Air Coditioned CAB - Press report.

New Delhi, Aug 1 (PTI) Railways have decided to introduce air conditioning facilities in locomotives to reduce fatigue level of loco pilots and improve their efficiency. The decision comes in the backdrop of a host of safety-related features being planned by Railways, which is yet to recover from the Sainthia train accident on July 19 that claimed 66 lives. According to a Railway official, the move to air condition the cab area inside the locomotives was deliberated at length and there was unanimity in adopting it keeping the interest of loco pilots in mind. There was a greater realisation of the fact that the loco pilots are working in extreme weather conditions of heat, humidity and dust prevalent across the country, he said. "Railway Board therefore decided for provision of air conditioning in cabs of both electric and diesel locos which are going to be manufactured in future and also on those already in service," he said. According to reports, 75 to 80 per cent of the rail accidents have been attributed to human error. Indian Railways have a locomotive fleet strength of over 8,500. As per its policy, all types of locomotives, irrespective of whether they are hauling freight or passenger trains, will have air condition facilities. In fact, the official said 33 locomotives of 5000 horse power have already been provided with cab air conditioning facilities. They have been rolled out by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Chittaranjan Locomotive Works. The plan is to complete the entire exercise in the next two to three years, he said, adding Rs 12-13 lakh will be spent on each of the locomotives for air conditioning. Better working condition will also improve the alertness level of the loco pilots he said, adding, recently a decision has also been taken to provide a biometric device to the loco pilots to help them remain alert. Railways have also issued advisories to loco pilots to ensure that the existing safety-related devices inside the locomotives like the vigilance control device function properly. Instructions have also been issued to the loco pilots to avoid taking food from outsiders. PTI SGI KKE JVN 08011027