Travel Authority T/A 912 Form

Source– This post on Travel Authority T/A 912 has been created based on the article “After train crash, Eastern Railway prohibits issuance of TA-912 for loco pilots” published in “The Hindu” on 20 June 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, a goods train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express after being authorized by the station master to pass all red signals using T/A 912. Following this, Eastern Railway decided to suspend the issuance of TA-912.

About Travel Authority T/A 912

1. TA-912 is a type of paper authority issued by railway authorities to loco pilots in situations where there is a signal failure. This document authorizes the loco pilots to proceed past a red signal, which would otherwise indicate that the train must stop.

2. Purpose of TA-912- The primary purpose of TA-912 is to manage train movements during signal failures, ensuring that trains can continue to operate even when the signaling system is not functioning correctly. This helps to avoid significant delays and congestion on the railway network.

3. Issuance of TA-912- TA-912 is issued by the stationmaster or an equivalent authority when there is a signal failure. This document serves as an official permission for the train to proceed past a red signal under specific conditions outlined in the authority.

4. Suspension of TA-912- Following the tragic train crash involving a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal, Eastern Railway has decided to suspend the issuance of TA-912. This decision was made during a meeting with senior railway officials, including the General Manager, Principal Chief Safety Officer, and Principal Heads of Departments. The suspension aims to prevent further accidents under similar circumstances.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance