Tue Dec 02 16:56:44 UTC 2025: Summary:

Loco Pilots (LPs) and Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) belonging to the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) held a hunger strike in Visakhapatnam, India, near the DRM’s office. They demanded resolution of various service-related issues, including an increase in income tax exemption for kilometrage allowance, faster recruitment of ALPs, limitations on out-of-station duties and night shifts, and addressing local Waltair Division grievances. Union leaders expressed support, and criticized the Centre’s Labour Codes.

News Article:

Loco Pilots Stage Hunger Strike in Visakhapatnam Over Service Grievances

Visakhapatnam, India – December 2, 2025 – Loco Pilots (LPs) and Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs), members of the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), launched a hunger strike near the Divisional Railway Manager’s (DRM) office in Visakhapatnam today, demanding resolution of long-standing service-related issues.

The protesters, carrying banners and placards, voiced their frustration over concerns ranging from financial matters to working conditions. Key demands include increasing the income tax exemption on the 25% kilometrage allowance, expediting the recruitment and training of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs), limiting out-of-station assignments to a maximum of 48 hours, and capping consecutive night shifts at two.

Local grievances specific to the Waltair Division were also highlighted. The pilots cited concerns over being assigned 12-hour duties, receiving only 12 hours of trip rest instead of the mandated 16, and being diverted from designated headquarters under the pretext of staff underutilisation or yard congestion at Simhachalam North and Vizianagaram.

The strike garnered support from union leaders, including CITU State general secretary Ch. Narasinga Rao, who condemned the Centre’s Labour Codes as anti-worker. AILRSA zonal president S.K. Choubey and other association officials also addressed the gathered protesters, reiterating their commitment to fighting for the rights of loco running staff. The situation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how railway authorities will respond to the demands of the striking pilots.

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