Sat Apr 12 02:17:30 UTC 2025: **Southern Railway Denies Leave to Loco Pilot Whose Wife Was in Labor**
CHENNAI, April 12, 2025 – A loco pilot with Southern Railway, Bibin Joseph, was denied leave after rushing to be with his wife during her labor, sparking outrage from a railway workers’ union. Mr. Joseph, who was operating a goods train to Mangaluru on April 8th, received a call from his wife indicating she was in labor. Despite the emergency, he completed his three-hour shift before informing his superiors and requesting leave. He then traveled 390 km to his hometown of Tiruvalla, Kerala, where his wife delivered a healthy baby boy.
However, instead of congratulatory messages, Mr. Joseph received notification that he was being marked absent without leave, a designation that could lead to loss of pay and disciplinary action. The All India Loco Running Staff Association condemned the decision, criticizing the Chief Crew Controller in Mangaluru for the lack of compassion and accusing the railway of unjustly denying a legitimate leave request. The association called for the intervention of the Southern Railway General Manager.
Southern Railway has yet to issue an official comment on the matter. The incident highlights concerns about the work-life balance and inflexible leave policies faced by railway employees.
First Piper 