Postal Manual Vol. VIII - India Post

CHAPTER 10
BREAKS AND ACCIDENTS
440. Interruptions – The procedure to be followed when the mail service on a Railway is
interrupted must necessarily depend on the nature and importance of the interruption, and the
consequences it is likely to entail. Supervising officers must, in each case, determine at their own
discretion whether a break or accident is sufficiently important to require the adoption of the
measures indicated in this chapter in their entirely.
441. Receipt of intelligence – The Superintendent of the Division in which any
interruption to the Railway Mail Service occurs, will receive intimation of the break or accident by
telegraph from the head sorter of the set on duty, and probably also from the Railway authorities.
He should lose no time in proceeding to the scene of the interruption or, if not able to go himself,
in despatching the Assistant Superintendent, if available, otherwise a sub-divisional Inspector or a
competent record clerk.
442. Intimation to Heads of Circles and local authrorities - The instant intelligence is
received by the Superintendent of a break or accident which is likely to cause interruption to the
ordinary service or delay in the transit of mails or any change in the arrangements of post offices,
he must immediately communicate the news by telegraph to the Head of each Circle, that is likely
to be affected by the occurrence in any way, mentioning briefly what steps are being taken to meet
the emergency, as well as the hours at which mails delayed on account of the break may be
expected at their destinations, and the route by which such mails will be forwarded. A fuller
written account to the same effect should follow by the earliest opportunity. Subsequently, the
Superintendent should acquaint the local officers (Superintendents of post offices and R.M.S. and
postmasters) with what goes on and make his arrangements in communication with them, so that
confusion may be avoided.
443. Intimation to Head of Circle – The Superintendent, R.M.S. is also required to give
the earliest news of a break or accident by telegraph to his Head of the Circle stating such
particulars as are known and mentioning the arrangements made to meet the emergency. In cases
of breaks extending over a considerable distance, or of a series of breaks, where the assistance
available in the Division is insufficient, the Superintendent may request the Head of the Circle to
depute officers from other Divisions to assist him. The Superintendent should furnish the Head of
the Circle with early and full information during the continuance of the interruption.
444. Arrangements in anticipation of requirements – If necessary the officer proceeding
to the scene of the break or accident should be accompanied by an extra staff of officials to take
charge of mails when carried across gaps, or to form new sets. He should also take a supply of
tarpulins where necessary, for the protection of the mails from wet weather. It will also be
advisable for him to provide himself with a sufficient amount of money to meet any contingent
charges that may have to be incurred. The advance needed should be obtained under receipt from
the head record office; or if the amount there available is insufficient, the Head of the Circle
should be asked by telegraphs to arrange for the supply of the requisite funds. The officer receiving
the advance will be responsible for keeping a strict account of it and, where possible, for obtaining
receipts on account of all payments that he may take.
445. Arrangements on the spot – On the occurrence of any interruption to the mail
service, it is the duty of every official on the spot not only to make the best arrangements possible