Which trains are allowed through first?

A situation when one a train lets another one pass, is well known to those who often have to travel by rail. It is logical to assume that this procedure is carried out according to special rules. But what are they - who has priority for travel, which train is considered the most important?


Yes, indeed, there is a Ministry order regulating the operating conditions of railways in Russia (Order No. 250 of June 23, 2022). It is there that it is written who should give way to whom.

Trains of primary importance

The most important of them are emergency and recovery ones: it is understandable - until the reason why it is impossible to travel along the track is eliminated, further movement will be blocked. The train includes platforms with repair equipment, construction materials, cranes, cars with Russian Railways employees. Fire trains also have priority, as do snow removal railcars.


Next in line are military trains transporting military equipment and personnel. Such trains are especially important in the event of war. But even in peacetime, to avoid confusion, they are simply considered second in importance.

International

In addition to special purpose trains transporting heads of state (remember the North Korean leaders!), passenger trains are important. And international ones have priority here.


They, in turn, also have a certain "ranking" associated with the speed of movement. This value can be route or design. In the first case, this refers to a figure that takes into account all stops along the way, braking, acceleration. In the second case, this is the "maximum" to which the train can accelerate without harming its technical condition.


There are four categories in total. The fastest are high-speed trains, covering 200 or more kilometers per hour. An example is the international Allegro train, which ran between Helsinki and St. Petersburg before the well-known events. The second place in priority is occupied by high-speed trains, covering at least 91 km per hour. At the same time, they are allowed to accelerate to 141-200 km/h. On the third and fourth "steps" are trains called express and passenger. They develop 50-91 and up to 50 km/h on the route, respectively.

Russian long-distance trains

They travel only within the territory of the Russian Federation. Like the international ones described above, they are divided into four categories depending on the route speed.


However, trains that only travel within Russia will allow those going abroad and back to pass.

Suburban, mail and baggage trains

Electric trains, some “weekend” carriages pulled by a local diesel locomotive, will let any passenger trains pass.


Even if it is a high-speed Lastochka, it is still obliged to give way to a train with people on board, following a long route. Mail and baggage trains have even lower priority.

Who lets everyone through?

The chain is closed by freight trains. Along with them are the so-called service trains, which look like a "hodgepodge". It consists of platforms with cargo, cars for workers - everything that is necessary to maintain the tracks in proper condition. And the list is closed by single locomotives.

How do some trains let others through?

This happens at technical stops, which are at stations, special points and sidings. The first place is clear, the second is a passing (side) railway, specially built for these purposes. If the route has a railway only in one direction, then, for example, to pass an overtaking train, a siding is used. It has from one to three tracks.