Kollam: In a move that has drawn criticism and protests from loco pilots, the Railway authorities have issued a directive prohibiting loco pilots from consuming tender coconut water and homeopathic medicines before or during duty. The order, issued by the Senior Electrical Engineer of the Thiruvananthapuram Division, also advises against consuming certain types of bananas, cough syrups, soft drinks and mouthwashes.

The directive cites an increase in alcohol detection by breathalyzers when loco pilots sign on or off at the Crew Lobby's CMS kiosk. While blood tests conducted at government-owned chemical examiner laboratories have mostly shown no traces of alcohol, it is suspected that faulty breathalyzers may be causing false positives. It is alleged that instead of replacing the equipment, the railway has suggested dietary restrictions for loco pilots and has drawn criticism.

If a loco pilot wishes to consume any of the restricted items, they must inform the Crew Controller (CRC) at the depot in writing before signing on or off. In addition, any alcohol-containing medication can only be used with prior written approval from the Railway Medical Officer, the directive states.

Loco pilots protest

Loco pilots' associations have strongly opposed the directive, calling it unreasonable. "Instead of replacing faulty breathalyzers, employees are being subjected to unnecessary restrictions. Incorrect reports also get recorded in their service history. This directive should be withdrawn," said P N Soman, central committee member of the All India Loco Running Staff Association, urging intervention from higher authorities.