धानकायालय
िबजलीशाखा, चे ई-3
Headquarters office
Electrical Branch
दि णरेलवे
Chennai-600 003
SOUTHERN RAILWAY
िदनांक/Date: 28/10/2025
सं/No. E.252/IV/38 (SPM/RTIS)
Sr.DEE/OP-MAS,MDU,PGT,SA,TPJ & TVC
.
SUB:- Analysis of speed curve of crew : Assessing the behaviour
Ref:- RB letter no. 2025/Elect(TRS)/138/1(Bd. Mtg) dated 13.10.2025
Railway Board had directed zonal railways to study speed curve of crew and improvise the
braking pattern of the loco pilots while observing caution aspect and also for stopping the train on
normal course. It has been observed that some loco pilots were adopting sharp or late braking
techniques which may lead to increased SPAD risk if signal is closer than expected or during poor
braking condition.
RTIS sample data from all 6 Divisions were anlaysed for a particular stopping station by
different crew and different crew for a particular train. The charts are given below.
CHART 1
Braking pattern:- Late/sharp : NONJUDICIOUS Braking, Non Adherence of rules
Speed Curve Analysis of CHART1:-
OverSpeed observed at Home which shows late response and risky approach.
Braking curve: Sudden Increase followed by SHARP braking typical of delayed application
with full braking effort, typical of poor and late control.
SAFETY Implication:
Delayed initiation combined with steep braking reflects poor and unsafe control. Also
indicates poor attention and in poor adhesion conditions like in wet rails and during
wrong judgement of signal aspect or signal location or if signal is closer than
expected may lead to Increased SPAD risk.
CHART 2 Overspeed after
Home signal
Braking pattern:- Late/sharp : NON JUDICIOUS Braking, NON adherence of rules
Speed Curve Analysis of CHART2:-
Speed at Home: 45 kmph, But speed increased more than 50 kmph after Home
signal,which is highly risky driving behaviour.
Brake Initiation point from stop: 550 m approx.
Braking cureve: STEEP and EXPONENTIAL typical of late application with full braking
effort in final segment.
SAFETY Implication:
Such carelessness reflects poor attention first. Late brake initiation combined with
full-service braking causes non uniform deceleration and in poor adhesion conditions
like in wet rails and during wrong judgement of signal aspect or signal location or if
signal is closer than expected may lead to Increased SPAD risk.
CHART 3
Braking pattern:- Late/sharp : NON JUDICIOUS Braking
Speed Curve Analysis of CHART3:-
Braking curve: Delayed braking before home signal.
SAFETY Implication:
Late braking before home signal when compared to other loco pilots reflects
casualness or carelessness or overconfidence of LP.
Such carelessness reflects poor attention and in poor adhesion conditions like in wet
rails or wrong judgement of signal aspect or signal location or if signal is closer than
expected may lead to Increased SPAD risk.
CHART 4
Multiple braking
and wavy pattern
Braking pattern:-UNEVEN Braking :Needs Improvement
Speed Curve Analysis of CHART4:-
The braking trials at VRI Home reveal consistent safety adherence but variation in
driving styles.
Overall, no unsafe event or SPAD-risk was noted.
However, standardization of braking initiation zones and jerk control should be
reinforced during LP counselling.
CHART 5
Overspeed at
Home signal
Braking pattern:- Late response : NON adherence of rules
Speed Curve Analysis of CHART5:-
Overspeed observed at HOME signal which shows late response and risky approach at
caution signal.
Emphasis should be placed on early anticipatory braking and uniform deceleration in
future runs to standardize the braking discipline.
CHART 6
Braking pattern:- Normal
Speed Curve Analysis of CHART6:-
The braking study at BDJ Home shows uniform adherence to safety norms with no
overspeed or SPAD risk. Variation lies mainly in timing of brake initiation and modulation
technique.
Emphasis should be placed on maintaining uniform braking effort and anticipatory
deceleration, ensuring both safety and punctuality.
5. REMEDIES TO AVOID ABOVE CONDITIONS to CREW: -
a) Early Braking Habit: Begin a controlled braking sequence approximately 1 – 1.5 km before the
home signal when approaching at 100+ km/h.
b) Step-wise Deceleration: Use graduated brake application (Step 2 → Step 3 → Step 4) to
achieve a uniform deceleration curve rather than a steep drop.
c) Use Dynamic/Regenerative Braking (if available): Helps achieve smooth retardation and
reduces wear on pneumatic brakes along with energy conservation goal.
d) Calling out of signals in time with gesture loudly and clearly will greatly improve alertness and
minimise carelessness, increases attention. This will avoid panicky braking situations.
6. POSITIVE APPROACH AND GUIDELINES TO BE RELAYED BY CLIS TO THE CREWS
TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE, SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS AND OVERALL ATTITUDE: -
1. Over the past decade, Indian Railways has introduced several technological and operational
enhancements such as induction of higher-capacity locomotives, improved train formations with
enhanced braking systems, and speed upgrades up to 130 km/h. These developments have
significantly reduced the operational pressure on Loco Pilots, particularly with respect to
punctuality, which in earlier years often led to over speeding and abrupt (Late & Sharp) braking
practices.
2. CLIs are hereby advised to highlight these advancements during counselling and debriefing
sessions. The focus should be on educating Loco Pilots about the benefits of modern locomotive
technology and improved braking systems, and encouraging smoother and safer train handling
practices.
3. CLIs shall utilize sample chart analyses and comparative studies during such sessions to help
Loco Pilots understand their individual driving patterns. This will assist in identifying strengths and
areas requiring improvement, thereby promoting self-assessment and professional growth in driving
proficiency.
4. Acceptance and effective utilization of modern technologies, along with strict adherence to
the current safety norms and operational guidelines prescribed by Railway Board will play a vital role
in minimizing SPAD (Signal Passed at Danger) incidents and enhancing overall safety and performance
standards.
5. All ZTTC/CLI s are instructed to incorporate the above aspects into regular counselling
sessions and ensure continuous improvement in the driving techniques of Loco Pilots.
SRDEEs are hereby instructed to monitor on above aspects, and develop SAFE Driving
tendencies/techniques by locopilots in the Division. NATARAJA Digitally signed by
NATARAJAN BALAJI
N BALAJI Date: 2025.10.28
18:29:54 +05'30'
(N.BALAJI)
CELE/SR
Copy:- PCEE/SR:- For kind information pl.
