Loco pilots warned against use of phones

S. Vijay Kumar THE HINDU CHENNAI,AUGUST 25, 2017 

Railways has laid out guidelines for a ‘Zero Accident’ regime

The Indian Railways has warned of action against loco pilots if they were found to be using mobile phones on duty. A couple of days after the Utkal Express derailment which claimed the lives of at least 24 passengers and left many others injured, the Ministry of Railways issued a series of safety guidelines to avert accidents, particularly those caused while crossing the red signal.

In a note to all General Managers, Anupam Sharma, Executive Director (Mechanical), Railway Board, said the recent derailment of Train No. 18477 (Utkal Express) at Khatauli in Northern Railway resulting in the loss of lives had tarnished the image of the Railways. “It is essential that each and every possible measure should be taken to step up safety, duly giving importance to train operation and loco maintenance,” he said, adding that renewed efforts should be given to attain ‘Zero Accident’ regime.

Call details

Mr. Sharma said loco pilots should not use mobile phones while on the run. Random checking of call details of the crew while on duty should be conducted and disciplinary action initiated against defaulters. Urging the running staff (loco pilots and guards) not to use walkie-talkies to get information about signal or other operation related instructions from station staff, he said they should ensure proper signals for the train are obtained before starting the train.

Safety drive

Advising all Zonal Railways to conduct a safety drive for 15 days on the prevention of signal passed in ‘Signal Passed at Danger’ , Mr. Sharma said safety action plans should be devised at the zonal level based on existing safety rules and local conditions. According to railway officials, use of mobile phones, stress and poor visibility were some of the reasons why loco pilots passed the signal in danger. In the case of the derailment of Train No. 79301 in Western Railway, an inquiry revealed that the loco pilot had passed the red signal.