The Railway Department is a huge trading concern, and, from time to time, requires re-organisation and delegation of authority to meet the varying conditions of operation. The control of the system is therefore divided amongst different branches, the Maintenance Branch being responsible for the upkeep of the track and buildings, the Locomotive Branch for the repair and manufacture of rolling stock, and the Operating Branch for the general working of the machine. The Operating Branch carries on the business of transportation for which the Railway exists, aided thereto by the work of the other Branches engaged in keeping the running track, buildings and rolling stock in good condition.

Railway operating includes the making of suitable timetables, the running of trains, the control and distribution of rolling stock, the work of engines and train crews, the allocation to the various trains of the work to be performed, the shunting and marshalling of vehicles, working of goods sheds, and the general conditions of carriage; in short, all such matters as pertain to the transportation of passengers and goods.