What should a dispatcher do upon receiving a report of rough track or a dip in the rail?

When a dispatcher receives a report of rough track or a dip in the rail, the appropriate action is to hold all trains clear of the affected track. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of both train operations and personnel. Rough track conditions can pose significant hazards, such as derailments or mechanical failures, which can lead to accidents. By holding trains clear, the dispatcher prevents any potential incidents and allows for necessary inspections and repairs to be conducted without the interference of moving trains.

While sending an inspector immediately or notifying the crew to proceed with caution are important aspects of response protocols, these actions do not address the immediate need to eliminate any risks to train operations on that specific section of track. Requesting the train to continue at reduced speed could still expose it to unsafe conditions, as the speed may not be slow enough to prevent an accident should a serious issue arise.

Holding trains clear is the most effective way to safeguard against accidents while enabling the necessary steps to assess and rectify the situation appropriately. This precautionary measure ensures that the safety of all train operations is prioritized during adverse track conditions.