Loco Pilot's Duty Hour Refusal Strands Train in Bihar for Hours
An unusual operational incident unfolded at Thakurganj railway station in Bihar's Kishanganj district on Wednesday, causing significant disruption to passenger travel. The loco pilot of the Malda-Siliguri DEMU (train number 75719), operating under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone, declined to continue driving the train, stating that his prescribed duty hours had been exhausted.
Passengers Left Stranded and Frustrated
According to railway sources, the loco pilot formally informed authorities about the completion of his working hours and subsequently stepped down from the locomotive. This decision left hundreds of passengers stranded at the station for several hours, with many expressing frustration over the unexpected halt. Sources indicated that numerous travelers opted to board buses to continue their journeys, seeking alternative transportation amid the uncertainty.
The railway administration had no immediate recourse but to arrange for a replacement loco pilot to take charge of the train and resume its journey toward Siliguri. Under stringent railway safety protocols for running staff, loco pilots are strictly prohibited from operating beyond their designated duty periods, which typically span nine to ten hours continuously.
Technical Delay Triggers Duty Hour Exhaustion
NFR Chief Public Relations Officer K K Sharma explained that the situation arose due to a prior delay of nearly three hours in the DEMU's schedule from Malda. This delay was attributed to technical issues with a goods train running ahead of the passenger service, which adversely affected the movement of the DEMU.
"As a result of the delay, the loco pilot's duty hours were exhausted by the time the train reached Thakurganj station. In view of safety rules, he declined to continue, and the decision was in line with operational guidelines," Sharma stated, emphasizing the adherence to safety norms.
Railways Prioritize Safety Over Disciplinary Action
In response to the incident, the railways opted not to take any disciplinary action against the loco pilot, citing paramount safety considerations. Instead, authorities swiftly mobilized another loco pilot to the station to relieve the stranded passengers. The CPRO confirmed that the train remained detained at Thakurganj station from 2:52 PM to 6:52 PM before it could resume its onward journey toward Siliguri.
This event underscores the critical balance between operational efficiency and safety compliance within the Indian Railways system, highlighting how unforeseen delays can cascade into passenger inconveniences while enforcing strict duty hour regulations.
