What action must be taken if a track is damaged?

When a track is damaged, the priority is to ensure the safety of train operations. Immediate repairs are essential to restore the integrity of the track before it can be used again. Using damaged tracks poses significant safety risks, including derailments or accidents, which can endanger both train crews and passengers.

Repairing the track before use ensures that it meets all safety standards and is operationally sound. This proactive approach prevents the potential for further damage or safety hazards, thus maintaining the overall safety and reliability of the rail system. Ensuring that tracks are in a safe condition is a fundamental part of railway operations, and immediate repairs are the appropriate response to track damage.

In contrast, allowing trains to pass at reduced speed, displaying a caution signal, or obtaining clearance from the dispatcher may not adequately address the underlying issue of the track damage and could lead to dangerous situations.