Winter precautions to prevent rail/weld failure - Safety of Track

भारत सरकार (GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)

रेल मंत्रालय (MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS)

रेलवे बोर्ड (RAILWAY BOARD)

No.2016/CE-II/Safety/Precaution

New Delhi, date 07.10.2025

Principal Chief Engineers,

All Zonal Railways.

Sub: Winter precautions to prevent rail/weld failure - Safety of Track

With the onset of winter shortly in most parts of the country, it is essential to take adequate precautions to prevent rail and weld failures during the forthcoming winter season. The relevant instructions may please be reiterated and their strict compliance ensured at all field levels. Specific activities requiring focused attention are indicated below:

(i) De-stressing of LWR and CWR should be completed wherever due to keep rail stresses within safe limits in winter.

(ii) Examination and lubrication of rail joints, including bolt holes of Joggled Fish Plates, should be carried out as per the prescribed schedule to maintain proper joint performance.

(iii) Locations prone to rail or weld failures should be identified and LWR/CWR in such stretches attended by ensuring proper fittings and undertaking de-stressing at lower temperatures, wherever required.

(iv) Arrangements for cold weather patrolling should be made in accordance with Para 1005(3) and (4) of IRPWM-2024. Patrolmen must be provided with GPS trackers, as per Board's letter No. 2017/CE-II/TK/Policy Pt. dated 17.11.2017 for effective monitoring and prompt communication.

(v)

A close watch on rail temperature shall be maintained and the temperature record register duly updated by SSE/P.Way. Cold weather patrolling shall also be introduced as per Para 1005(3) of IRPWM-2024.

(vi) Duty hours of keymen/ patrolmen should be suitably adjusted to ensure timely detection and prompt rectification of any failures.

(vii) LWRS, CWRs and SEJs should be inspected by JE/SSE/P. Way and ADEN as per Para 354(1)(e) of IRPWM-2024 and necessary action must be ensured on the observations made during inspection.

(viii) It should be ensured that there are no arrears in Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing and corrective measures are promptly taken in accordance with the provisions of the USFD Manual.

(ix) Rails showing signs of flange corrosion should be kept under close observation and if required, appropriate speed restrictions may be imposed to ensure safe train operations.

(x) In case any unsafe condition of the track is anticipated, traffic shall be stopped and the track properly protected until safety is ensured.

It is requested to ensure strict compliance with the above instructions and furnish a report to the Board on the action taken.

(S. M. Pandey)

Exe. Dir. Civil Engg. (Plg.) 

Railway Board