Tue Dec 02 16:19:27 UTC 2025: Summary:

The All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) held a 48-hour hunger strike in Vijayawada on December 2, 2025, demanding sufficient rest for loco pilots and assistant loco pilots to ensure passenger safety. The AILRSA cited continuous back-to-back duties and insufficient rest periods as detrimental to the health of the staff and potentially compromising safety standards.

News Article:

Loco Pilots Stage Hunger Strike in Vijayawada Demanding Better Rest for Passenger Safety

Vijayawada, India – December 2, 2025 – Members of the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) launched a 48-hour hunger strike in front of the Divisional Railway Manager’s office in Vijayawada today, demanding adequate rest for loco pilots and assistant loco pilots. The protest, part of a nationwide call by the association, aims to highlight the potential dangers of overworked train operators.

AILRSA representatives M. Venkatesham and R.V. Ramu stated the hunger strike was necessary due to the railway management’s failure to provide sufficient periodic and outstation rest for their staff. Vice-president B.C.S. Rao urged the Ministry of Railways to immediately cease the practice of assigning back-to-back continuous duties to loco pilots, claiming it is severely impacting their health.

“The lack of adequate rest for loco running staff directly compromises the safety of passengers,” Rao warned. The association insists that sufficient rest is crucial to ensure the alertness and well-being of those responsible for operating trains. The AILRSA is calling on the Ministry of Railways to address these concerns and prioritize the safety of both its employees and the travelling public.

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