ROLLING BLOCK- PARADIGM

SHIFT IN INSPECTION AND

MAINTENANCE OF RAILWAY
INFRASTRUCTURE
प्रयागराज डिवीज़न

Submitted by
Sitaram
Prajapati
Sr. DEN/Co. / Prayagraj Division
NORTH CENTRAL RAILWAY
 The 26-weeks rolling block programme (RBP) is
CONCEPT a new initiative by Indian Railways to improve
the efficiency and safety of track maintenance
OF work. Under this programme, Zonal Railways
and Divisions are required to prepare a schedule
ROLLING of block works in shadow of one another for
each traffic section for each road for a period of
BLOCK 26 weeks . This schedule is then reviewed on a
weekly basis and updated and at the same time
another week schedule should be added so that
next 26 weeks schedule is always known and to
ensure that all necessary work is completed in a
timely manner.
 As per Railway Board Rolling block program
ROLLING means planning of blocks/disconnections over a
longer period of specified duration, required for
BLOCK maintenance and asset
repair/replacement/creation by various
DEFINITION stakeholders, to be prepared on rolling basis i.e.,
by adding one week planning every week and
reviewing the plans for remaining weeks.
 To remove Uncertainty in the minds of field staff: Despite demanding
blocks/disconnection there was uncertainty in the minds of field staff regarding the
availability of blocks and disconnections. This leads to resorting of shortcuts by field
staff during working resulting in unsafe situations. The review process helps to identify
and mitigate any potential safety risks.

WHY IS
To Ensure efficient use of available resources: As all the activities are known to the
ROLLING Executives in advance all the available resources can be planned accordingly and their
use in efficient and effective manner can be ensured. This prevents the wastage of
BLOCK resources keeping them idle at one place.

REQUIRED
To reduce disruptions to train operations: By planning and scheduling track
maintenance and other infrastructure work in advance, the 26-weeks rolling RBP can
help to reduce disruptions to train operations. Now the Railway can inform passengers
and train operators in advance of any planned closures, diversion or delays to minimize
passenger inconvenience.
 To improve planning and coordination: The 26-weeks rolling schedule helps to improve planning and
coordination between different departments and agencies involved in track, signal & OHE maintenance. This
can help to avoid duplication of efforts, identify potential problems early on, and ensure that all work is
completed on time and to a high standard. With RBP works can be planned in the shadow of one another.

WHY IS To plan mega blocks: With 26 weeks of horizon available integrated mega blocks can be planned.

ROLLING
BLOCK
To facilitate outsourcing of maintenance activities: To wipe out large maintenance arrear in IR, increased
REQUIRED outsourcing of works such as Deep screening and Through sleeper renewal (TSR) is required.

In the absence of a guaranteed traffic blocks, very few agencies show their interest in participation in the bid
for outsourced work. To dispel the fear of uncertainty from mind of bidders, long term planning of blocks in
the form of RBP is essentially required.
 Rolling Block Program (RBP) shall be prepared for 26 weeks in the Division and approved by
DRM. It shall be reviewed weekly, and another one-week planning will be added every week.

RBP shall fulfil the requirement of traffic/power block for renewals, maintenance, new asset
creation work, disconnections, movement of track machines, inspection vehicles and RMG etc.
including blocks committed for outsourced track machines. Mega blocks may be planned once a
week or as per the requirements of major infrastructure works or NI works.

Guidelines For
Framing Rolling Mapping of resource available - Spatially and temporally.

Block Plans RBP shall integrate planning for all types of works e.g., civil, electrical, S&T and projects for
creation/modification/rehabilitation of all types of infrastructure asset requiring blocks. The
requirement of block by different stakeholders shall be assessed and dovetailed in a joint
manner. With integrated planning, separate block in same section for the works of different
departments/agencies can be avoided in the 26 weeks horizon.

Sr. DOM shall indicate a suitable corridor for giving the blocks demanded taking into
consideration the integrated maintenance corridor block provided in the working timetable,
historical data, and operational patterns.
 An empowered team of all concerned branch officers shall be
nominated on each Division to review and finalize the RBP.

The weekly block planning will be finalized by concerned branch

officers and approved by DRM. Grant of blocks & output of block
shall be reviewed by DRMs regularly and the review of grant and
Guidelines For utilization of blocks in the previous week shall be part of RBP.

Framing Rolling
Block Plans This program is for planned works. Activities requiring urgent blocks
will continue to be governed as per the existing practices/provisions.

Appropriate and adequate resources should be mobilized to optimize

the productivity during these blocks. Proper planning and resource
mobilization should be ensured to complete the planned work within
the planned block time with the required quality.
 Eventually planning for blocks for mega works and NI works
necessitatingcancellation / rescheduling / diversion of trains, should be made
adequately in advance and such work should be eventually slotted for exact dates in
the 26 weeks horizon so that trains can be cancelled/rescheduled/diverted before the
commencement of Advance Reservation Period (ARP) with, so that passengers are
not inconvenienced. However, to start, cancellation /rescheduling /diversion are to be
made 4 weeks in advance as far as possible and the period should be gradually
increased to ARP.

Guidelines For
Framing Rolling For increasing the maintenance corridors, intra zonal trains can be
rescheduled with the approval of GM under information to
Railway Board.
Block Plans

For increasing the maintenance corridors, trains involving only

two Zones can be rescheduled by the Zones concerned with
mutual consultation & approval of GMs under information to
Railway Board. If agreement is not reached between the two
Zones, the matter may be referred to the Railway Board.
BENEFITS OF RBP
• It helps to ensure that all track maintenance work is planned and scheduled
in advance, which reduces disruptions to train operations and the risk of
accidents.
• It allows for flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as bad
weather or equipment failures.
• It helps to ensure that all work is completed to a high standard and that any
safety risks are identified and mitigated.
• Despite demanding blocks/disconnection there was uncertainty in the minds
of field staff regarding the availability of blocks. This uncertainty has been
removed by RBP.
• It improves communication and coordination between different departments
and agencies involved in track maintenance.
• It provides a platform for continuous improvement and innovation in track
maintenance practices.
 ETA utilisation planning is given by Sr DENs to field unit as given in Table- 01. This includes the work
of the other agencies such as RVNL, DFCCIL, Construction & State Government.

Steps being followed in Prayagraj division for preparation, Implementation, monitoring,

and review of Rolling block programme
Steps being followed in Prayagraj division for preparation, Implementation, monitoring,
and review of Rolling block programme

 Planning of NI is given to the field units for

demanding the block accordingly as given in
Table- 02.
 First Engineering control fills
its planning/requirement in
given Google spread sheet by
Each SSE (Engineering, TRD 12:00 hrs on Thursday, then
& S&T) gives his block intimate to TRD & S&T to
requirements for 26 weeks to fill their requirement in the
the respective controls. same Google sheet by
evening so as to utilize the
shadow block of Engineering
Department. committee
Empowered
All Concerned Control
checks the planning and if
Incharge and a nominated TI
necessary, suggest alterations
scrutinize the prepared rolling
and after finalising, it is put
block programme and put
upto the DRM for final
before empowered committee
approval in the format as
on Friday by 11:00 hrs. While preparing
Blocks are given as per given in Table- 3next
& 4.26-
weeks programme, the entire
agreed rolling block
programme (remaining 25
programme. If any
week) as planned in previous
department does not demand
week is reviewed. Activities
the planned block or
which cannot be executed due
operating doesn’t give it due
to one or another reason are
to any of the reason, same is
deleted and new activities
recorded in the Google sheet
which can be done are added.
which is scrutinized during
At the same time 26th week
review.
programme is added.

Steps being followed in Prayagraj division for preparation, Implementation, monitoring,

and review of Rolling block programme
⮚ For increasing the maintenance corridors, trains involving only two Zones can be rescheduled by the
Zones concerned with mutual consultation & approval of GMs under information to Railway Board. If
agreement is not reached between the two Zones, the matter may be referred to the Railway Board
Table- 03 Table- 04
Monitoring of RBP

 To ensure the efficient implementation of the rolling block program and promote its
adoption among Railway Engineers, it is crucial to monitor its performance regularly on
daily, weekly, and monthly basis. The weekly review of the rolling block program is a
fundamental aspect of this system, as it allows for the identification of shortcomings in
planning and offers the opportunity for continuous improvement. Periodical review of
Rolling Block Programme is carried out through following reports.

1. Monthly Report Sample

This report provides a holistic view of the rolling block program's performance over a month. It
includes key matrics, such as the number of blocks requested, granted, and their durations. Any
deviations or discrepancies from the planned block schedule are highlighted
 Monthly Report Sample

Monitoring of RBP
2. Weekly Report Sample
The weekly report offers a more granular breakdown of the rolling block program's performance of different Departments. It
provides insights into the week-to-week progress, including the number of blocks demanded, granted, and their durations.
Variations from the monthly plan and any emerging trends or issues can be assessed in this report.
 3. Daily Report Sample
The daily report provides a day-to-day overview of the rolling block program. It provides for a
total number of blocks planned demanded and provided each day and the total duration of blocks.
By regularly reviewing these reports, Railway Engineers can gain a comprehensive understanding
of the rolling block program's performance.
This data-driven approach allows for the identification of areas that require improvement and
facilitates better planning and coordination among different departments.
It ensures that the rolling block program remains flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of
the Railway system.

Monitoring of RBP
Daily Report Sample
 In compliance of Railway Board’s direction, Prayagraj Division implemented Rolling block Programme on
12.06.2023. It started from preparation of one-week RBP, then 6 weeks and presently 26 weeks rolling block
programme is being submitted to Railway Board. The impact that rolling block programme has on demand and
availability of the maintenance block in Prayagraj division can be inferred from the comparative study in
following Para:

 A comparative table in regard of block demand and block availability for year 2022-23 & 2023-24 has
been prepared (Table-07)

 From the table, it can be inferred that introduction of Rolling block programme has led to more
demand of the blocks and at the same time also enhanced the availability of the blocks. This is due to
the increased emphasis given in the planning and efficient utilisation of the resources. Persistent
monitoring by higher authorities has resulted increase in demand as well as availability of block

Case Study- Impact of RBP in Prayagraj Division

Case Study- Impact of RBP in Prayagraj Division
 The graph in Fig-05 shows the comparative statement of block demanded and allowed during 2022-23
& 2023-24. From these figures it is evident that after June 2023 (Month of implementation of RBP)
block availability has significantly increased in compared to year 2022 for same period.

Overall, the RBP has been successful in reducing block deferments. This has led to improved
efficiency and safety of track maintenance work on the Indian Railways network

Case Study- Impact of RBP in Prayagraj Division

 Top 10 Divisions of IR in
respect of Demand &
Grant of Block in IR

Case Study- Impact of RBP in Prayagraj Division

 From Graph it is clear that the availability
of machine block increased to 60 to 70%
after implementation of RBP which was
40 to 50% in pre-RBP period.

Case Study- Impact of RBP in Prayagraj Division

 Although overall block availability has
increased after implementation of Rolling
Block Program, still demand of unplanned
block is high. However continuous monitoring
and counselling in field is improving the
performance as can be seen from the histogram
given below.

Case Study- Impact of RBP in Prayagraj Division

  In order to institutionalize the rolling block concept, railway board constituted
7 members committee vide Boards letter no. ERB-12023/23/48 dated 25.08.2023
to examine the proposal for inclusion of provision of Rolling Block Programme in
General & Subsidiary rule.
 Committee recommended following changes in GR and other Manuals.
1. In GR chapter 01 preliminary definition of Rolling block to be added.

PROVISIONS 2. In GR Chapter -15 P. Way works following para to be added:

i. Para 15.02 (c): Planned maintenance and execution of
IN VARIOUS infrastructure work shall normally be executed as per Rolling
block programme.
MANUALS & 3. In operating Manual Chapter-22 definition of Rolling block programme
to be added.
G&SR 4. A paragraph regarding Rolling block programme shall be added in
other relevant Manuals i.e. Permanent Way Manual, Signal Manual, AC
traction Manual by giving reference to new chapter of Operating
Manual as under: “Planned Maintenance (repair & replacement) and
execution of infrastructure works shall normally be executed as per
Rolling block programme as stipulated in Chapter 22 of Operating
Manual 2008 (with latest amendments) issued by Railway Board.”
 The Rolling Block Program introduces several challenges that need to be
addressed for its successful implementation. These challenges can be
summarized as follows:
1. Cultural Shift:
 Transitioning to a new planning and execution approach may require a

Challenges in change in the organizational culture. This cultural shift involves changing
mindsets and behaviors to adopt the new system.
2. Data collection:
Rolling Block  A huge no of data is to be collected and compiled from the field which is a
herculean task. As different agencies like DFCCIL, RVNL, Construction &

Program State agencies are working for Railways, sometimes it becomes very
difficult to obtain planning from them timely in advance.
3. Different supervisors having different jurisdiction:
 For better and effective planning Supervisor/Inspector of all executive
departments i.e., Engineering, S&T and TRD should have similar
jurisdiction so that they can sit at one place for carrying out the integrated
block planning.
 4. Advance Planning:
 Availability of Material: Ensuring that all required materials are available on time to
avoid work disruptions is difficult. Non-availability of material on time will render
complete planning in disarray.
 Availability & Deployment of Resources: Efficiently managing the allocation of
machine and manpower resources to meet project demands is great challenge. As the
availability of Human Resource cannot be predicted with 100 % surety due to uncertain

Challenges in situations like being on leave sickness, festivals etc, activities planned in RBP will be
adversely affected. Further the planning of machine changes with ongoing inspection,
for example the after a footplate inspection the deployment of machine shall change

Rolling Block
with requirement of Running.
 Power of allotment &withdrawal of machine from Division lies with HQ. Thus,
availability of machine in particular Division will depend on HQ. decision.

Program  Unforeseen Emergencies: Emergencies like Fracture, Detection of IMR etc cannot be
planned in advance. Although rolling block concept is not applicable for emergent work
but diversion of the resources to emergent works affects other planned activities. Due to
evolving nature of work in Railways, it is not easy to plan few works in advance.
 Late Running of Trains: Late running of trains adversely affects the punctuality as well
as Corridor block.
 Uncertainty in NI Planning: Planning of NI by different department outside Railways
like DFC, RVNL is uncertain. Date of NI will also depend on CRS sanction,
which is also not certain.
 5. Required Speed Restriction (Caution):
 The planning of P. Way Supervisor is highly dependent on sanction of Speed
Restriction, which in turn depends on the Engineering Time Allowance. This
planning can change due to non-sanction of speed restrictions.
6. Lack of Fixed Corridor Blocks:
 The absence of fixed corridor blocks presents a challenge in providing structure
Challenges in and consistency in block scheduling. There are many divisions where corridor
blocks are not notified. Without corridor block, rolling block program cannot be
implemented.

Rolling Block 7. Demand Beyond Fixed Corridor Blocks:

 Many departments demand the blocks beyond fixed corridor block duration

Program 
which will not be possible for operating to grant. Excess demand of the blocks
will lower the divisional rolling block performance.
In TMS stipulated machine block duration is 4 hrs whereas corridor block,
duration in division varies from 2 to 3 hrs. This mismatch will lower down the
Divisional rolling block performance.
8. Varying block demand by Operating Department: It is seen that to keep the
divisional performance satisfactory more blocks given in the branch line rather than in
Main line which defeats the actual purpose of rolling block.
 9. Involvement of Human Resource: Commitment of granting blocks still varies
from person to person
10. Weekly Review and Analysis:
 Conducting regular weekly reviews and analysis is essential for evaluating
the program's performance, identifying shortcomings, and continuously
Challenges in improving the planning and execution processes. The huge data is required
to be compiled and analysed which is very tedious job. To carry out this
job, dedicated team is required. Sectional Sr DENs, Sr DSTE & Sr
Rolling Block DEE/Trd who are responsible for planning in their section are not able to
give their required time to planning due to their over engagement.

Program
 To ease out this job uniform software/ App needs to be developed by CRIS
for utilisation over IR.
 Although Railway Board has issued instructions that the record of block
demanded, granted, actual duration and output should be updated, as usual,
in Control Office Application (COA), Track Management System (TMS),
Traction Distribution Management System (TDMS) etc. for log but still
relevant module are not available for feeding.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Rolling Block Program represents a significant
milestone in the evolution of railway operations. By introducing a 26-week &
planning horizon and emphasizing proactive coordination among different
departments, this program aims to address inefficiencies and improve the overall
management of maintenance blocks.
However, several challenges need to be carefully addressed to ensure the
program's success. These include the need for a cultural shift within the
organization, meticulous advance planning encompassing material availability,
resource deployment, and statutory compliance, as well as the incorporation of
necessary speed restrictions along with the established fixed corridor blocks. The
Non-availability of additional time allowance for work being executed by sister
agencies like DFCCIL, RVNL and Construction etc. results in disruption of already
existing 26-weeks planning. Regular weekly reviews and analysis are fundamental
to the program's success, enabling continuous improvement and adaptation to evolve
circumstances.
In the end, the Rolling Block Program has the potential to revolutionize railway
operations, offering a more efficient, flexible, and safer approach to planning and
execution of maintenance on the railway network. Its successful implementation
requires ongoing commitment, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt to changing
needs and circumstances.
References

(i) Minutes of the safety review meeting held by CRB and

CEO on date 06/06/2023.
(ii) Railway Board Letter no. ERB-12023/23/48 dated
25.08.2023.
(iii) Railway Board Letter no. 2020/Track-III/TK/2 dated
29.07.2023
(iii) Railway Board Letter no. 2020/Track-
III/TK/2 dated 29.08.2023.
(iv) Report of Committee for inclusion of Rolling Block
programme in G&SR and other manuals of Indian
Railways dated 12.09.2023.
 Minutes of meeting of
VC held on 06th June
chaired by CRB & CEO
and introduction of RBP.
Railway Board letter
No. /Track-III/TK/2
dat2020ed- 29.07.2023.
 JPO issued by Railway
Board on RBP vide letter
No. 2020/Track-III/TK/2
dated- 29.08.2023.
 DO letter No. 2020/Track-
III/TK/2 of Member Infra
Railway Board dated;
30.09.23 to GM/CR.