The South Central Railway's Kacheguda station ensures the well-being and alertness of its train crew by providing facilities such as breathalyser tests, briefing rooms, yoga spaces, and hygienic meals
Hyderabad: Meticulous preparation and proper precautions are taken with regard to the crews before the trains start from their destination, said Lokesh Vishnoi, divisional railway manager, Hyderabad, of the South Central Railway (SCR).
The railways on Tuesday provided the media a glimpse of day-to-day operations, facilities and amenities provided for the staff at running room at Kacheguda station.
As the crew members enter the station, they are subjected to a breathalyser. They are allowed in only if they record a zero alcohol reading.
C. Ranganna, a guard, who was taking the test, “The rules are strict. The crew is always monitored, as we are responsible for train operations.”
The facility includes conference rooms where crew members, especially locomotives pilots, are briefed about important developments related to the track or weather conditions. A yoga room is also provided for their well-being.
Mahesh, a crew controller, said, “We schedule the duties for the loco pilots and guards. We inform them on time so that they are aware of their schedules in advance.” The media was also shown the amenities being provided to locomotive pilots, assistant pilots, and train managers.
DRM Vishnoi said priority was given to the frontline running staff involved in train operations. The running room provided a convenient and relaxed environment for pilots to help maintain their well-being and alertness.
The Kacheguda running room accommodates 24 crew members. They are provided healthy and hygienic breakfast, lunch, and dinner at subsidised, rates, along with a lounge and reading area.
Kamal Kant, senior divisional mechanical engineer said care was being taken to ensure a comfortable environment for the crew members during their rest periods before signing on for duty.
“The Kacheguda Crew Booking Lobby is one of the busiest workplaces, with around 300 staff signing on and off duty every day. They operate trains in several directions from the Kacheguda area to Nanded, Bodhan, Medak, Siddipet, Dhone, Raichur, and more,” he said.
He added, “The job of a loco pilot demands a high level of concentration and skill. The Railways ensures that proper accommodation and rest are provided between shifts so that they can rejuvenate and be ready for the next journey. Accordingly, the Running Room at Kacheguda offers crew members complete rest in disturbance-free, air-conditioned rooms to ensure they are prepared to perform their duties safely.
“In addition, the crew booking lobby serves as the central hub for booking running staff. It is equipped with integrated kiosks (breath analyser, biometric, and webcam) for signing on and off by loco pilots, assistant loco pilots, and train managers (guards). Before undertaking duty, loco pilots must complete a breath analysis test, take an oath on ‘No SPAD’ (Signal Passing at Danger), and acknowledge all new circulars to ensure smooth and safe train operations. After completing their duty, the crew again performs a breath analyser test and signs off to maintain complete safety in train operations.”
