Loco Pilots Protest Against Neglect and Workload; Thousands Gather at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: The All India Loco Running Staff Association has initiated a massive protest against the severe neglect and work overload faced by loco pilots and assistant loco pilots in Indian Railways. The protest began at 9:30 AM today at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with MP Dr. John Brittas inaugurating the event.

Tomorrow (March 28), there will be a Rights Declaration Convention at Harkishan Bhawan. The demands include raising the income tax exemption limit for the running allowance, which has not been revised for over ten years, from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. Additionally, a 25% increase in the running allowance is being demanded. The issues with mileage allowance need to be addressed, and the working hours should be fixed at 8 hours per day. Continuous night duties should be limited to two, and a 16-hour rest period at the base station along with 30 hours of weekly rest should be ensured.

The increasing length and speed of trains (now up to 160 km/h) have doubled the workload for loco pilots. Every year, around 600 employees suffer from mental and physical health issues due to pressure. The lack of appointments for vacant positions since 2018 has forced existing staff to take on an additional 20-30% of work.

The Association highlighted that the denial of leave and rest is creating a serious situation that even affects train safety. The convention on the 28th will be inaugurated by prominent human rights activist Colin Gonsalves.

At today's protest, several prominent figures voiced their support Hemalatha, VP, CITU; Manish Harinandan, NREU/IREF; Mukesh Asim, Sarvhara Jan Morcha; Dharmendra Kumar Verma, Kamgar Ekta Committee; KC James, Secretary General of AILRSA; Paraskumar, Jt. Secretary General; and R. K. Rana, Jt. Secretary General. The protest was presided over by Ram Raj Bhagat, Central President of AILRSA, and Padam Singh Gangwar, who welcomed the gathering, while Mohan Chandra Pandey, Central Treasurer, delivered the vote of thanks. More than 1,000 loco pilots from all 17 railway zones across India gathered to voice their concerns and demand better working conditions, fair compensation, and enhanced safety measures.