Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1998
Q.1.- ( a ) Describe the various budget stages for review / modification of budget grants.
( b ) Describe the various kinds of tender system for letting out works on contracts.
( b ) Kinds of tender –
1. Open tender –
The system of invitation of tender by public advertisement in the most open public manner
possible should be used as a general rule and must be adopted subject to certain exception.
Wide publicity may be given to the call of tenders by –
i. Notices in railway offices.
ii. Notices in other Government offices.
iii. Advertisement in vernacular / Local newspapers.
iv. Advertisement in national / international newspapers, if work is very important.
2. Limited Tender –
It is considered not possible to call for open tenders. Limited tender has now been approved
by the Board as a regular measure and works up to a limit of Rs.20 lakhs can be awarded on
limited tender basis. Finance concurrence is not necessary in case contractors are borne on
the approved list. However, if the limited tenders are proposed to be invited from contractors
not borne on approved list, prior finance concurrence will be necessary.
Limited tenders are to be invited only when it is advantageous to the Railway. Further there is
no restrictions on calling open tenders even if the cost of works is less than Rs.20 lakh.
3. Single Tender –
In case of emergency, the tender can be invited from a single contract provided that he
should be from approved list of contractor.
4. Global Tender –
This system is adopted by Railway Board or the Government of India for purchases
throughout the world. For this type of tenders the General Managers of Zonal Railways and
the Administration under them have no power.
( b ) Pink Book :-
This shows the various sub heads under which the lum sum amount sanctioned by allotment is
to be spent and this indicates the works for which the allotment of money is intended. These
books are furnished to the Railways along with budget orders.
The Pink Books also show in the case of work costing over one lack each , total estimated cost
of each work and railway administration are required to exercise control over expenditure not
only against the allotment sanctioned for the year for each work but also against its total
estimated cost as shown in Pink Book for works costing less than one lack rupees each a lum
sum is allotted to each Railway administrations in Pink Book.
( c ) Urgency Certificate –
Ordinarily no work should be commended and no expenditure incurred available and the
sanction of competent authority is obtained. Those rules however can not be strictly adhered to
in certain cases –
i. Works which are considered to be urgently necessary to safe guard life and property and
repairs to damage caused by floods or accidents etc. to restore or maintain through
communication.
ii. Works not falling under above but considered urgently necessary by the GM to meet the
immediate needs of traffic.
Commencement of such works is authorized by divisional Engineer. The divisional Engineer at
after submits through usual channels a report to the competent authority. This report is called
Urgency Certificate or Urgency report. This is prepared on a Standard Performa indicating –
1. Justification.
2. Approximate Cost.
3. Duration of the Project.
4. Time frame for submitting the detailed estimate.
A copy of same is sent to the account Officer.
( d ) Supplementary estimates –
If it is necessary to do any additional work, after an estimate is sanctioned or if any substantial
changes are required to be made Supplementary estimates are made in a similar manner as the
detailed estimate. The details of items should include only the extra amount of work needed to
be executed.
( b ) Compassionate Appointment –
An employee’s son / daughter / near relative may be appointed on compassionate grounds in
relaxation of the recruitment rules to a group ‘D’ or Group ‘C’ post.
When an employee dies in service / extension of service but not during re-employment , leaving
his family in immediate need of assistance, when there is no other earning member in the
family.
Exception – In exceptional circumstances with the prior approval of the secretary of the ministry
department concerned , the appointment on compassionate grounds of a son / daughter / near
relative of a Government servant who dies in harness will be considered even when there is an
earning member in the family of the deceased government servant.
When an employee is invalided before attaining the age of 55 years ( 57 years in case of group
‘D’ ) if the department is satisfied that the condition of the family is indigent and is in great
distress.
This concession is admissible only to one dependant.
( e ) Family Pension –
With effect from 1.1.1964 this pension scheme has been started. In case a railway pensioner or
a railway servant dies the family is entitled for monthly pension.
No condition in regard to the length of service, status of the employee is laid down for grant of
family pension. But if the employee at the time of his retirement is not eligible for pension the
question of family pension does not arise.
The pension is based on the last pay drawn and payable @ 30% of the last pay drawn subject
to minimum of Rs.1275 p.m. plus D.A. admissible from time to time . This is called as relief.
No commutation of family pension is allowed.
If the family pensioner is employed she is not eligible for D.A. relief on her pension.
The pensioner may get family pension of his / her spouse.
Family pension is payable to –
i. Widow or widower for life or till remarriage whichever earlier.
ii. Sons blow 25 years and not earning.
iii. Daughter below 25 years of age and not married and not earning.
iv. Physically handicapped child for life if not earning.
In case of dispute the settlement dues are paid on the basis of the succession certificate issued
by the court of law.
In case of blind or mentally retarded son/daughter the family pension is payable through
guardian appointed by the court.
( c ) Afflux –
Afflux is the rise in the flood level of the river, up stream of a bridge, as a result of the
obstruction to natural flow caused by the construction of the bridge. Afflux is normally measured
as difference in water level between up stream and down stream of the bridge.
Afflux is calculated by following formula –
Molesworth’s formula – V2
ha = ------ + 0.015 [ ( A/a )2 - 1 ]
17.9
Where – ha = Afflux in meter. V = Velocity of approach in meter per second. A = Natural water
way area at the site. a = Contracted area in square meters.
( d ) Early steel girders –
There are a number of steel girders on Indian Railways fabricated before 1895. During those
early times, the steel manufacturing technology was not fully developed and steel manufactured
in those times contained excessive phosphorous. Concepts of quality control were apparently
vague and steel used in the different parts of even the same bridge was found to have varying
content of phosphorous. Higher phosphorous content makes the steel brittle and such girders
can collapse suddenly because of brittle fracture.
Therefore, it is necessary to conduct detailed examination of such steel girders at an increased
frequency with a careful and critical eye. It is also necessary to ascertain the chemical
composition of steel.
Even steel which was manufactured between 1895 and 1905 should be treated as ‘suspect’ and
inspected at an increased frequency.
( e ) Railway Affecting Tanks/ Works –
Where as per current practice the Public Works or Revenue Department forwards to the
Divisional Engineer every year, their inspection reports on the condition of these tanks which
are classified as Railway affecting, action should be taken as follows:–
(a) The Divisional Engineer should peruse the reports carefully and mark those tanks which he
considers are not in satisfactory state of repair. He should then forward the reports to the
Assistant Engineer with instructions that the tanks so marked should be inspected and reported
on.
(b) The Assistant Engineer should inspect those tanks and report to the Divisional Engineer
details of the action being taken by the Public Works or Revenue Department. The Divisional
Engineer should prevail on the authorities concerned to carry out all necessary repairs before
the ensuing monsoon.
(c) Copies of the inspection notes of ‘Railway Affecting’ tanks as received from the Public Works
or Revenue Department with particulars of date of inspection and notes of action taken or
proposed by him should be included in the Register of Railway
( f ) CMS –
Cast manganese steel solid ( CMS ) crossing are improved versions of built up crossings. The
average life of CMS crossing expected to be about four times than that of an ordinary built up
crossings. In addition they are free from bolts as well as loose components which may work
loose or wear under traffic and their use therefore helps in reducing maintenance costs
especially in locations of heavy traffic density.
On account of limited availability of CMS crossing in the country their use have however been
restricted for the time being for Group A routs and to such other lines of other routes, where
traffic density is over 20 GMT. These should also be reserved for use on heavily worked lines in
busy yards on all the Groups.
( g ) Cumulative frequency diagrams for curve Realignment –
For Group A and B routs the need for curve realignment should be decided by drawing
cumulative frequency diagram showing versine variation over theoretical versine. For Group A
and B routs the versine variations as measured on 20 meter chord shall be limited to 4 mm and
5 mm respectively. Realignment should be taken up when the cumulative percentage of
versines lying within these limits is less than 80.
Q.9.- ( a ) Enumerate the Pre-temping and Post-temping operations in a section under machine
maintenance.
( b ) What precautions will you take to obtain a good results for cast in situ weld?
( c ) How will you utilize CMS 2000 for improving the running quality of your section?
Ans.-
( a ) Pre Tamping Operations-
i) Layout including spacing of sleepers as per relevant drawings shall be ensured.
ii) The nose of the crossing may get battered or worn or the sleepers below it may get warped or
bent. In such cases, the crossing should be reconditioned or replaced and sleepers below the
crossing should be attended.
iii) High points on the turn out and approaches should be determined and general lift should be
decided. General lift of minimum 10 mm must be given.
Post Tamping Operations-
The Section Engineer (P. Way) shall pay attention to the following items:-
i) Checking and Tightening of loose fittings.
ii) Replacement of broken fittings.
iii) The ballast shall be dressed neatly. Proper consolidation of ballast between the sleeper shall
be done.
iv) Final track parameters should be recorded with the help of recorders provided in the tamping
machine.
(v) The fixtures like check rails removed during pre-tamping operation should be restored.
( c ) Various Operation for Utilize CMS 2000 for improving the running quality-
i. First select depth. Correct depth is important to achieve good and listing quality.
ii. Speed of lowering tampering bank is decided with respect to the site condition.
iii. Squeezing pressure and tamping cycle counter is set.
iv. Squeezing time is to be selected judiciously and decides travel speed of machine.
v. In auto mode, sensors are provided.
vi. For alignment correction in transition length.
vii. The tamping bank is designed to vibrate the tynes at a predetermined frequency and
amplitude also imparting a squeezing action.
Ans.- R.H Girder 18 m. , Depth of Girder 0.85 m. , sleeper Crib 1.50 m. Height.
Proposed Bridge 1 x 3.00 m. RCC Slab.
Space available for Construction = ( Width of both pier at foundation = 2 x 2.00 ) +
(Space between Both Aboutment = 3.00 – 2(0.25 +0.125 ) + ( 2 x Excavation slope 1 : 1
= 4.2 ) = 4.00 + 2.25 + 8.4 = 14.65 m.
Field survey has to be taken the extent of regarding decided and get done.
Arrangements to be made to get the RH girder 18.00 m. long for insertion of RH girder & CRS
sanction to be obtained, DCN to be prepared for Phase working and published for sanctioning of
block.
Phase I – Unloading of RH Girder at site with two cranes under Block.
Phase II -Excavation the formation for sleeper Crib portion under traffic imposing speed
restriction, supporting the Track with sand bags for passing the traffic.
Phase III – Take suitable block to insert the sleeper crib in proper position.
Phase IV – Start excavation for girder portion under traffic supporting the track by sand bags.
Phase V – Arrange Crane specified minimum two cranes of 15 T capacity take under block
minimum 3 hrs. for insertion of RH girder and Insert the RH Girder . Erect the speed
restriction boards and imposed stop dead and proceed speed restriction.
Phase VI – Dismentale the Existing arch bridge.
Phase VII – Construction new 1 / 3.00 m. RCC Slab Bridge.
Phase VIII – After curing is over arrange special 2 Cranes with 15 MT capacity for removing the
RH Girder and place on the cess and Insert RCC slab. Remove the sleeper crib and
fill up the gap and link the track. Relax / remove speed restrictions suitably.
Phase IX – Arrange crane special with BFRs and take suitable block for loading the RH girder.
Ans.- ( 3 ) Through Type Girders - These Span used for Span Varies from 30.5 m. & above.
( ii ) Prestressed Concrete –
With the introduction of prestressing it has become possible to avoid the formation of cracks in
tension concrete and to use high strength steel most economical.
The essence of prestressing a concrete member in the induction of sufficient compressive
stress in concrete prior to the member being subjected to loads in the zones, which will be
tensile when the loads are applied. Thus when the prestressed concrete member is subjected to
external loads. The already induced compressive stress in concrete will neutralize the tensile
stress developed in the member on loading. Hence the resultant stresses in concrete in tensile
zone will be eliminated altogether or get reduced to a great extent. Thus in a prestressed
concrete member the entire cross section of the member becomes effective for resisting
bending and at the same time the danger of cracking when the member is loaded is minimized
or even avoided.
( iv ) Dumpy Level –
The name dumpy level originated from fact that this level was much shorter and thicker ( dumpy
) than the wye level commonly used before the invention of the dumpy level.
( v ) Pressure filters: -
These are just like small rapid sand filters placed in closed vessels. Water passed under
pressure such filters are located in airtight vessels. Water from the sedimentation tanks is
pumped into the filter by mean of pumps. The pressure varies from 3 to 7 kg pressure. Filters
are classified as –
1) Horizontal pressure filter.
2) Vertical Pressure filter.
The diameter varies from 0.30 m to 2.75 m and height varies from 2 m to 2.5 m in case of
vertical pressure filter. In case of horizontal pressure filters the diameter varies from 2 to 3 m
and length up to 9 m. The rate of filtration is 6000 to 15000 Lit. / hr / m 2 of filter area. The
cleaning is done in a similar way as in case of rapid sand filter. In order to increase the rate of
filtration air pressure is generally maintained on the water surface.
These are less efficient than rapid sand filters in removing turbidities and bacteria’s. The quality
of water is not good. These are preferred for treating smaller quantities of water and are best
suited for swimming pools, railway stations, private estates, individual industries etc.
Ans.- ( b )
Black cotton soils to over come the effect of differential settlement due to volumetric change in
soil effected by seasonal variations.
In the shrinkable soils for a double storied building Double under reamed piles foundation most
suitable.
Under reamed Piles Foundation -
Under reamed Piles may be made with earth augers with minimum diameter of piles should be
20 cm. Minimum spacing of piles should be two times the bulb diameter. The under reamed
bulb may be made under reaming tool. The diameter of under reamed bulb is normally 2.5 times
the pile diameter and spacing of bulb should not exceed 1.5 times of the dai of bulb. The top
most bulb should be at minimum depth of two times of the bulb diameter. The boring should first
be made to the depth of top under reaming after this the bore should be further extended by
auger to the full depth and the lower under reaming portion completed.
A concreting funnel is placed on the top of the bore hole. Reinforced cage is then lowered
carefully so that it does not scratch the sides and cement concrete is poured in. Compaction can
be done by roding with care to be taken to see that sides of the bore hole is not scratched. Piles
cast soon after the bore hole is ready. The top reinforcement of the pile should be bent so as to
form a junction with the plinth beam. In Plinth beam outer wall a shoe 7.5 cm thick should be
provided.
Q.14.- ( a ) What are the various categories of Over dimensional consignments ( ODCs )? Who
can authorize their movement?
( b ) Give the following Schedule of dimensions for Broad Gauge section -
i. Maximum spacing of bridge sleepers.
ii. Maximum distance apart of trolly refugees on bridges.
iii. Maximum gradient in station yards unless special safety devices are provided.
iv. Minimum radius of curves.
v. Minimum distance center to center of tracks.
vi. Maximum distance of checkrail opposite nose of crossing.
( c ) Single Tender – In case of emergency, the tender can be invited from a single contract
provided that he should be from approved list of contractor.
( d ) M.A.S. Accounts –
This stands for material at site account. This is a suspense head of account that is maintained
to watch actual consumption of materials obtained for specific work such materials stores are
requisitioned separately by the executive officer and consigned to the site of work. The monitory
value of materials consumed is debited to the work concerned through works Register. The
balance under this suspense represents materials on hand yet to be consumed.
( e ) Draft Para –
Draft Para is a Para proposed by a chief Auditor for inclusion in the Railway Audit report in
connection with a serious irregularity coming to notice in the course of audit activities. This is
prepared in five copies and will be forwarded to by name GM, HOD, FA&CAO, Director ( finance
), Rly Board. This will be replied in eight weeks, five weeks by GM & Three weeks by Rly Board.
( f ) Material modification :-
No material modification in a work or scheme as sanctioned should be permitted or under taken
with out the prior approval of the authority who sanctioned the estimate . In the case of
estimates sanctioned by the Railway Board or higher authority instances of will be considered to
be a material modifications of a sanctioned project or work are given in below –
The following may be taken as material modifications on the lines under construction and open
line works estimated to cost rupees one crore and over .
i. Any change in the alignment likely to affect the facilities offered to the public in the
neighborhood or likely to increase or decrease the length of the line by over one
kilometer.
ii. Introduction of any new station or omission of any station.
iii. Any alteration in the type or number of engines or vehicles provided in an estimate for
rolling stock.
iv. A change in the layout of a yard affecting the general method of working or increasing
or deducting the number of trains that can be dealt with.
v. Any departure from the standards of construction as accepted by the railway board in
the Abstract estimate or use of any second new material.
vi. The introduction or omission of any work or facility involving a sum of Rs. 5 Laces and
over.
( g ) Consolidated fund –
As per provisions of constitution the central government and each state Government have
separate funds of their own entitled the Consolidated fund of the India and Consolidated fund of
state respectively into which all revenue received by the Govt. loans or ways and means
advances and moneys received by the Govt. in repayment of loans are credited and from which
the expenditure of the Govt. is meet when so authorised by the President or Parliament in
respect of central Govt or the governor or the legislative Assembly of the State Govt in the case
of State Govt. This is controlled by Parliament to withdraw money under article No. 266 ( a ).
From this fund vote of Parliament is necessary.
Q.3.- ( a ) What is meant by standard Schedules of Rates and Non- Schedules rates.
( b ) What is the procedure for finalizing Limited Tenders.
( e ) Trade Test -
With a view of perform the work in a trade an artisan staff should have the skill required for the
trade and for this Railway workers classifications Tribunal in 1948 emphasized that the fairest
and the best means of classifying the artisans in skilled and semi skilled in each trade should be
through the trade test method.
The trade tests will be arranged by an Assistant officer of the branch concerned. The results of
Trade test should be supervised by an official not below the rank of IOW in charge.
Q.6.- What are the various types of leave that an AEN can possibly get ? What are their
respective entitlement/ which of these can be carried forward to the next year? What is the
maximum limit to which the same can be accumulated?
Ans.- Various types of leave that an AXEN / ADEN can possibly get as indicated below –
i. Earned Leave ( APL ) – Thirty days Earned Leave is credited to one’s leave account
every year 15 days on 1st Jan. and 15 days on 1st July. Maximum leave that can be
accumulated at any time is 300 days. Encashment of un utilized leave up to 300 days
is permissible on retirement / death of an employee.
ii. Leave on Half Pay – It is earned at the rate of 20 days for each calendar year . Leave
on Half pay can be converted in to full pay on medical grounds and also for approved
course of study. The leave converted is called Commuted Leave. In case of grant of
Commuted Leave twice the amount of such leave is debited against the half pay
leave due. Half pay leave credited in 10 days on 1st Jan and 10 days on 1st July on
every year. Encashment not permissible.
iii. Maternity Leave – It may be granted to female Railway employees for a period of 135
days on full pay provided they do not have more than one child. This is also
admissible in case of abortion / miscarriage to the extent of 45 days in the entire
service.
iv. Paternity Leave – A male Railway servant with less than two living children may be
granted Paternity Leave for a period of 15 days during the confinement of his wife.
v. Study Leave – Study Leave up to a maximum period 24 months in the entire service
may be granted to a Railway servant for undergoing a special course consisting of
higher studies or specialized training in a professional or technical subject having a
direct and close connection with the sphere of his duties or being capable of widening
his mind and improving his ability as a railway servant.
vi. Casual Leave – casual leave is not a recognized form of leave. It can not be
combined with any other kind of leave. Holidays, Sundays falling within the spell of
casual leave do not count as casual leave. The staff who are not permitted to enjoy
all holidays are entitled to 11 days casual leave. Casual leave if not availed during a
calendar year will lapse.
( ii ) Cant Deficency –
Cant Deficency occurs when a train travels around a curve at a speed higher than the
equilibrium speed. It is the difference between the theoretical cant required for such higher
speed and actual cant provided.
( vi ) Workability of Concrete :-
Despite all its importance workability is the most elusive property of concrete and is quite
difficult to define and measure. In its simplest form a concrete is said to be workable if it can be
easily mixed , handled, transported, placed in position and compacted.
Evidently the requirement of workability varies according to the nature of job, the obstruction to
the full flow of concrete caused by spacing and nature of reinforcement. The workability of
concrete can be measured by one of the following three tests.
1) Slump test.
Normally all catch sidings except those which are sanded shall be kept alive. On sanded catch
siding, the rails shall be kept clear of sand for a length of 21.5 meters, beyond the section
insulators in the overhead lines and the switches controlling the sanded catch sidings shall be
kept in the neutral position. If an electric engine or single or multiple unit train runs into the
Phase III – Take suitable block to insert the sleeper crib in proper position.
Phase IV – Start excavation for girder portion under traffic supporting the track by sand bags.
Phase V – Arrange Crane specified minimum two cranes of 15 T capacity take under block
minimum 3 hrs. for insertion of RH girder and remove the existing Girder on bridge.
Insert the RH Girder . Erect the speed restriction boards and imposed stop dead and
proceed speed restriction.
Phase VI – Dismentale the Existing girder bridge.
Phase VII – Construction new 1 / 2.00 m. RCC Slab Bridge.
Phase VIII – After curing is over arrange special 2 Cranes with 15 MT capacity for removing the
RH Girder and place on the cess and Insert RCC slab. Remove the sleeper crib and
fill up the gap and link the track. Relax / remove speed restrictions suitably.
Circular well is simple to construct easy to sink and has uniform strength in all directions.
Various components of the well foundation are as under –
i. Well curb and cutting Edge.
ii. Bottom & Top Plug.
iii. Well steining.
iv. Well cap.
Q.14.- ( a ) What are the various methods of monitoring track geometry running quality of track
being used by the railways at present? Describe briefly.
( b ) What pre-tamping attention, attention during tamping and post-tamping attention
should be ensured to achieve good results?
Ans.- ( a ) Various methods of monitoring track geometry running quality of track –
Track is done by track recording cars, Oscillograph cars and portable accelerometers for
monitoring track geometry running quality of track .
Track Recording by Mechanical / Electronic Equipment – The following track recording
equipments are in use in Indian Railways at present :–
(1) Track recording cars.
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