Loco pilots oppose Railway Board’s order of denial of 30% pay element and 55% pension benefit to running staff failing in psychological/aptitude test after SPAD

Running staff receive Basic Pay + 30% Pay Element and pensionary benefits of 55% of Basic Pay. In a letter dated 11 August 2025, the Railway Board has clarified that running staff who fail the psychological/aptitude test after SPAD (signal passing at danger, i.e., when a train passes a stop signal without authorization) will be deprived of the 30% Pay Element and 55% pension benefit. By depriving workers of their rightful pay and pension, the Railway administration is in fact punishing workers for the administration’s own inability to ensure safe working conditions.

Owing to tens of thousands of vacancies in the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot categories, workers are working under tremendous pressure for more than 10-14 hours in many cases and even for more than three to four consecutive nights, which is against established rules. They are not given adequate outstation and periodic rest. These pathetic working conditions are primarily responsible for increased stress among loco running staff, resulting in health and fitness issues. It is the railway administration that is responsible for providing safe working conditions so that cases such as SPAD and accidents can be prevented. Instead of taking measures in this direction, the administration is pushing the blame on workers and punishing them.

Letter of All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) to Chairman, Railway Board