In a first, AC vacuum toilet in locomotive for train drivers

PTI [Published on: 06 May 2016,]

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train engine

New Delhi: In a major relief to train drivers, railways, for the first time, has equipped a diesel locomotive with vacuum toilet.

"It was a budget proposal to provide toilet facility for loco pilots which was implemented today. Similarly other proposals will also be executed in time," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said today after flagging off the first locomotive with vacuum toilet.

At present, loco pilots have the option of using toilet facility available in coach or in the Guard cabin.

It cost about Rs 17.5 lakh to provide the air-conditioned vacuum toilet with bio digester in the diesel locomotive.

Railways will provide similar toilet facility in five more diesel locomotives in the current fiscal.

Expressing support for the cause of the railway staff, Prabhu said, "We are concerned about the wellbeing of our employees and we want to give all required facilities to our 13 lakh employees. Unless all of us are involved in getting the work done, the project execution will not be successful."

As a safety measure, toilet cabin door will open only when the locomotive is stationary and loco brakes are in applied condition which means the driver cannot access the toilet cabin if the train is in running mode.

Since the toilet is fitted with bio-digester there will be no discharge of waste on the track.

Prabhu also said whether "It is a track man or guard or station master all have crucial roles to perform.

In railway whether Chairman of the Railway Board or a track man all are important in rail functioning."

"Rail Badhega Desh Badhega (If train will move then the country will also move further," he said.