(1) The gross weight of every wagon or truck bearing on the axles when the wagon or truck is loaded to its maximum carrying capacity shall not exceed such limit as may be fixed by the Central Government for the class of axle under the wagon or truck.
(2) Subject to the limit fixed under sub-section (1), every railway administration shall determine the normal carrying capacity for every wagon or truck in its possession and shall exhibit in words and figures the normal carrying capacity so determined in a conspicuous manner on the outside of every such wagon or truck.
(3) Every person owning a wagon or truck which passes over a railway shall determine and exhibit the normal carrying capacity for the wagon or truck in the manner specified in sub-section (2).
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), where a railway administration considers it necessary or expedient so to do in respect of any wagon or truck carrying any specified class of goods or any class of wagons or trucks of any specified type, it may vary the normal carrying capacity for such wagon or truck or such class of wagons or trucks and subject to such conditions as it may think fit to impose, determine for the wagon or truck or class of wagons or trucks such carrying capacity as may be specified in the notification and it shall not be necessary to exhibit the words and figures representing the carrying capacity so determined on the outside of such wagon or truck or such class of wagons or trucks.
Simplified Explanation
Section 72 of the Railways Act, 1989 establishes regulations concerning the maximum carrying capacity of wagons and trucks used for transporting goods via railway. This section ensures that railway wagons and trucks are not overloaded beyond their safe carrying capacity, thus protecting both the infrastructure and the goods being transported.
Key Provisions:
- Gross Weight Limit (Sub-section 1):
- The gross weight of a wagon or truck (i.e., the weight of the wagon or truck along with the goods it carries) when it is loaded to its maximum carrying capacity must not exceed the weight limit set by the Central Government. This weight limit is determined based on the class of axle under the wagon or truck.
- This provision aims to prevent damage to the railway tracks and infrastructure, as excessive weight can cause undue strain on the system.
- Normal Carrying Capacity (Sub-section 2):
- Every railway administration must determine the normal carrying capacity for each wagon or truck it owns and operates.
- The normal carrying capacity should be prominently displayed on the outside of the wagon or truck, both in words and figures, making it clear to operators, transporters, and regulatory authorities.
- This ensures that everyone involved in the operation and use of the wagons and trucks is aware of the maximum weight the vehicle is intended to carry.
- Ownership Responsibility (Sub-section 3):
- Wagon or truck owners are also required to determine and exhibit the normal carrying capacity of their wagons or trucks. The information must be displayed in the same manner as prescribed in sub-section (2), i.e., clearly and conspicuously on the exterior of the vehicle.
- This ensures that private owners comply with the same safety standards as the railway administrations regarding the safe load limits.
- Variation of Normal Carrying Capacity (Sub-section 4):
- In some cases, the railway administration may find it necessary to modify the normal carrying capacity of certain wagons or trucks. This is particularly applicable when carrying a specific class of goods or for certain types of wagons or trucks that may have special characteristics.
- The railway administration can determine a different carrying capacity for these specific cases and may issue a notification to this effect. This is an exception to the rule in sub-sections (2) and (3).
- When this variation is made, it is not required to exhibit the new carrying capacity on the outside of the wagon or truck, which may help streamline the transport of specialized goods.
Practical Implications:
- Preventing Overloading: The primary goal of this section is to ensure that wagons and trucks are not overloaded, which could lead to damage to the rail infrastructure, increase the risk of accidents, and reduce the safety of the goods being transported.
- Clear Standards and Accountability: By requiring that the normal carrying capacity be clearly displayed on all wagons and trucks, the railway system provides a clear standard that helps operators and others involved in the transport of goods comply with safety regulations. This transparency helps avoid accidents or misunderstandings related to weight limits.
- Flexibility for Special Goods: The provision allowing the railway administration to vary the normal carrying capacity of specific wagons or trucks, particularly when carrying specialized or dangerous goods, ensures that the system remains flexible and can adapt to different transport needs.
- Legal Compliance for Wagon Owners: Wagon or truck owners, whether private or public, are legally obligated to comply with these regulations by determining and displaying the normal carrying capacity. This creates an additional layer of accountability for private sector participants in the railway transport system.
Example:
- Example 1: A private company using its own wagons for transporting chemicals may be required to display the normal carrying capacity on the outside of each wagon. If the company intends to carry a specific class of chemicals that need special handling, the railway administration may adjust the carrying capacity limit for those specific wagons.
- Example 2: A railway administration may decide that certain types of freight, such as perishable goods, require special handling. In this case, they might temporarily adjust the carrying capacity limit for those specific types of wagons, ensuring they can accommodate the special needs of the goods.
Conclusion:
Section 72 of the Railways Act, 1989 regulates the maximum carrying capacity for wagons and trucks used in railway transport. It establishes a framework to ensure that railway vehicles are not overloaded beyond their safe limits, with provisions for displaying the capacity and allowing modifications in specific cases. This contributes to the safety and efficiency of the railway system while providing flexibility for specialized transportation needs.
