Railway Board Forms Committee to Address Train Controllers' Workin' Working Conditions and Vacancies

The Railway Board has constituted a five-member committee to assess and propose improvements for the working conditions of train controllers. This decision comes after the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) highlighted several pressing issues, including pay scale, vacancies, recruitment processes, and basic amenities.

An office order issued on August 27, 2024, announced the formation of the committee. The order states, “Ministry of Railway (Railway Board) have decided to constitute a Committee on working of traffic controllers on IR (Indian Railway).” This move follows a detailed report published by PTI on August 25, 2024, which revealed that train controllers face numerous challenges, including an “unattractive” pay scale, significant stress due to vacancies, and a lack of basic amenities.

Committee Composition and Responsibilities

The committee will be composed of three Additional Members of Staff, Revenue, and Traffic; one Principal Executive Director of Infra; and two Executive Directors of Transformation and Traffic Transportation. The committee has been tasked with several key responsibilities:

• Examining and suggesting “output performance based payment” and other financial incentives.
• Reviewing whether the Railway Board should reinstate the recruitment of Traffic Apprentices through the Railway Recruitment Board for the post of train controllers, a practice halted in 2020.
• Evaluating all other recommendations provided by the RDSO’s study report.

The committee may also co-opt additional members or undertake field visits for consultations as needed. The order stipulates that the committee should submit its report within two months of its constitution.

Concerns Raised by RDSO

The RDSO’s study, submitted to the Railway Board in June 2024, highlighted a number of critical issues. Among these is an alarming 16% vacancy rate in the Traffic Controllers' Cadre, which is expected to double to approximately 30% by 2026-27 if not addressed. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of responsiveness to vacancy notices from major feeder categories such as Station Masters (SMs).

The study emphasized the importance of the Traffic Control Organisation, describing it as the “central nerve system of the Indian Railways’ organisational system.” The Traffic Control Organisation plays a crucial role in managing train paths and ensuring safety and punctuality, especially during disruptions.

HR Challenges and Recommendations

The background note provided with the order discusses the HR challenges faced by Traffic Controllers. Notably, these controllers are classified as an “Intensive” category under the Hours of Work and Period of Rest (HOER) rules, despite the increasing workload and higher demands. The note criticizes the lack of incentives and financial benefits for this “Intensive” work category.

The RDSO’s report categorizes its recommendations into five main areas:

1. Incentives: Offering immediate measures to attract and retain talent to fill vacancies.
2. Recruitment and Selection: Improving the recruitment process to filter the most suitable candidates.
3. HR Quality: Enhancing selection criteria, aptitude tests, and training.
4. Efficiency Multipliers: Utilizing technology and regular work studies to improve efficiency.
5. Hygiene Factors: Addressing ergonomic needs, medical categories, and priority allotment of housing near control offices.

The committee's findings and recommendations are anticipated to address these issues and improve the overall working conditions for train controllers on the Indian Railways.