Speeding ticket for railway drivers? Not literally, but train crews suspended for exceeding speed limit

Gatiman Express and Malwa Express loco pilots, as well as their assistants, have been suspended for exceeding the cautionary speed limit of 20 kmph by running their trains at 120 kmph.

The incident occurred recently, when the train crews violated the precautionary speed limit in the same section, namely between Jajau and Mania railway stations near Agra Cantt, where a temporary speed restriction has been imposed due to ongoing railway bridge renovation work.

Prashati Srivastava, PRO, Agra Division, confirmed the incident and stated that “disciplinary action has been taken against all concerned staff”.

“In the first incident, the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot of the Gatiman Express, India’s first semi-high speed train which runs at 160 kmph speed between Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi and Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction in Uttar Pradesh, violated the advisory speed restriction after the train left Agra Cantt for Gwalior,” according to a railway source.

“Just a couple of days after the Gatiman incident, loco pilots of another train, Malwa Express, which runs between Katra (Jammu) and Indore (Madhya Pradesh), too committed a similar violation at the same spot and steered the train at 120 kmph,” he stated.

According to railway officials, the section in question normally allows all superfast and semi-high speed trains to travel at 120 kmph. However, due to the recent start of river bridge repair work, a 20 kmph speed limit has been imposed.

“It appears that they may have forgotten to slow the train at the caution. It is unexpected for loco pilots, and it is a serious lapse because it could have endangered hundreds of passengers’ lives,” said an official from the operating department, adding that the railways take such lapses very seriously.

Railways impose speed restrictions to ensure train safety for a variety of reasons, including track condition, ongoing track repair work, old railway bridges, station yard remodeling, and so on.

Officials also state that before boarding the engine, loco pilots and their assistants must obtain a complete route chart from the relevant operating department, as well as advisories and cautionary speed limits, and that they must maintain the appropriate speed.

“The assistant driver loudly announces these advisories and cautions, which the driver confirms. “It’s surprising that both of them missed out,” said a railway source.

“This happened with two trains. This indicates increased stress and harsh working conditions for loco pilots. “The railways should get to the bottom of the problem in the interest of passenger safety,” said M. Thirumurugan, secretary general of the Indian Railway Loco Runningmen Organisation, a group of loco pilots.

“Loco pilots are human beings whose minds can be preoccupied with a variety of issues, including personal ones. “The railways need to take a holistic approach,” he added.