A dispatcher controls operations by dividing the whole Northern Line into the following five sections: section between Bangkok and Ban Sue, section between Ban Sue and Lop Buri, section between Lop Buri and Chumsaeng, section between Chumsaeng and Sila At, and section between Sila At and Chiang Mai. However, because the dispatcher is busy in drawing an actual train diagram of the day on white paper by receiving the information of trains from a station master, it may be difficult to check a slight delay of a train.
Moreover, though the construction of CTC is completed between Bangkok and Lop Buri, the use of it is not started because commissioning is not completed.
Main job descriptions of a dispatcher are designated as shown below.
- Drawing an actual train operation diagram by monitoring train operation.
- In charge of Giving a command for crossing changes if necessary
- Informing the neighboring control section(s) of train operation condition.
- Informing cause of certain train delay to Station Masters.
Locomotive inspector, and people concerned such as in charge of cleaning and maintenance during time period of shuttling back.
- Coordinating simultaneously with Traffic Inspector, Locomotive Inspector, Permanent Way Chief Inspector and other people concerned when he is informed about accident in train operation.
- Giving order to TM's memorandum to station masters to detach or attach coaches and/or wagons to a certain train.
- In charge of giving command for allowing loading, unloading or detaching or attaching empty wagon(s) to a certain freight train on a section between two stations which expected time consumption is not more than 15 minutes.
