The potential for car parking tensile structures to be used in urban areas or other constrained spaces.

A) section 11 of the Indian Railways Act No.24 of 1989, and section 11 in the Government Buildings Act No. IV of 1899, read together along with Sec.291 of the Cantonments Act No. II of 1924 grant the right to build buildings on their land through Railways without the need to seek permission from the municipal or Cantonment authorities within the area where the property is located. In urban regions where authorities such as the Urban Development Authority must be consultative and the rules set by them are followed. Local or municipal authorities can however be consulted, when appropriate in relation to sewer lines, water connections and sewage disposal issues. car parking tensile b) The positioning of structures or buildings within the vicinity of tracks in curves is to be avoided. The locations should be carefully chosen to ensure that they do not impair the view of the drivers of trains or road vehicles at the level crossings. In the event that it is possible, the site of construction or other structures must be placed at the boundaries of the land to prevent over-spreading and to also make sure that land is available for tracks in the future. C) Multi-storeyed apartments should only be constructed in the context of land cost or shortage. To construct independent bungalows with the approval of the General Manager must be obtained. In those areas where bye-laws are in force, they are being notified by Local Authorities, not withstanding the fact that bye-laws do not apply to Railway buildings, it will. be in the public interest to adopt bye-laws that are regarded as being a good procedure. In the event that a provision is included in the bye-laws that regulate fire-fighting arrangements, the rules outlined in the National Building Code may be adhered to. (d) In those areas that have not yet been issued, it would be beneficial to adopt the rules in the National Building Code of India 1983 Part III. e) If a substantial quantity of Type I and 'H' single-storeyed quarters are planned to be built, they are required to be constructed in 2-unit blocks with adequate ventilation and lighting that is in line with the optimal usage of the land. 202 Planning of Railway Staff Colonies (a) Buildings' orientation:- The primary goal of orienting buildings is to ensure an emotionally and physically comfortable environment inside the building , by creating conditions that are able to effectively ward off the negative impacts of severe weather conditions to their maximum degree. From the perspective of ventilation and lighting the following climatic elements affect the best position of the building-- (i) Light and temperatures from the sun. (ii) Predominant winds (iii) The relative humidity Car parking Tensile In coastal regions due to the less temperature variation during the day as well as high humidity the focus should be on the prevailing winds. In other places in other areas, the emphasis should be placed on securing against sunlight. The most optimal orientation from a the solar viewpoint is that the structure as a whole receives the most solar energy during winter and the least in summer. In major stations, and when there are new colonies being built such as the case of new Workshops, the assistance of an architect can be sought out to help finalize the design. (b) Water drainage and supply: Sullage and water supply in a suitable manner and storm water drainage systems should be made available. A water system must be constructed with a minimum of minimum 200 litersper daily per person (which comprises 45 litres to meet flushing requirements) with adequate allowances made for the gardens. If common hydrants are available they may be fitted with water taps that are suitable for removing waste. For buildings with multiple stories, tanks can be installed to help fight fires according to the rules that have been enacted. If water-borne wastewater .or exists within the vicinity open drains or soak-pits should be avoided and a suitable underground system is provided. In the case of colonies that have a sufficient water piped supply, with overhead storage facilities and there is no sewerage system within the vicinity underground sewerage system that has at least two tanks for septic in accordance to the design of the soil should be constructed. Guidelines for choosing the most appropriate sanitation system are laid out in the Annexure 2.1. Latrines and urinals are not permitted within 15 meters of the living areas or 30 meters from any food stall or cookhouse or food stall, and 45 meters from any well that supplies drinking water and should be kept from any public structures that are located near railway stations. (c) Dustbins They should be placed conveniently in relation to the quarters, and are regularly cleaned by the conservancy personnel. For multi-story structures, garbage chutes can be installed with an opening on each floor, with the option of closing the doors. (d) Trees that are a good shade Shady trees such as Gulmohur Neem and Gulmohur are required on service routes at frequent intervals. These trees must be placed on the periphery of parking spaces and in the circulating zones at railway stations. Certain ornamental trees such as Alstonia, Kachnar, Bottlebrush, Cassia, Silver oak, Mulsari, Plumeria, Ashoka and other shrubs such as Chandani, Gardinia, Chinese Orange and Jatruca could as well be planted. For the beautification of the stations' circulating areas and stations, the services from the Horticulturist could be accessed. Gardens can be maintained in areas of circulation by voluntary organizations or business houses with conditions and terms to protect the interests and rights of railways. (f) Playgrounds for children: An open area located in a suitable area of the colony can be reserved to entertain and play sports for the employees and their children. (g) Vendor's shops or stalls could be constructed according to the dimensions, controlled by local laws and leased out on lease to traders for grain and meat, vegetables fruit, and other necessities. These must be constructed in railway towns only if shops aren't available within a reasonable distance. The personal approval of the General Manager is required for this type of construction. 203 General Design Requirement of Buildings (a) The levels of the building's plinth must be fixed with care according to the soil level and the general drainage features. The plinth level must be higher than the road level. Constructions during their construction must be protected from dampness, with treatment being controlled by the specific type of construction, the location and soil as well as the rain-fall. (b) When it is considered to be required, treatment against termites is recommended prior to construction. (c) The floor level of bathrooms must be designed in mind the style of fittings for sanitary use to be installed. (d) The location of fixtures for sanitary purposes pipes, inspection holes and other sanitary fixtures must be planned to prevent damage and then patching the flooring and walls. The floor level must be appropriately lower to stop water from finding its entrance into the living area. (e) Blinds that are mosquito proof are required in the Type IV and higher quarters as well as in kitchens and bathrooms of all kinds of quarters. (f) The location of conduits used for hidden wiring and other installation services must be decided at the beginning in consultation with the Electrical and Signalling Departments. (g) Design of significant structures like hospitals office buildings, station buildings, etc are to be finalised by consulting with an architect. (h) The arrangement of the kitchens in canteens, and the counters for serving, must be designed that the canteen is functional. (i) The addition or alteration of the structure that is already in place should be undertaken in the absence of approval from the drawings and designs from the Hqrs. office. A particular care must be taken to determine the strength of the structure in place to bear the load planned to be put on the structure. No building drawing (including that for additions/alterations) should be approved without the relevant designs being put up to the concerned Engineer along with the Drawings. The plans should always contain the foundation design. Drawings of the general arrangements must be approved by an officer in Hqrs. Not less that the grade of SAG within the office of the Chief Engineer (Open Line). Further, in Station Buildings and other important structures, no additions/alterations should be carried out without the prior approval of the general arrangement plan by the concerned SAG officer in the office of Chief Engineer (Open Line). (j) It is important to assured that cross-references between the drawing and design calculations are acknowledged on both sides and that the record is maintained with the same care for design calculations and drawings. (k) When examining the design, accurate information about the physical state of the structure, the details of any indication of settlement, distress etc. along with any pertinent aspect that affects the stability and integrity of the structure, including the types of soil must be reported to the Hqrs. 204 Water Supply to Stations and Staff Quarters. (a) Source storage and distribution of water supplies should be sufficient and all facilities maintained in a good way. b) The issue of adequacy with respect to the source must be thought of prior to preparing plans for expansion of an existing colony or to establish new colonies. Before deciding on a fresh source of supply , or when there is doubt with regards to the transferability of water coming from the existing supply the appropriate test can be conducted at a well-known Laboratory. Medical Department may be called to conduct periodic inspections of the existing supplies of water.