Report of Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC) Correspondent
On 07.05.2025, Pawan Kumar, Loco Pilot Goods (LPG) was handed an extremely harsh punishment of suspension of all types of Privilege Passes and P.T.O.’s for six years from 2026 to 2032.
Pawan Kumar’s goods train was waiting on Loop Line 1 at Badhwan Bara (BDWA), Bilaspur Division, South Eastern Railway for more than two hours for clearance to proceed. During his entire journey from New Katni Junction (NKJ) to BDWA his mobile was switched off.
However, since the train was halted at BDWA station on Loop Line 1 for almost 2 hours, he went to the station to freshen up and took his mobile from his bag. While returning from the station to the train he phoned his family to enquire about their health and instructed them to prepare food. This he did from outside of loco engine. He did not use WhatsApp, Facebook, or any other social media.
On 26.03.2025 he was shocked to receive a chargesheet and after “enquiry” he has been given the harsh punishment of suspension of all types of Privilege Passes and P.T.O’s for six years from 2026 to 2032!!
The punishment letter is given below.
This is an example of what unreasonable restrictions have been imposed on them and the harsh conditions in which loco pilots of Indian Railways have to work. The authorities are quick to hand out all kinds of punishment, major and minor, while refusing to look into the terrible conditions of work such as duty hours extending to 14 to16 hour or more, weekly rest of only 30 hours, continuous night duties, long stay outside their headquarters, etc.
The Railway Ministry and Railway Board need to correct these issues instead of harassing the overworked loco pilots.
