Special training a must to drive high-speed trains

Training of 'grade A' loco pilots is underway in order to meet the requirement when other semi-high speed corridors become operational.

Rakesh Ranjan | Posted by Anand Jayaram New Delhi, May 27, 2016 |

BRIEFCASE

1 Training of 'grade A' loco pilots is underway in order to meet the requirement when other semi-high speed corridors become operational.

2 One has to undergo a rigorous training to be fit to haul the train at such high speed.

3 "Mental ability, quick decision-making ability and medical fitness are critical for drivers on high speed trains.

4 After qualifying physical test they are put on training simulators at Tughlakabad.

5 They are further sent to Dharampur in Himachal Pradesh for a mandatory safety-related course.

As Indian Railways ventures into the age of high-speed trains, it is creating a pool of highly trained loco pilots. The railways have so far trained 32 loco pilots to haul India's fastest train, Gatimaan Express, which is also country's first semi-high speed train. Training of 'grade A' loco pilots is underway in order to meet the requirement when other semi-high speed corridors become operational.

Specialised drivers

"It's a demanding job. From driving Shatabdi Express at 150kmph to Gatimaan Express at 160kmph, we are now looking forward to clocking 200kmph. One has to undergo a rigorous training to be fit to haul the train at such high speed," said Sudesh Kumar, a loco pilot who drives the Gatimaan Express along with other fastest trains on the route. "Gatimaan Express is driven by two main pilots instead of one assistant pilot in other express trains," he said.

Training

Only the senior-most loco pilots, with over 20 years of experience, are deputed on Gatimaan Express. "Mental ability, quick decision-making ability and medical fitness are critical for drivers on high speed trains. Once they qualify the physical test, they are put to training on simulators at Tughlakabad training centre for a week," Kumar said. They are further sent to Dharampur in Himachal Pradesh for a mandatory safety-related course.