Hundreds of loco running staff under the South Western Railway (SWR) zone are gearing up for a 48-hour nationwide hunger strike starting Tuesday. The protest, organized by the All-India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), aims to highlight the railway ministry's continued neglect of their critical demands related to safety protocols and welfare measures.
Core Grievances: Exhaustion and Overwork
The association has raised severe concerns about the deteriorating working conditions for locomotive pilots and assistant pilots. In a formal letter addressed to the railway minister on November 27, the AILRSA outlined a pattern of systemic issues. They allege that staff are routinely deprived of the legally mandated 16 hours of daily rest and 30 hours of weekly rest.
Instead, they are forced to work 12-hour shifts, which are often extended indefinitely under the threat of disciplinary action. This chronic fatigue, coupled with severe staff shortages, creates a dangerous environment for train operations.
Voices from the Cab: "Work 365 Days a Year"
Speaking to the media, loco pilots shared their daily struggles. A veteran pilot with over three decades of service explained the erratic nature of their rest periods. "Rest hours are inconsistent — sometimes eight hours, sometimes 16, sometimes even 20," he said. Describing a recent grueling schedule, he added, "Yesterday, I travelled from Dharmavaram to Chennai, and tonight I must return to Bengaluru. Without proper rest, it is exhausting."
He emphasized that unlike most professions, loco pilots work 365 days a year, including during festivals and national holidays, with no guaranteed weekends off.
Allowance Dispute and Mounting Vacancies
Another major point of contention is the kilometer-based allowance. A loco pilot stated that while he receives Rs 530 for every 100km run, this allowance should have been increased by 25% after the Dearness Allowance (DA) crossed 50% for central government employees. This revision, which would raise the rate to approximately Rs 665 per 100km, has not been implemented since January 2024, a move the staff perceive as discriminatory.
Compounding these issues is a critical vacancy crisis. As of July 2025, SWR has a sanctioned strength of 5,142 loco running staff, but only 3,083 are currently in position. In Karnataka alone, spanning the Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi divisions, there are 2,059 vacancies — roughly 40% of the required workforce. Retired staff member Sunish C pointed out that these vacancies, persistent since 2023, force existing employees into continuous night duties, severely impacting concentration and elevating accident risks.
Protest Details and Railway's Response
The hunger strike will see participation from about 200 staff at the KR Pura railway station in Bengaluru and another 400 at the Hubballi railway divisional office. The association has clarified that only off-duty personnel will join the protest, ensuring that train services across the SWR network remain unaffected.
In response to the allegations, SWR officials have dismissed the claims. Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer of SWR, asserted that the administration prioritizes staff rest. "Ensuring proper rest is being monitored at the highest level, and that is our primary focus area," he said. He maintained that, barring emergencies, loco pilots do not work overtime and that the railway adheres to all guidelines.
The AILRSA has also accused the Railways of violating Karnataka High Court orders from 2001 regarding the regulation of working hours, which they say remain unimplemented. With the hunger strike underway, the running staff are urging the Railway Board to take urgent remedial action to safeguard their welfare and ensure the safety of millions of passengers.
