Following a spotlight on the working conditions of loco pilots by prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi, the Ministry of Railways has formed a high-level committee to investigate and propose solutions for the issues they face.
Committee Aims to Address Longstanding Grievances of Loco Pilots
The newly formed committee, composed of top Railway Board officials, aims to address various challenges faced by loco pilots, including long working hours, inadequate rest periods, and substandard facilities. These concerns were recently brought to the forefront by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, who interacted with loco pilots at New Delhi Railway Station and shared their grievances on social media.
Several MPs from Tamil Nadu also raised these issues with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasizing the need for prompt action. The committee will engage in discussions with trade unions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the problems and formulate recommendations.
Key Issues on the Agenda: Safety, Working Conditions, and Regulations
The committee’s agenda includes several critical matters. One key demand is the reclassification of high-speed trains from the current 110 kmph threshold to 130 kmph, along with the deployment of co-pilots in EMU/MEMU trains. Ensuring the optimal utilization of manpower and revisiting protocols related to the deployment of loco pilots after Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) incidents are also on the table.
The All India Loco Running Staff Association and other unions have been advocating for legislation to mandate breaks for meals and attending to personal needs, which the committee will also address. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the Railway Board by August 11, 2024.
Additional Committee to Investigate Signal Confusion After Recent Accidents
In response to recent train accidents attributed to signaling system lapses, the Ministry of Railways has established another high-level committee to examine issues related to signal differentiation. This committee, led by the Chief Signal Engineer of North Central Railway, will focus on addressing confusion in reading signals where third lines run parallel to up and down lines in non-suburban sections. The committee will propose solutions to prevent such confusion and the Signal Branch in the Railway Board will oversee the implementation of their recommendations.
Key Takeaways:
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Railway Board forms committee to address loco pilot concerns. | Following concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi and MPs. |
| Committee to address long working hours, inadequate rest, and facilities. | Through discussions with trade unions. |
| Key issues include train speed classification, co-pilot deployment. | And protocols for loco pilot deployment after SPAD incidents. |
| Additional committee to investigate signal confusion after accidents. | Led by Chief Signal Engineer of North Central Railway. |
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Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
