Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Loco Pilots' Union Alleges Falsified Duty Records by Railway Zones
Imagine train drivers work shifts, and there are rules about how long they can work to keep everyone safe.
Now, some people are saying that the bosses are changing the records to make it look like the drivers aren't working too long, even though they are.
This is happening because there aren't enough drivers, and the bosses are trying to hide that they are making the current drivers work too hard.
The drivers' union is worried because this could make train travel unsafe.
The bosses in one area were told to stop doing this and will be punished if caught.
Loco pilots' union alleges manipulation of working hours to hide overutilisation.
Railway zones are accused of falsely entering duty breaks to conceal excessive hours.
The All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) reports rule violations due to staff shortages.
Dhanbad division issued a circular warning against the insertion of false duty breaks.
Data reveals thousands of instances of manipulated working hours in various divisions.
- Who
- All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), officials in various railway zones, loco pilots.
- What
- Loco pilots' union alleges manipulation of working hours to hide overutilisation.
- When
- The report was auto-generated from PTI news service, which was on August 2, 2024; recent data shows this happening in May and June 2025.
- Where
- Multiple railway divisions, including East Central Railway (ECR), Dhanbad, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar, Danapur, Samastipur, and Sonpur.
- Why
- To conceal overwork by loco pilots and avoid detection of excessive working hours, violating safety norms.
Loco Pilots’ Union
Railway Administration
Working Hour Manipulation
Loco Pilots’ Union
Railway zones are manipulating working hours in the Crew Management System (CMS).
Railway Administration
Railway administration denies the allegations or hasn't responded.
Staffing and Amenities
Loco Pilots’ Union
Concerns overstaffing shortages are making pilots work overtime.
Railway Administration
The Railway Ministry claims to have initiated aggressive recruitment and created amenities.
- Accusation
- Manipulation of loco pilots' working hours
- Union Involved
- All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA)
- Main Concern
- Safety due to excessive working hours
- Action Taken
- Dhanbad division issued a circular against false duty breaks
- Reported Instances
- Thousands of instances across several divisions