SOUTHERN RAILWAY

Headquarters Office,
Transportation Branch,
Chennai - 600 003

No. T 347/BPC Dated: 23.02.2021

All DRMs MAS, SA, PGT,

TVC, MDU and TPJ

Sub : Implementation of benchmark timings for GDR check of Freight Trains

in Southern Railway - reg
Ref : SAG Committee (CFTM, CELE and CRSE/Frt) report dated 18.02.2021
*******

In many loading/unloading locations, the GDR check timings differ from each
other which makes the planning of freight trains difficult. To have uniform and
benchmarked timings for GDR check, GM/SR has constituted a SAG committee
comprising CFTM, CELE nad CRSE/Frt.

2. Accordingly, the committee has studied the various data; activities involved in
GDR check and submitted the report on 18.02.2021 which was approved by GM/SR.
During the weekly review meeting on 22.02.2021, GM/SR advised all Divisions to
implement the recommendations of the GDR committee report with immediate
effect.

3. Therefore, it is requested to kindly advise all the Loco Pilots/Guards and the
concerned supervisors/Officers in your Division for immediate implementation. A
copy of the report is enclosed.

I JEYAKUMAR Digitally signed by I JEYAKUMAR

Date: 2021.02.23 17:23:27 +05'30'

(I.Jeyakumar)
CFTM/SR
Encl: Committee Report on GDR Check

Copy:
PCOM, PCEE and PCME – for kind information
 Extracts of the GDR Committee Report:

3.0 Recommendations:
3.1 GDR check is required to be carried out on Occasions as hereunder;
(a) GDR check should be done post loading/back loading of a Rake.
(b) After tippling, the Rake will be subjected to post-tippling examination.
In case less than 3 Rakes are being tippled per day, the check may be
carried out by GDR.
(c) If a Rake is stabled at Non-Freight Train Examination Point for more
than 24 Hours, ‘GDR check’ should be done before
clearance of stabled load.
(d) If BPC has become invalid then ‘GDR check’ should be done before
taking the Rake to the nearest Train Examination Point for examination
in the direction of Train movement.
(e) In case attachment/detachment of the Wagon or reversal of Loco at
non-Freight Train Examination Point, continuity of Brake pipe pressure
must be ensured by GDR.
3.2 GDR check is not required when Train is started from Yards where TXR is
available and has checked the Rake for issuing of BPC.
3.3 The items to be checked by GDR as indicated at Para 2.2 based on Railway
Board’s letters is furnished hereunder which may be followed.
(i) All CBCs and Air Hoses are properly coupled and locked.
(ii) All the Angle cocks are in open condition. The last Angle cock is in closed
condition.
(iii) Empty/Load Device Handle is in proper position.
(iv) There are no loose fittings/hanging parts like Springs, Push-pull Rod, Brake
beam, Safety brackets, Brake Blocks etc., which may endanger safe running of
the Train.
(v) Hand brakes are released.
(vi) All Doors/Hoppers/Covers of Wagons are closed and locked/secured.
(vii) Check Continuity of Air pressure before starting the Train.
3.4 Commercial Staff at all loading and Unloading Points should be instructed to
ensure proper closing and securing of Wagon Doors and resetting of
‘Load-Empty Change-over Handle’ as per Loaded/Empty condition of Wagon.

3.5 Due to operational constraints, the Rake is sometimes required to be split for
placement at Sidings during Loading/Unloading. It is imperative that the
couplings between Wagons including Air Hoses are undertaken properly by
the Operating/Siding Staff so that no leakage of Air pressure or improper
Coupling takes place.
3.6 The following Time Limit (including GDR check and Train readiness) for
different Rake size, Type of Handling is recommended:

Sl No. of Indicative
Rake Type Scenario Remarks
No Wagons Time (Min.)
BOXN Types/
Post Loading
BCNHL/Steel 59/58/45
(manual, Silo,
1. rakes/Container 60 --
Mechanical),
rakes
Post unloading
BCN, BTPN, and
Post Loading,
2. all other Stock like 42/50/27 45 --
Post unloading
Auto Rakes etc.
Where no TXR is
available or Less
3 BOXN Types 59/58 Post Tippling 75
than 3 Rakes are
tippled per day
BCN Types/ Post Loading/
4. 21 30 Mini Rakes
Steel Rakes Unloading

Para 2.3: The Proforma for Joint Check by GDR has been given in the Railway
Board Circulars and the copy of the same is enclosed. The Proforma will
be collected from the GDR by the Station staff.

Sd/- sd/- sd/-

(V. Venkatasubramanian) (P.Ravindra Babu) (I.Jeyakumar)
CELE CRSE/Frt. CFTM

Dated: 18.02.2021

* * *
 SOUTHERN RAILWAY

REPORTOF THE COMMITTEE cONSTITUTED BY GENERAL MANAGER,

SOUTHERN RAILWAY FOR DECIDING THE TIME LIMIT FOR 'GDR CHECK
1.0 Background:

1.1 GDR (Crew and Guard) check is an important activity before starting any Freight
Train from a Loading/Unloading Terminal or starting a Stabled Train at Wayside
Railway Stations. GDR check is not required for through run Trains where Crew
change alone is involved.

1.2 Various circulars have been issued on GDR check by Railway Board regarding the
items to be checked, role & responsibilities of all Stakeholders like Driver/Guard,
Mechanical staff, Operating and Commercial staff. The latest circular issued by
Railway Board is RB No.2018/M(N)/951/34 Pt dated 23.06.2020 (Annexure 1).

1.3 Tt is observed that the time taken by GDR check varies from Division to Division
in Southern Railway. Moreover, the time limit for GDR check has not been
indicated in any of the Board's circulars. Few Railways have attempted to
indicate the timings locally. For example, in NFR the GDR check timing has been
indicated as 30 Minutes (in WTT) and in WR as 60 min (in wi).

1.4 This subject was discussed during the GM's Weekly Safety Meeting on
04.01.2021 and GM/SR vide Letter No. GM/M/2020 dated 05.01.2021 has
nominated a SAG committee comprising CFTM (Convener), CELE and
CRSE (Freight) as members with a mandate to benchmark the time limit for
GDR check so that the same can be implemented uniformly over Southern
Railway.
2.0 Methodology and Bench Mark data collection:

2.1 Scope of 'GDR check

GDR check is an important check for ensuring safety in Train operations. GDR
check is to be carried out on the following Occasions/Conditions as per Railway
Board's Letter No. 2008/M(N)/951/13 dated 28/08/2009:

(a) GDR check should be done post loading/back loading of a Rake.

(b) After tippling, the Rake will be subjected to post-tippling examination. In case
less than 3 Rakes are being tippled per day, the check may be carried out by
GDR.
()If a Rake is stabled at Non-Freight Train Examination Point for more than
24 Hours, GDR check' should be done before clearance of stabled load.
(d) If BPC has become invalid then 'GDR check' should be done before taking the
Rake to the nearest Train Examination Point for examination in the direction
of Train movement.

Page 1 of 4
 (e) In case attachment/detachment of the Wagon or reversal of Loco at non-
Freight Train Examination Point, continuity of Brake pipe pressure must be
ensured by GDR.

2.2 Items to be checked: The list of items to be checked by Guard and Loco Pilot has
been indicated below based on the extant Railway Board
guidelines;
All CBCS and Air Hoses are
properly coupled and locked.
() All the Angle cocks are in open condition. The last Angle cock is in closed
condition.
ii) Empty/Load Device Handle is in proper position.
iv) There are no loose fittings/hanging parts like springs, Push-pull Rod, Brake
beam, Safety brackets, Brake Blocks etc., which may endanger safe running of
the Train.
Hand brakes are released.
All Doors/Hoppers/Covers of
Wagons are closed and locked/secured.
(vii) Check Continuity of Air pressure before
starting the Train.
2.3 The Proforma for Joint Check by GDR has been
given in the
Circulars and the copy of the same is enclosed as Annexure II. Railway
Board
The Proforma
will be collected from the GDR
by the Station staff.
2.4 The Committee collected the average time taken for
GDR check in all the
6 Divisions for three months
namely January, 2020 [Pre COVID-19), December,
2020 and January 2021 (up to 12.01.2021)
[Post COVID-19]. The details are
given hereunder:

Jan, 2021
Jan., 2020 Dec., 2020 [upto
No. of 12/01/2021umulative
Divn
Location
No. of No.
Avg. No. of Avg. Avg. No. of
Train Time Trains Time
of Avg.
Time Trains Time
Train
MAS 22 250 76 292 70 87 90 629 75
MDU 15 11 0 4 188 52 70 299 51
PGT 19 165 48 275 42 33 443 44
SA 78 79 88
TPJ
57 16 69 182 67
21 114 46 168 46 3 57 285 46
TVC 12 3333 52 93 46 11 5 137
Total 101 751 60 1104 53 121 80 1976 58

Page 2 of 4
2.4 In addition to the Data available from
Records, Inspection regarding "GDR Check
at various Sidings in Divisions was
conducted by SSEs/C&W from 09/01/21 to
17/01/21, who were specifically deputed for the same. The summary regarding
GDR Check' is given hereunder:
Division GDR Check' No. of Wagon No. of Avg. Time
Division Point Trains Type Wagons (Min)
MAS
BOXN 59+1 100
AIPO
BLC 40+1 115
TPJ
VLX 2 BOBRN 46+2 40
MDU SPIC BCN 42+2 62
KUL BCN 24+1 45
PGT
CAN BTPN 25+1 38
AFK 1 BCN 42+1 50
TVC ALLP 1 BCN 21+ 60
QLN BCN 12+0 25
SA
VRQ 1 BCN 21+1 30

3.0 Recommendations:
3.1 GDR check is required to be carried out on Occasions as hereunder;
(a)GDR check should be done post loading/back loadingofa Rake.
(b) After tippling, the Rake ill be subjected to post-tippling examination. In case
less than 3 Rakes are being tippled per day, the check may be carried out by
GDR.
(C) If a Rake is stabled at Non-Freight Train Examination Point for more than
24 Hours, GDR check'should be done before dlearance of stabled load.
(d) IF BPC has become invalid then 'GDR check' should be done before taking the
Rake to the nearest Train Examination Point for examination in the direction of
Train movement.
(e) In case attachment/detachment of the Wagon or reversal of Loco at non-Freight
Train Examination Point, continuity of Brake pipe pressure must be ensured by
GDR.

3.2 GDR check is not required when Train is started from Yards where TXR is
available and has checked the Rake for issuing of BPC.
3.3 The items to be checked by GDR as indicated at Para 2.2 based on Railway
Board's letters is furnished hereunder which may be followed.

(i)All CBCs and Air Hoses are properly coupled and locked. cock is in closed condition.
last Angle
(i) All the Angle cocks are in open condition. The
i) Empty/Load Device Handle is in proper position.
Rod, Brake beam,
(iv) There are no loose fittings/hanging parts like Springs, Push-pull
safe running of the Train.
which may endanger
Safety brackets, Brake Blocks etc.,
released.
(v) Hand brakes are
are closead and locked/secured.
(vi) All Doors/Hoppers/Covers of Wagons the Train.
(vii) Chek Continuity of Air pressure before starting
Page 3 of 4
3.4 Commercial Staff at all loading and
ensure proper
Unloading Points should be instructed to
closing and securing of Wagon Doors and resetting of
Load-Empty Change-over Handle' as per Loaded/Empty condition of Wagon.
3.5 Due to operational constraints, the Rake is sometimes required to be split for
placement at Sidings during Loading/Unloading. It is imperative that the
COuplings between Wagons including Air Hoses are undertaken properly by the
Operating/Siding Staff so that no leakage of Air pressure or improper Coupling
takes place.

3.6 The following Time Limit (including GDR check and Train
readiness) for different
Rake size, Type of Handling is recommended:
SI No. of Indicative
No Rake Type Scenario Remarks
BOXN Types/
Wagons Time (Min.)
BCNHL/Steel 59/58/45 Post Loading
1. rakes/Container manual, Silo, 60
rakes Mechanical),
Post unloading
BCN, BTPN, and
all other Stock Post Loading,
2. 42/50/27 45
like Auto Rakes Post unloading
etc.
Where no TXR is
available or Less
3 BOXN Types 59/58 Post Tippling 75 than 3 Rakes are
tippledper day
BCN Types/ Post Loading/
4. 21 30 Mini Rakes
Steel Rakes Unloading

(V. Venkatasubramanian) (P.Ravindra Babu) (I.Jeyakumar)

CELE CRSE/Frt. CFTM

Date: 18.02.2021

Submited to:

GM/SR

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