The Indian Railways is considering withdrawing a decades-old policy of guards protecting the rear of the train stopped at home signal using explosives to prevent a collision.
Passenger and freight trains being stopped at the first stop signal or a home signal ahead of railway stations is a usual practice owing to operational reasons like the availability of line/path for the incoming train. However, when the detention of such trains exceeds 15 minutes, the general rules for Indian Railways prescribe for the guard to protect the rear of the train from any possible collision by a train approaching from behind.
The guard is duty-bound to place detonators at certain distances that will trigger multiple minor explosions with a loud noise when a train passes on them giving an alert to the loco pilot of obstruction ahead. The practice continued despite advancements in signal and communication technologies over the years.
