Loco pilots protest in Nagpur division over extra duties, tail lamp order

Loco pilots and assistant loco pilots took to the streets at various lobbies of the Nagpur division on Wednesday. They strongly opposed the additional responsibilities being placed on them. The protest was led by the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA).

The running staff said their real job is to run trains safely. They said they would not accept carrying the physical burden of safety equipment and hauling luggage like porters.

The staff also opposed a letter issued on September 23 by the Traffic Director of the Railway Board. The letter says that on a train running without a train manager, the responsibility for the tail lamp will be given to the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot.

Association office-bearers made it clear that they have no objection to using the FSD (fog safe device), detonators and other safety equipment. Their objection is that the equipment has to be carried from the lobby to the engine and its weight has to be lifted.

The association demanded that the equipment be kept on the engine itself. If that is not possible, it said, the railway administration should make some other arrangement to take it to the loco and to load and unload it.

The running staff said they are already working under pressure from staff shortages, little rest, heavy workload and irregular duty hours. Placing more physical responsibility on them is not right, they said.

The association demanded that the tail lamp order be withdrawn. It also demanded that the administration itself arrange the FSD and detonators. It warned that the agitation would be intensified if a decision on these demands is not taken soon.

A large number of loco pilots, senior loco pilots and assistant loco pilots took part in the protest. CRMS, JRKU, MRKS, RKS and NRMU also extended their support.