RRB Section Controller Written Test study materials
RRB Section Controller Written Test study resources

RRB Section Controller Written Test key terms

RRB Section Controller Written Test · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.

Absolute Block System

A method of block working in which no train is permitted to enter a block section until the previous train has cleared it and the block instrument shows 'Line Clear' from the section ahead.

Related: Block Section, Line Clear, Block Instrument
Block Section

The length of running line between two consecutive block stations over which normally only one train is allowed at a time under the absolute block system.

Related: Absolute Block System, Block Station
Block Instrument

The apparatus at a block station used to communicate and record 'Line Clear' between adjacent stations, ensuring only one train occupies a block section at a time.

Related: Line Clear, Absolute Block System
Line Clear

The authority given by the block station ahead permitting a train to enter the block section; it must be obtained before a train is dispatched and withdrawn once the train arrives.

Related: Block Instrument, Absolute Block System
Home Signal

A stop signal placed at the approach end of a station section that protects the station limits; a train may not pass it at danger without written authority.

Related: Starter Signal, Station Limits
Starter Signal

A stop signal at the departure end of a station section that controls entry of a train into the block section ahead; it is taken off only after Line Clear is obtained.

Related: Home Signal, Line Clear
Interlocking

A arrangement of signals and points in which their levers are connected so that conflicting movements cannot be set simultaneously, preventing collisions within station limits.

Related: Points, Home Signal
Points (Turnout)

The movable rails at a junction that divert a train from one track to another; their correct setting and locking are essential before a signal is taken off.

Related: Interlocking, Crossover
Crossover

A pair of connected points allowing a train to move from one parallel line to another within station limits, often used for shunting or crossing trains.

Related: Points (Turnout), Shunting
Shunting

The movement of vehicles within station limits for marshalling, attaching, detaching, or stabling, carried out under special rules and usually at restricted speed.

Related: Crossover, Marshalling Yard
Caution Order

A written instruction issued to a driver when a signal is defective or working is abnormal, specifying the speed restriction and precautions to be observed over a stretch of line.

Related: Home Signal, Detonator
Detonator (Fog Signal)

A small explosive device placed on the rail that explodes when a train passes over it, used to warn drivers during fog or when signals are defective.

Related: Caution Order, Fog Working
Fog Working

Special operating rules applied when visibility is poor, requiring reduced speeds, detonators, and additional precautions so trains can be stopped within the sighting distance.

Related: Detonator (Fog Signal), Caution Order
Station Limits

The portion of line between the home signal and the last stop signal of a station, within which shunting and station working are carried out under the station master's control.

Related: Home Signal, Shunting
Block Station

A station provided with block instruments and staff empowered to control the entry of trains into block sections in accordance with block working rules.

Related: Block Section, Block Instrument
Marshalling Yard

A yard where wagons are sorted, formed into trains, and rearranged according to destination and commodity before dispatch.

Related: Shunting, Wagon
Wagon

A railway vehicle used for carrying freight such as coal, grain, or containers; its type, capacity, and condition are recorded for traffic and tariff purposes.

Related: Marshalling Yard, Freight Rebate
Freight Rebate

A reduction in freight charges granted under specified conditions, such as volume loading or a promotional scheme, deducted from the normal tariff rate.

Related: Wagon, Tariff
Tariff

The schedule of rates, charges, and conditions fixed for the carriage of passengers and goods by rail, including classes, distances, and supplementary charges.

Related: Freight Rebate, Waybill
Waybill

The document accompanying a consignment of goods that records consignor, consignee, description, weight, and freight charged, serving as the contract of carriage.

Related: Tariff, Consignment Note
Consignment Note

A document prepared by the consignor giving particulars of goods offered for carriage, used to calculate freight and to identify the consignment throughout transit.

Related: Waybill, Claims
Claims

Formal demands made by a passenger or consignor for compensation for loss, damage, delay, or overcharge, processed under the railway's claims and refund rules.

Related: Waybill, Refund
Refund

The return of fare or freight already paid, allowed when a passenger cancels a journey or when a service is not provided, subject to prescribed rules and time limits.

Related: Claims, Tatkal Scheme
Tatkal Scheme

A scheme allowing last-minute reservation of tickets on payment of an additional charge over the normal fare, subject to separate quotas and refund conditions.

Related: Refund, Reservation Chart
Reservation Chart

The prepared list showing seat or berth allotment for each coach on a train, used by ticket checking staff to verify passengers and vacant accommodation.

Related: Tatkal Scheme, Ticket Checking
Ticket Checking

The duty of railway staff to inspect tickets and passes on trains and at stations, detect irregular travel, and realise due fares and penalties.

Related: Reservation Chart, Penalty Fare
Penalty Fare

An additional amount charged from a passenger travelling without a valid ticket or with an irregular ticket, over and above the ordinary fare for the journey.

Related: Ticket Checking, Refund
Official Language Policy

The constitutional and statutory framework requiring the progressive use of Hindi for official purposes of the Union while allowing English, as laid down in the Official Languages Act.

Related: Official Language Section, Bilingual Form
Official Language Section

The unit in a railway office responsible for implementing the official language policy, translating documents, and conducting Hindi workshops and inspections.

Related: Official Language Policy, Bilingual Form
Bilingual Form

A form or notice printed in both Hindi and English so that it is understood by all staff and users, as required under the official language provisions.

Related: Official Language Policy, Official Language Section
Hindi Salahkar Samiti

The Hindi Advisory Committee constituted in a ministry or department to review and recommend measures for the progressive use of Hindi in official work.

Related: Official Language Policy, Official Language Section
Staff Benefit Fund

A fund maintained from railway contributions and used for the welfare of employees, such as scholarships, medical aid, and recreational facilities.

Related: Pass Rules, Leave Rules
Pass Rules

The rules governing the issue of free or concessional travel passes and privilege tickets to railway employees and their dependants, including eligibility and validity.

Related: Staff Benefit Fund, Leave Rules
Leave Rules

The regulations determining the kinds of leave available to railway employees, how leave is earned, sanctioned, and how it affects pay and service benefits.

Related: Pass Rules, Staff Benefit Fund
Running Allowance

An allowance paid to running staff such as drivers and guards for the time spent on duty away from headquarters, calculated on the basis of kilometres run.

Related: Leave Rules, Pass Rules
Duty Roster

A published schedule showing the turns of duty, rest periods, and sign-on and sign-off times of running and station staff.

Related: Running Allowance, Station Limits
Sign-On and Sign-Off

The formal reporting and release of running staff at the beginning and end of a duty turn, recorded in the roster and used for calculating hours of work.

Related: Duty Roster, Running Allowance
Brakedown Van

A van attached to a train for the guard, equipped with a handbrake and communication means, from which the guard supervises the train's safe running.

Related: Guard, Absolute Block System