manpower in RDSO ED/Carriage
on long term basis, particularly in very
critical areas of vehicle dynamics, FEM
and vibration analysis, etc, he
suggested that this may be considered
positively.
3.2. Informing that a sanctioned project in ED/Carriage
RWF/Bangalore to develop a wheel
design, development and test centre,
sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 57 crore,
could not be executed due to some
reasons, AM/Plg mentioned that it is a
very essential facility at a time when IR
is facing problem in wheels,
particularly in LHB coaches. He
suggested that either this project
should be executed at RW For it can
come up as additional Lab of RDSO,
preferably located at RWF.
4. Address by Member Traffic
4.1. Increasing speed of the goods wagon is ED/UTHS
the most important goal. Expressing ED/MP
concern over wagons running at less ED/Wagon
than design speeds, MT mentioned ED/Carriage
that bottlenecks should be eased to
facilitate higher speeds as it is
necessary to increase the line capacity,
otherwise it will not be possible to run
200 kmph trains. He advised that
RDSO and Railway Board should work
towards raising of speeds of wagons to
100 kmph.
4.2. Proliferation of various types of locos ED/Carriage
and coaches is unaffordable. ED/Wagon

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ED/MP
4.3. There is pressing requirement to have ED/Carriage
SG LHB coaches. For trains other than ED/PS&EMU
the Rajdhani group of trains, Railways ED/EM
cannot afford to knock out two
passenger coaches, for power cars.
4.4. Dual mode locomotives should be ED/MP
developed swiftly and need to be taken
up as a project since these would be
very useful to the Railways.
5. Address by Member Mechanical
5.1. Indian Railways has to move towards ED/MP
predictive maintenance of rolling stock.
Some locos are already having
REMMLOT system. Now, in next stage,
some intelligence has to be built into
loco itself so that data traffic going to
server is reduced. REMMLOT is going
to proliferate and it should
progressively become a decision
support system, rather than simply
remain as a data relaying system.
5.2. Similarly, parameters to be monitored ED/Carriage
for condition based maintenance of
coaching stock have to be devised
quickly so that predictive maintenance
of coaching stock can also be resorted
to, progressively.
5.3. Dual mode locomotives are the need of ED/MP
hour. Quick action in this regard needs
to be taken.
5.4. An Emission Test Car has already been ED/ED
made ready by RDSO. Now, National Sr.ED/CNG
Green Tribunal has also given certain
instructions regarding emissions from
Diesel locos, which should be
honoured and RDSO must develop
norms for Diesel locos and other Diesel
engines being used on IR. Ultimately,
emission standards for Diesel locos
and other engines have to be set, as no
such standards have been issued by
Central Pollution Control Board.
5.5. All future DEMUs will be of 1600 HP. Sr.ED/CNG
CNG and LNG version of these DEMUs
should be developed. Dialogue may be
initiated with engine manufacturers for
this purpose.
5.6. One project is already sanctioned for ED/ED
developing a prototype for Gas Turbine ED/MP
Loco. It is a nascent technology and
not many such locomotives are in
service in the world. Instead of going
straight away for a 12000 HP loco, a

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loco of suitable horsepower can be
developed, which can be done within
the sanctioned cost and further build
upon the learning from the project.
5.7. Hon'ble PM has given directives for ED/PS&EMU
reducing noise in Diesel loco cabs. But, ED/Carriage
not only locos cabs, noise in Power
Cars also needs to be reduced, as they
are big source of noise pollution.
Problem of noise pollution has also
been highlighted during the CAG audit
on pollution in Indian Railways. While
for AC coaches there are some
international norms for noise level, for
non-AC coaches such norms are not
available. RDSO must develop some
norms for the extent of noise level that
human body can sustain when
exposed over a long period, as the
journeys are quite long. The design of
rolling stock, if required, may be
modified to conform to such norms.
5.8. RDSO should quickly set up a Fire Test ED/Carriage
Lab that has already been sanctioned.
5.9. A meeting is being called in Board to ED/Carriage
address all aspects of toilet design,
including bio-toilet.
5.10. Wheel shelling in LHB coaches is a ED/Carriage
major problem confronting Railways. A
study should be done in consultation
with agencies that have probably faced
this problem and already overcome.
MM expressed that institutes like IITs
may not be an ideal research partner
for such analysis as they are into
pure/ applied sciences with. limited
exposure to railway engineering.
Agencies like TICI may also be explored
to solve the problem of wheel shelling.
5.11. Speed of Wagons which are already ED/Wagon
running below their speed potential, ED/UTHS
needs to be enhanced. For this, if EDMP
required, re-trials should be done.
5.12. Hot axles are a cause for concern. ED/Track-1
Reducing hot axles has been taken as ED/Track-II
a mission. An audit of our
maintenance practices needs to be
undertaken quickly.
5.13. In BOXNHL and BCNHL wagons ED/Wagon
problem of failure of bottom gusset
plate is being faced. In this regard
some study has already been done by
RDSO and solution found. This should
be conveyed to the Zonal Railways and

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to the manufacturers for
implementation, so as to prevent
recurrences.
5.14. Decision should be taken by RDSO ED/Wagon
regarding the periodicity of 2nd ROH
and 2nd POH of BCNHL and BOXNHL
stock.
6. Address by Member Staff
6.1. Railways is going in for online CPO
application for all the recruitments. ED/Psycho
This has been started with Group 'C' Tech.
recruitment of SSEs & JEs and this
year it shall be extended to all RRCs
and RRBs also for all categories. This
shall be followed up with online
examination process also. RDSO may
look at feasibility of on-line
psychological testing also.
6.2. Around 350-400 trackmen/ESMs get ED/Telecom
run-over every year and this is a ED/Signal
serious problem. IR need to develop
some warning system so that
Trackmen get pre-warning of
approaching train with indication of UP
and DN direction also. Atrial in this
regard was done in South Central
Railway, using a VHF based system, in
KZJ-SC section in which as soon as
advance start turns green,
Trackman/ESM on-line gets automatic
audio-visual sensory message from the
concerned station about the
approaching train without any
involvement of ASM. This system was
found quite satisfactory and promising.
RDSO can examine this system and
standardize the same to save precious
human resources that are lost every
year. (Ref joint report by Sr.DEN/
Cord/SCR and Sr.DSTE/SCR vide
letter no. CW/S06/DB/Track/Genl/SC
dated 11.10.13 to CTE/Scarily).
7. Address by Member Electrical
7.1. Trial of Voice Over Internet Protocol ED/Telecom
based train control communication
system should be concluded in the
current financial year.
7.2. There is a need to develop design ED/VDG
capabilities for dealing with Software
Embedded System designs.
7.3. The open line railways have to All
approach RDSO for clearance of each Sr.EDs/EDs
and every EI installation, which causes
inherent delay. RDSO should explore

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how this requirement can be done
away with, for speedy execution of
projects.
7.4. There is a need to execute works at a All
faster pace. To that end, some Sr.EDs/EDs
standard layouts for single line and
double line sections may be prepared
for which RCC, interlocking, face plate
diagram etc. may be standardised. This
will reduce design/ checking efforts
subsequently.
7.5. Failure rate of axle counters is very ED/Signal
high and this needs to be controlled.
7.6. At present, a lot of rolling stock is ED/Carriage
being procured from International ED/Wagon
market and one of the concerns of
manufacturers of such rolling stock is
the testing procedures, which are at
variance with International testing
procedures. RDSO should move
towards acceptance of testing
procedure of rolling stock as per VIC-
518.
7.7. Running of LHB rakes with only 20 or ED/Carriage
21 coaches is a cause of concern.
Railways should work towards running
24 coach LHB rake, duly taking care of
requirement of power cars and inter
vehicular couplers for such rakes.
7.8. Putting into operation SG LHB coaches ED/Carriage
has to be taken up on priority, to ED/PS&EMU
obviate the need of power cars, which
not only reduce the seating capacity
but also cause noise pollution.
7.9. There is strong need to provide Solar ED/Admn-1
panels on roof tops and platform
shelters, which has also been
emphasized by Hon'ble PM. RDSO
should incorporate the provision of
solar panels in the standard design of
platform shelter.
7.10. The new bridge designs should ED/Bridges
incorporate provision of OHE mast, so ED/TI
that later on at the time of
electrification, modification of bridge
piers is avoided.
7.11. One coach has already been provided ED/PS&EMU
with solar power. Its efficacy and ED/Elect.Loc
techno economic feasibility has to be o
studied. It is learnt that the fuse of
alternator in this coach has been
removed. In Science Express also,
installing solar panels for supplying
power during day time is being

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planned. Safety aspects should be
taken into account in the design of
solar power system.
7.12. VCD has been provided in all locos but ED/Elect.Loc
their reliability is a cause of concern o
which needs to be addressed by RDSO.
ML instructed to progressively move
towards a regime, in which, if VCD is
not working, the loco should be failed.
7.13. RDSO should develop such Traction ED/TI
sub-station designs which requires
bare minimum land, as land
acquisition is big issue in urban areas
where enough land may just not be
available. While this may entail
increase in the cost of substation, it
has to be seen in conjunction with land
constraints.
7.14. Wind zones have been redefined by BIS ED/TI/OHE
due to which IR may have to redesign
its OHE, at least for new sections, as
extra zones have been provided and
some existing zones have been
upwardly revised.
8. Address by Member Engineering
8.1. The acceptance parameters/criteria All Noted
must be defined before any research is Sr.EDs/EDs
undertaken or trial is conducted. If it is
done before beginning of the project, it
will eliminate problems at a later stage
regarding success of the trial. In
addition, the trial section must be
chosen in consultation with the Zonal
Railways in such a manner that these
are truly representative of the system.
ME pointed out that Civil Engineering
Directorates have already been
instructed to ensure this and if it is
ensured by other Directorates also, it
will give good dividends to IR.
8.2. There should be integrated approach, All Noted
as far as RDSO is concerned. Many a Sr.EDs/EDs
time for the state of urgency, a
directorate may issue some drawings
by not consulting other. stake holders.
As such, a protocol needs to be defined
to consult all the stake holder
Directorates for ensuring much better
use of the final product.
8.3. All departments are using equipment All Noted
and these are increasingly becoming Sr.EDs/EDs
electronic based like: weigh bridges,
theodolite, electric meter, etc. Proper
system should be in place for ensuring

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periodic calibration of such
equipments. RDSO, therefore, should
prescribe a calibration regime for such
equipment.
8.4. ME expressed the need to initiate work ED/Track-1
on the subject of elevated track as land ED/Track-2
acquisition is getting increasingly ED/GE
difficult in view of rising cost of land
and earthwork. Due to increased
urbanisation, people demand a level
crossing or road under bridge every
half a kilometre now, as a result of
which overall costs are now becoming
comparable to those of elevated
alignments. Similarly, availability of
ballast is reducing every day and IR is
consuming almost 3 crore cubic meter
of ballast every year of which 1 to 2
crore cu.m is the recurring
requirement of open line. As such
technologies requiring little or no
ballast are the need of the hour. While
RDSO is already working on some of
these, more vigorous and time bound
efforts are needed
8.5. In the work which is being undertaken, All Noted
time lines should be defined. A strict Sr.EDs/EDs
adherence to pre-established timelines
is necessary so that the targeted
benefits are achieved.
8.6. RDSO should review the ongoing All Noted
projects that may have lost relevance Sr.EDs/EDs
and, thereafter, approval of Board may
be taken for dropping the projects so
identified
9. Address by Chairman Railway Board
9.1. CRB expressed hope that the ED/Research
Governing Council would be able to
meet every six months, which is the
specified schedule.
9.2. IR is passing through a very critical All
phase; its market share in freight is Sr.EDs/EDs
only 30% & passenger segment
between 10%to 18%.There is a need to
increase the market share for Railway's
survival in the system. RDSO has a
pivotal role in improving the
effectiveness and increasing the
capacity of the system.
9.3. Mentioning that increasing All
infrastructure and monetary inputs to Sr.EDs/EDs
increase the market share is an easier ED/Carriage
way, CRB stated that reducing the
costs and making qualitative

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 SN Description Action By Action taken
improvements is an alternate way. He
cited the example of the double decker
trains, where passenger carrying
capacity has been increased in the
same system, instead of increasing
number of trains or number of coaches
as a remarkable attempt to improve
throughput. Similarly, while the line
capacity can be increased by
increasing the no. of tracks, better
signalling is the more cost effective
way. He said that RDSO has a big role
to play in this direction.
9.4. Pointing out that Safety and All
Equipment reliability are issues that Sr.EDs/EDs
have a potential to improve capacity,
CRB urged RDSO to work towards
bringing systems in line with world
standards such as Shinkansen of
Japan. RDSO should also set high
standards for equipment reliability and
ensure that these are followed
scrupulously in the field.
9.5. CRB mentioned that High Speed Trains ED/UTHS
as well as Semi High Speed trains at
160 to 200 kmph would soon be
introduced in India and this is going to
be a very important area for IR.
Pointing out that countries like China
and South Korea have imported
technologies and, thereafter, adapted
and modified these to suit their own.
requirements, CRB stated that IR has
been good in importing, assimilating
and absorbing technology but has seen
limited success in improving the
technology due to which IR has not
been able to export their technology
outside.
9.6. Highlighting that RDSO has been good All
in setting standards and parameters Sr.EDs/EDs
but little emphasis has been given for
improvement of technology because of
which problems are still being faced in
the technologies imported long back,
CRB emphasized that capabilities
should be developed to understand
basics of technology and then improve
upon the same. Needless to mention,
RDSO should start developing
capability to understand the High
Speed technology from today itself.
9.7. RDSO has developed wagons that can ED/UTHS
run at speeds above 100 kmph in ED/Wagon

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 SN Description Action By Action taken
loaded condition and if RDSO fully ED/Carriage
succeeds in this endeavour, it will be a ED/MP
revolutionary step in the increase of
line capacity. CRB suggested that
rather than passenger trains, RDSO
should concentrate more on increasing
speed of freight stock, to reduce the
speed differential and improve line
capacity. As such, it is imperative that
RDSO concentrates on improving the
average speed of freight train to 50
kmph from 25-30 kmph at present.
9.8. Indicating that freight is the bread and All
butter for IR, CRB mentioned that any Sr.EDs/EDs
improvement on freight side, by
improving the payload to tare ratio or
by increasing the speed of the system
or by having the better couplers or by
having distributed power, will be a big
boon to the Railways.
9.9. Reiterating the need for high reliability All
of assets, CRB stated that all good Sr.EDs/EDs
work gets wiped out in case of major
equipment failures. Referring to the
Itarsi fire incident, he mentioned that
Railway's vulnerability to such
incidences must also be addressed.
Wf1ereas smoke detection, fire
detection and mitigation systems have
their importance, it is very important
to develop stand-by for such critical
installations so that the disruption in
the train operations in eventuality of
failure can be brought down. RDSO
should therefore come up with
innovative solutions which can be used
to reduce the downtimes in such
situations.
9.10. Mentioning that a number of measures ED/Telecom
are being undertaken to reduce the ED/Signal
accidents at UMLCs and Railways are
working towards an ultimate solution
of grade separation by RUB, ROB or by
closing down, CRB stated that other
measures are only temporary in nature
which cannot ensure a 100% accident
free situation. Since, there are still
about 11000 UMLCs, which would be
closed after some time, it is imperative
that RDSO continues its efforts on
other measures such as advance alarm
systems since reduction in the number
of accidents by 20% or 30% would be a
great achievement.

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9.1l. Pointing out that TCAS has got ED/Signal
significant potential for improving
safety on IR and can be a potential
game-changer but the progress is quite
slow, CRB directed RDSO to press the
pedal and take this project forward in
the right earnest. He emphasized that
TCAS will act as a solution to SPAD,
Signal visibility during fog, problems of
collisions, problems of derailments on
account of higher speed on turnouts or
on curves or at the speed restrictions,
etc. TCAS is a low cost solution as
compared to other solutions which are
available world over for train
protection. Expressing concern that
only 40 kms section has been covered
in the last three years, out of the
allotted pilot stretch of 250 kms, CRB
directed RDSO to give highest priority
amongst its current projects.
9.12 Expressing the importance being given ED/Carriage
to cleanliness, CRB pointed out that IR
is facing problems in bio-toilets
primarily due to the toilet habits of
passengers and since it is difficult to
change the habits immediately, these
problems shall keep on coming.
Informing that the population of bio-
toilets is increasing on a daily basis,
CRB directed that the Depot and OBHS
staff should, therefore, be fully-trained
to handle the choked toilets since the
passengers expect neat, clean and
odorless toilets. Emphasizing that
toilets deserve much more attention in
trains than they presently receive, he
directed that the issues of
maintenance, communication with
users and location of areas demarcated
for tank cleaning should be monitored
closely, as these are not simple issues.
9.13 Referring to the MoUs which RDSO is All
entering into with various Universities Sr.EDs/EDs
and Technological institutes, CRB &
stressed on the need for close ED/Research
monitoring and review of the results
and outcomes. Citing the example of
Malaviya Chair to which 16 projects
have been proposed, he mentioned that
it is advisable to give them few projects
and ensure that outcome is effective
rather than going in for numbers that
do not give commensurate returns. He

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 SN Description Action By Action taken
also said that while these institutions
are good in science and technology,
active involvement of RDSO Officers
with these Institutes is essential to
ensure that their domain knowledge
translates into solutions to problems
being faced by IR.
9.14 Informing that there are more than 200 All
ongoing projects in RDSO and some of Sr.EDs/EDs
them were sanctioned 8 to 10 years
ago, CRB mentioned that resources
may have been spent on some of those
projects, which would not be adding
value in the present circumstances. He
advised RDSO to conduct a review of
all such projects and those which do
not add value to IR today should be
taken up for closure, as per the
procedure.
9.15 CRB also referred to the progress made All
by RDSO in the areas identified during Sr.EDs/EDs
the meeting of Hon'ble MR with RDSO
Officers and expressed appreciation.
9.16 Appreciating the work done by RDSO, All
CRB stated that basic research is not Sr.EDs/EDs
expected from RDSO but it must
continue to do research in applied
areas specific to Railways where
similar research is not being carried
out elsewhere. The basic work is to
standardize, take the technology,
helping to assimilate in the railway
system and improve upon, to the
extent possible. This should be taken
as a mandate ..Urging RDSO to take
forward many of the good projects that
were discussed in the presentation,
CRB said that Board would help RDSO
in its ventures and suggestions for
further delegation of powers shall be
duly considered.
10. Assistance required by RDSO
10.1. CRB assured to look into the formation
of panel for anticipated vacancy for
RDSO posts
10.2. Regarding revision of Policy Circular
no. 6, ME informed that this policy
circular is under process of
modification and will be circulated to
all stakeholders for comments.
11. Meeting with staff council and Noted.
officers' associations
Memoranda were submitted by various
Staff Councils & Officers' Associations,

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SN Description Action By Action taken
separately.
12. Meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks to Noted.
the Chairman Railway Board, all
Members of Governing Council and
other participants.

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