Over 100 Loco Pilots Caught Drunk on Duty in South Central Railway Zone
Hyderabad: In a shocking revelation that casts a dark shadow over railway safety in India, dozens of loco pilots within the South Central Railway (SCR) zone have been found reporting for duty while under the influence of alcohol. This alarming trend emerges at a critical juncture when the nation is intensely scrutinizing the safety protocols of its vast railway network.
RTI Data Exposes Widespread Alcohol Abuse
According to data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the Times of India, a staggering total of 102 loco pilots were caught drunk during mandatory pre-duty breathalyser tests over the past five years. The situation appears to be escalating, with 22 of these cases recorded in 2025 alone, compared to 17 in 2024. The blood alcohol content among those apprehended typically ranged from 20 mg/100 ml to 40 mg/100 ml, levels that significantly impair judgment and reaction times.
Lax Punishments and Geographic Hotspots
Despite the clear violation of safety norms, disciplinary action has been minimal. Shockingly, only one loco pilot from the Guntur division has been suspended for this offense. The data further highlights geographic concentrations, with nearly 60% of the 2025 cases reported from the Guntakal and Nanded divisions, which are among the smallest in the SCR zone. This uneven distribution raises questions about localized enforcement and monitoring issues.
Passenger Associations Sound Alarm Bells
Railway passenger associations have expressed profound alarm over these findings. "Loco pilots bear the immense responsibility of operating trains that carry thousands of passengers and substantial freight cargo. The entire railway ecosystem hinges on strict adherence to safety protocols. Any lapse at the pilot level directly jeopardizes passenger safety and can lead to catastrophic operational failures, such as signal overshooting or violations of sectional speed limits," emphasized P Bharadwaj, a member of the Long Distance and MMTS Travellers Association.
Railway Officials Defend Safety Measures
In response to mounting concerns, railway officials have asserted that rigorous safety checks are firmly in place to prevent intoxicated loco pilots from taking charge of trains. They detailed that crew members undergo breathalyser tests each time they sign in and sign off from duty. Additionally, ambush checks are conducted en route to ensure continuous compliance with safety standards during operations.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Counseling Initiatives
A senior official from the electrical engineering wing of SCR elaborated on the preventive measures: "We conduct regular counseling sessions with the assistance of nominated inspectors to sensitize loco pilots and assistant loco pilots against alcohol consumption while on duty. This is complemented by periodic safety seminars. Furthermore, they are closely monitored through foot-plating inspections and surprise ambush checks to enforce strict adherence to safety norms."
Structured Penalty Framework
Regarding disciplinary actions, officials outlined a structured penalty framework. Staff found with a blood alcohol level of 01 to 20 mg per 100 ml are barred from duty for that day. If the alcohol level exceeds 20 mg/100 ml, penalties are imposed based on the concentration, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis. Notably, if an employee is caught under the influence three times, regardless of the alcohol level detected, formal disciplinary proceedings are initiated against them.
This comprehensive approach underscores the railways' commitment to safety, yet the persistent incidents highlight ongoing challenges in enforcement and deterrence within the system.
