Ø Railway Transport has many special features in the matter of operation as
distinct from other modes of transport like Roadways, Airways and Waterways
etc.
Ø The important features are that the train is track bound i.e. it can move
only along the fixed path made for it.
Ø A train has the right of way so that the other transport vehicles cannot
cross its path except at certain places known as level crossing.
Ø A train with heavy mass and high speed cannot be stopped all of a sudden
as in case of road vehicles.
Ø Since the train movement is track bound it can overtake (precedence) each
other only at places or station with special arrangement (loop lines).
Therefore the detailed procedure is necessary to ensure safety in train
operation.
The safety of the traveling public is ensured by the rule laid down in;
(i)
The Indian Railways Act of 1989.
(ii)
The General Rule for all open line of Railway.
(iii)
The rules for opening of a railway or section of
Railway for the public carriage of passengers 1933 and,
(iv)
The Indian Railway schedule of dimensions.
