Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram division of the Southern Railway has rescinded a circular that had placed restrictions on the consumption of soft drinks, mouthwash, and certain medications for loco pilots. The order, issued on February 18, was aimed at addressing false-positive results in breathalyser tests, which had been disrupting crew deployment and train operations.

In an official communication on February 20, railway authorities confirmed that the directive had been withdrawn, following backlash from the loco pilots' union, which termed the restrictions legally unjustifiable.

The earlier circular cited an increase in alcohol detection cases during breathalyser tests conducted at the start and end of duty shifts. Loco pilots reportedly attributed these test failures to the consumption of homoeopathic medicines, soft drinks, tender coconut water, certain plantain varieties, cough syrups, and mouthwash. Subsequent blood sample analysis at a government chemical laboratory consistently found no trace of alcohol, confirming that the breathalyser readings were inaccurate.

Despite this, false-positive results led to disruptions in crew deployment and operational delays, prompting railway officials to introduce the temporary dietary restrictions. However, the move faced strong opposition from railway unions, who argued that banning everyday consumables was not a justifiable solution.

Following a review, the railway division rescinded the order, ensuring that loco pilots will no longer face restrictions on their diet and routine product use. While the withdrawal has been welcomed by railway staff, officials continue to explore alternative measures to improve the accuracy of alcohol detection tests and minimise operational disruptions.

(With agency inputs)