The basic layout of the formation of the station form of departure and shunting yard side-by-side layout of the horizontal column, arrival and shunting yard and departure yard sequential arrangement of the longitudinal column, as well as a mixture of the two forms of arrangement, that is, the arrival and shunting yard longitudinal layout, and departure and shunting yard side-by-side layout. If the upstream and downstream direction *** with a set of shunting equipment, said one-way grouping station; if the upstream and downstream directions are equipped with shunting equipment, said two-way grouping station. Grouping station according to its role in the line can be road network, regional and local; according to the degree of modernization of shunting equipment can be automated, mechanized and non-mechanized. Advanced grouping station using automation system, the use of electronic computers to control the grouping station operation and processing data. Realization of the grouping station automation, can improve operational efficiency and improve labor conditions.