The decision comes amidst an increasing major train accidents across the country where human error was often attributed as the reason.
Indian Railways has turned down a long-standing request from Loco Pilots for scheduled breaks during duty hours for meals and attending to personal needs. Citing recommendations from a high-level committee, the Railway Board stated that mandating such breaks is not operationally feasible, the Hindu reported.
This decision comes at a time when the country has witnessed a rise in major train accidents, many of which have been linked to human error.
The Railways also addressed concerns regarding the installation of Crew Voice & Video Recording Systems (CVVRS) in locomotive cabins. It clarified that the move does not infringe on crew members' privacy, but is intended to support them through post-incident analysis.
바카라This system does not impose any additional workload on the crew. It is purely a tool to enhance operational efficiency and ensure the safe operation of trains,바카라 the Railway Board said in a communication to all Zonal Railway General Managers.
On the recommendations of the multi-disciplinary committee comprising five Executive Directors of the Railway Board and the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the research arm of the railways, the definition of High-Speed Trains was increased from the existing 110 kmph to 130 kmph. The committee also recommended that an Assistant Loco Pilot be deployed in Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains operating for distances exceeding 200 kmph or more.
The All India Loco Running Staff Association condemned the decision of the Railway Board which was based on the recommendations of the multi-disciplinary committee, which the association said, were unrealistic and unfounded. In a letter to the Chief Executive Officer/Chairman Railway Board, AILRSA, secretary-general K.C. James said the committee had failed to conduct job evaluation to assess the increase in stress level of Loco Pilots with the increase in the speed from 110 to 130 kmph. The outright denial of break for attending nature바카라s call with no toilet facility in locomotives was unacceptable, he said.