SIGNALING

It consists of the systems, devices and means by

which trains are operated efficiently and tracks
are used to maximum extent, maintaining the
safety of the passengers, the staff and the rolling
stock.
 Objects of Signaling
• To provide facilities for the efficient movement of
trains
• To ensure safety between two or more trains
which cross or approach each other’s path
• To provide facilities for the maximum utility of the
track
• To guide the trains movement during maintenance
and the repair of the track
 Classification of Signals

• Classification based on Operation Characteristics

• Classification based on Function

• Classification based on Location

• Special Signals
 Classification based on Operation
Characteristics

1. Detonating Signals( Fog or Audible )

2. Hand Signals (Visual Indication)
3. Fixed Signals (Visual Indication)
 Functional Classification

1. Stop or Semaphore type Signals

2. Warner Signals

3. Shunting Signals

4. Colored Light Signals (Disc or Ground)

 Locational Classification

• Reception Signals

a) outer Signal b) Home Signal

• Departure Signals

a) Starter b) Advanced Starter

 Special Characteristics

1. Repeater or Co-acting Signals

2. Routing Signals

3. Calling on Signals
 Detonating signals

• Detonating signals otherwise known as

detonators or fog signals are appliances which
are fixed on the rails, and when an Engine (or
vehicle) passes over them, they explode with a
loud report so as to attract the attention of
the Driver.
 Hand Signals
• Day Time: Wooden Flags or bare arms
• Night Time: Lamps with movable glass
S.No Colours of Flags/Lights Meaning of Signals

1 Red Flag or Light Stop

2 Green flag or light Proceed

3 Yellow Light Proceed Cautiously

Fixed Signals (Semaphore Signals )

• Component Parts:
1.Movable Arm
L=1.2 to 1.7m
W= 23cn to25 cm
@7.5m above GL
2. Lenses
3. Signal Post
 Warner Signals
• A semaphore signal at the entrance to station
is combined with a Warner signal
• V-Notch at free end
• White band is also of V-shape
• @1.8m to 2.1 m below the semaphore signal
• Painted yellow
 Shunting Signals
• For shunting operations @yards

• Circular Disc with red band on a white

background .

• Disc can revolve in vertical plane by pulling the

lever by hand

• Two holes( Red, Green) for lamps

• STOP • Proceed
 Color Light Signals
• Replacement of semaphore signals
• High intensity beam color light signals(day or
night)

Types:
1. Two Aspect( Green and Red)
2. Three Aspect( Green, Yellow and Red)
3. Four Aspect (Green, Yellow, Red and Yellow)
• STOP Proceed
• STOP CAUTION PROCEED
• STOPCAUTION ATTENTION PROCEED
 Reception Signals

• Signals controlling the reception of trains into

a station

• Types:

Outer Signal

Home Signal
 Outer Signal

• First stop signal at a Station

• @0.54km in advance for BG
• In STOP position -90 m distance prior to Outer
signal driver has to stop
• In PROCEED position- move with normal speed
assuming the home signal is also proceed
position
 OUTER SIGNAL
• This is Warner signal for the driver which gives the
indication of the position ahead whether the platform is clear
or not.

• Thus the first signal is provided at this distance beyond

the station limit, that is why it is know as outer signal

• A certain distance is required to bring a moving train to

halt. This distance depends upon the speed of the train, its
weight, brake power of the locomotive etc.
SIGNALS ACCORDING TO LOCATION

OHS HS SS
OS
ASS
 OUTER SIGNAL
In horizontal or stop position it indicates that the driver must
bring his train to halt within 90 m before outer signal and than
proceed to the home signal with caution

In the inclined or proceed position it indicates that track and

platform is clear and proceed normally without any danger.

OS
 HOME SIGNAL
After the outer signal towards station is a stop signal and exactly placed at the
station limit is called home or stop signal. Its main function is to protect the
stations. The permission to enter the platform is given by the operation of this
signal. The maximum unprotected distance between the signal and the point, it
is intended to protect is specified as 180 m due to its location at the door of
station, it is called home signal.

OHS HS
 STARTER SIGNAL
This signal is provided at the forward end of platform and controls
the movement of the train as they leave the station. It gives
permission to the train to leave the platform for next station. No
train can leave the platform unless this signal is lowered, that is
why it is called starter signal. A separate signal is provided for
each line.

SS
 ADVANCE STARTER SIGNAL

The limit of a station section lies between the home signal

and the advance starter signal. The signal which allows the train
to enter in block section is called advance starter signal. It is
always placed beyond the outer most set of the point connections.

OHS HS SS

ASS

station section
 ROUTING SIGNAL
When many branch lines diverge in different directions from the main
line, it is very difficult to provide individual signal for each line at the divergent
point.
In such situations various signals for main line and branch lines are
fixed on the same vertical post. These signals are called routing signal.
Generally signal for main line is kept higher than those for branch lines
 REPEATING SIGNAL

When the view of the main signal is obstructed due to

some structures or on curves etc. some signals are used to repeat
the information of the main signal. Such signal are know as
repeating signal.
 CALLING ON SIGNAL
These signal are similar to semaphore signal, but they
are smaller in size and are fixed on the same post below the
main signals. A calling on signal permits a train to proceed with
caution after the train has been brought to a halt by the main
signal. These are helpful when repair works are going on.