Alappuzha: Even as the expert committee report has recommended regulated working hours for loco pilots in the wake of successive train accidents, the Railways has once again opted for extended duty trials. To address the staff shortage, the Railways is increasing the working hours of loco pilots as a temporary solution. The time revisions already implemented across various divisions of the Southern Railway are now planned to be extended to other zones as well.

The working hours of loco pilots operating express and mail trains will increase by up to four hours. Loco pilots point out that Parliament had approved a 10-hour duty cap. However, they may now have to work continuously for up to 14 hours. At present, the working hours of loco pilots on freight trains under Southern Railway have already been increased. Their fortnightly working limit, previously 104 hours, will be raised to 125 hours.

Although the Accident Enquiry Committee had stipulated that loco pilots should not be assigned more than two consecutive night shifts, that order has effectively been set aside due to the staffing shortage.

To tackle the crisis, the Union government had proposed appointing retired assistant loco pilots on a daily-wage basis, but the move has not been implemented. Temporary workers will be hired for shunting and related duties.

Currently, loco pilots receive 30 hours of weekly rest after completing six days of duty.