Tue Sep 24 03:31:29 UTC 2024: ## Indian Women Loco Pilots Demand Job Change Amidst Health Risks and Discrimination

**New Delhi, India** – Female loco pilots in India are demanding a change in their job roles citing serious health concerns, discriminatory practices, and unsafe working conditions.

A collective letter, signed by nearly 1,500 women, has been sent to the Indian Railways, highlighting the struggles they face in their profession. The letter, backed by the All India Railwaymen Federation, calls for a “cadre change” – a shift to roles other than loco pilots.

Women loco pilots have voiced concerns over a lack of sanitation facilities on trains, leading to widespread urinary tract infections, and in some cases, even miscarriages. They also face challenges with physically demanding tasks like climbing high ladders to reach their cabins, leading to injuries like the one sustained by Juhi, a goods train loco pilot, who suffered a shoulder injury after falling from a cabin.

Further issues include the lack of support for pregnant women. Samira, a loco pilot, had to go on unpaid leave for a year due to two miscarriages, as the railway system did not provide her with lighter duty options during pregnancy.

In addition to health concerns, women also reported feeling unsafe while on duty, especially during night shifts. Meena, a loco pilot, described instances of being verbally harassed by male passengers and even being attacked with stones while on duty.

The women also highlighted the difficulties in managing their family responsibilities, as they often work long and unpredictable hours with little support.

Despite repeated appeals since 2018, the railway authorities haven’t taken any concrete steps to address these issues. Many women have expressed a desire for promotion but are hesitant due to the workload and the difficulties they face as loco pilots.

The women’s plight has garnered attention after a recent train accident in West Bengal. While the accident brought the challenges faced by loco pilots to light, the unique struggles faced by women in this profession remain largely overlooked.

“The railways seem to have overlooked the fact that with more women becoming loco pilots, rules and facilities would also have to change accordingly,” said Meena, highlighting the systemic negligence in addressing the needs of female employees.

While the Indian Railways has embraced the idea of women loco pilots, they are yet to address the practical concerns faced by these women. The lack of proper facilities, inadequate support for pregnant women, and unsafe work environment create a challenging and discriminatory landscape for women in this male-dominated field. The women’s demand for a job change reflects their desperation for a safer and more equitable working environment.

**This article will be updated if the Indian Railways responds to Scroll’s inquiries.**

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