48-Hour Fast for Justice from 2nd to 4th December 2025
Inspired by the 1973 AILRSA Strike and the 1974 Railway Revolution — Reignited by the 2025 Generation
By Shri K.C. James, Secretary General, All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA)
PREFACE – The Voice of India’s Train Drivers
We, the Loco Pilots (LPs) and Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) of Indian Railways, are the lifeline of the nation. Every train, every passenger, every goods delivery — we are responsible for it all.
But our lives are full of stress, long hours, poor health, and unfair pay. We don’t want sympathy — we want justice, respect, and change.
SECTION 1 – Strong Role, But Treated Like Slaves
Loco Pilots make final decisions for train safety. We handle brake failures, signal issues, and emergencies.
But we work 12–14 hours a day, with no control over rest or food. We are always tired — mentally and physically.
We protect lives — but don’t get proper rest.
SECTION 2 – Recruitment Crisis and Falling Morale
Since 2018, ALP vacancies have dropped by 50%. Fewer people are applying. Transfer data is outdated, hiding real staff shortages. This causes overwork and low motivation.
SECTION 3 – Old Hierarchy Still Rules
ALPs get ₹1,900 Grade Pay after 120+ days of training. LPs get ₹4,200 after years of experience. But Train Managers also get ₹4,200 with only 40–60 days of training.
This system ignores skill and risk. It’s time for equal pay for equal skill.
SECTION 4 – Health Problems and Rule Violations
- 36% of LPs suffer from high blood pressure and fatigue.
- Women LPs face extra problems due to lack of toilets and rest areas.
- NHRC Directive (2016): Toilets and AC must be provided in loco cabs.
- RBE No. 143/2016: Duty must not exceed 9 hours.
- Rajya Sabha Report (2023): 83.6% of duties break this rule.
“When tiredness replaces focus, safety suffers.”
SECTION 5 – Loco Cab Needs Urgent Fixes
Old locos like WAG-5, WAG-7, WAP-1, WAP-4 have poor seats and unsafe entry. They break RDSO and Railway safety rules.
Even newer locos lack lumbar support and climate-safe cabins. This breaks worker safety laws.
We demand:
- Full ergonomic audits
- Seat upgrades
- Crew input in design
- Toilets and AC as per NHRC orders
SECTION 6 – Skilled But No Extra Pay
LPs and ALPs are trained to handle advanced systems like Vande Bharat, WAG12, WAP7, Kavach, and TPWS.
But no Skill Allowance is given.
We demand:
- Skill Allowance for every advanced training
- Recognition of upgraded skills
- Equal pay for equal skill
“One Skill – One Allowance. Equal Skill – Equal Pay!”
SECTION 7 – Stop Misusing Rule 14(ii)
Rule 14(ii) is for serious misconduct. But it’s being used against staff who stop due to fatigue.
- Supreme Court (1979): Fatigue is not misconduct.
- Master Circular 41: Leave Reserve must be 15–30%. Most zones have less than 10%.
We demand:
- Fatigue checks before action
- Union-supported inquiries
- Leave Reserve restoration
- Strict 9-hour duty limits
“Stopping due to tiredness is not disobedience — it’s self-protection.”
SECTION 8 – Pay Problems, Allowance Denial & No Promotions
ALPs start at ₹19,900 — the lowest among skilled staff. Promotions are blocked due to fake vacancy data. No cadre restructuring since 2017.
- Running Allowance is still fully taxed.
- Section 10(14) of Income Tax Act allows exemption — but not notified.
- 25% KMA hike confirmed in Feb 2025 — still pending.
- RBE No. 07/2025: KMA must increase when DA crosses 50% (done in Jan 2024).
We demand:
- 70% tax exemption on Running Allowance
- 25% KMA hike across all zones
- Pay equality with Group C technical staff
- Promotions and restructuring every 5 years
“Verbal promises don’t feed our families — implement the financial justice already agreed.”
SECTION 9 – Transfer and Vacancy Truth
Transfers are used to hide real vacancies and block recruitment.
We demand:
- Manpower survey including all transfers
- Live HRMS vacancy display
- RRB ALP recruitment based on actual shortage
- Independent monitoring by CPO and Board Vigilance
“No transfer tricks — show real vacancy numbers now!”
SECTION 10 – Running Room and Food Reform
Food and hygiene in running rooms are poor in many zones.
We demand:
- Weekly surprise food checks by Railway officers
- Removal of food contractors
- Railway or IRCTC control over kitchens
- Public display of inspection reports
- LP/ALP representatives in inspection teams
“A well-fed pilot runs a safe train.”
SECTION 11 – Our Charter of 2025
Our demands are backed by rules and facts:
- Skill Allowance for advanced loco training
- Ergonomic cab redesign
- Health and wellness programs
- Rule 14(ii) reform with fatigue protection
- Leave Reserve restoration
- 9-hour duty and weekly rest enforcement
- Pay parity and cadre restructuring
- Income Tax and KMA Allowance execution
- Transfer survey and vacancy transparency
- Surprise food inspections and contractor removal
- National Commission for Crew Welfare
- 25% KMA hike when DA crosses 50% — as per Railway Board recommendations
- Reaffirmation of 1973 Agreement – 10-hour duty cap announced in Parliament
FINAL CALL – 48-HOUR FAST FOR JUSTICE
From 2nd to 4th December 2025, railway running staff across India will observe a 48-hour FAST to demand long-overdue justice.
This peaceful protest highlights:
- Unresolved pay and allowance issues
- Unsafe working conditions and ignored fatigue limits
- Lack of recognition for advanced skills
- Delayed promotions and restructuring
“We run trains without rest — now we fast without food. Let the silence speak louder than words.”
By
K.C. James
Secretary General, AILRSA