PCES CIRCULAR NO.

3/2003
Sub: Specifications of grease for lubrication of rail joints/fish plate, rails and elastic rail clips.
1) Lubrication of rail joints / fish plates:
Detailed instructions for lubrication of rail joints / fishplates are contained in Para 214 of
IRPWM 1986. All rail joints should normally be lubricated once a year on a programmed basis on
main line. In yards this period may be extended to two years with the approval of P.C.E. The
lubrication shall be carried out during cold weather months after the monsoon. The purpose of
lubrication of rail joints is not only to facilitate expansion of the rail but also retard wears on the
fishing planes of rails and the fishplate.
For the lubrication of rail joints / fish plate grease graphite Gr.III to IS 508 1987 shall be
used. This item is a stock item with COS / PER with PL No. 80030233.
2) Lubrication of rails:
As per Para 427 of IRPWM 1986, the gauge face of outer rails on curves are required ton
be lubricated to contain the rail wear. Rails are required to be lubricated on curves sharper than 600
m on broad gauge and 300 m on metre gauge.
Also tongue and stock rails of SEJs are required to be greased once in a fortnight as per
Para 6.26 (1) of LWR manual. In addition, lubrication may also be required at other locations viz.
turn-out / turn-in portion of points and crossings, cross overs etc.
For lubrication of the rails at these locations, grease graphite Gr.I to IS 508 1987 shall be
used. This item also is a stock item of COS / PER with PL No.80030208.
3) Lubrication of elastic rail clips:
The elastic rail clips in PSC sleepers are required to be greased so as to prevent corrosion
and seizure of the ERC with MCI insert. The detailed instructions for initial treatment of ERC by
thorough application of grease O graphite to IS 408-1981 are given in Para 1411(5) (a), vide
correction slip no.72, a new Para 1411(5) (b) has been added, which provided for in-service
lubrication of ERC as well. The frequency of greasing of ERC has already been laid down vide
CEs circular No.4 of 2002.
As per latest specification issued by RDSO vide their letter No.M&C / LUB / VI / 4A dt
28.01.02. Only Grease O graphite (aluminium soap) to IS 408 1981 shall be used for lubrication
of ERC. This item is also made stock item vide PL.No.80980776.
The divisions are advised to work out their annual requirement for different type of greases
keeping in view the frequency of lubrication and place necessary indents/requisition with COS/PER
for procurement. While placing indents, correct nomenclature as given below may be used:

Sl.No
1

Location
Rails

Rail joints
fish plates
ERC

Description
Grease graphite Grade I to IS: 508-1987
(For lubrication of rails)
/ Grease graphite Grade III to IS: 508-1987
(For lubrication of rail joints)
Grease graphite Grade O (aluminium soap) to IS:
408-1981 for lubrication of ERC.

P.L.No
80030208.
80030233.
80980776.

The content of this letter may be brought to the notice of all field staff up to the level of
keyman for their guidance.
Sd(P.Rajamoni)
Chief track Engineer.
For Principal Chief Engineer.

SOUTHERN RAILWAY
Headquarters Office,
Works Branch,
Chennai-3.
No.W/506/14/Circular.

Dated : 11.09.2003