In a swift response to concerns raised by loco pilots, the East Central Railway zone has commenced the installation of air conditioning units in running rooms at the Saharsa junction. The decision comes after the loco pilots boycotted the use of the non-air-conditioned running rooms due to unbearable heat on May 9, opting instead to rest in the crew lobby, a space not meant for long periods of rest.
The Samastipur division, under which Saharsa falls, took immediate action to address the issue by placing an order for 273 air conditioning units to be installed in running rooms and common areas. Railway officials confirmed that the installation process has already begun, with several rooms now equipped with ACs. It is expected that all rooms will be fitted with air conditioning within the next day or two.
D.P. Srivastav, zonal president of the All India Loco Running Staff Association, expressed satisfaction with the decision, noting that the previous practice of hiring ACs from private companies during the summer months had led to inconsistencies. “The private companies would remove the ACs after the tender period expired, and the railway administration would begin the process of issuing a new tender for the next season. This often resulted in delays, causing loco pilots to rest in uncomfortable conditions,” Srivastav said.
The new move to purchase the AC units directly is seen as a much-needed solution to ensure the well-being of loco pilots during the hot summer months. Loco pilots had raised concerns that the rising temperatures were making it difficult to rest properly in the running rooms, which is crucial for their alertness and safe train operations. Without adequate rest, many were forced to sleep on the floor of the crew lobby, which is not designed for overnight stays.
“A sound sleep is essential for a loco pilot to safely operate the trains,” said one of the loco pilots. “The railway administration must ensure that proper facilities are available for us to rest. We are glad to see that action is finally being taken.”
The installation of ACs in the running rooms marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs of the railway staff at Saharsa junction, ensuring that they have a comfortable and conducive environment for rest during their off-duty hours.
Sources By Agencies
