- Catch Siding:
- When gradients are steeper than 1:80, falling toward a station, catch sidings come into play.
- Their purpose is to prevent vehicles (trains or rolling stock) from entering the station section from the block section.
- Catch sidings act as a safety measure, ensuring runaway trains or vehicles don’t endanger the main line.
- These sidings are interlocked with block instruments and should not be used for shunting or stabling purposes.
- Slip Siding:
- On Indian Railways, the maximum gradient permitted is 1:400 (usually allowed within the station yard).
- However, if steeper gradients cannot be avoided within the station yard due to geographic conditions, condonation of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) is required.
- Slip sidings are provided in such cases to prevent vehicles from entering the block section.
- They serve as a safety buffer, ensuring that trains do not inadvertently move into the main line.
- Like catch sidings, slip sidings must also be interlocked with block instruments.
Remember, both catch and slip sidings play crucial roles in maintaining safety and preventing accidents on the Indian Railway network.
