There is a significant upsurge in the number of train drivers of Indian railways who failed an alcohol test over the past five years, shows official data. Usually, most of these loco-pilots come for work drunk, making it a disturbing trend.
Nearly, 15 per cent of them failed the alcohol test at the end of their drive, which means they possibly risked the lives of hundreds of passengers.
In 2015 and 2016, the spike in such cases was over 50%, according to information attained by Hindustan Times under the Right to Information from 50 of India’s 70 railway divisions. “The numbers are on a rise since the railway has become more stringent,” a Northern railway spokesperson told HT.
“Every day we run nearly 15,000 operations. In comparison, the rate of failure of breathalyzer test is negligible,” said a senior official from the Railway Board. “However, I agree that one train carries 1000 to 1200 people, so even one train accident can cause a disaster.”
As per the Railway rules, every loco pilot must go through a breathalyzer test while on duty. Failing a test can lead to elimination from service. However, most offenders are let off with temporary removal from rosters or denial of increments.
“We don’t get good sleep in railway retiring rooms as most of them are close to stations. Pay scale is highly unsatisfactory. In case of any incident, everyone finds faults with the driver. All these result in huge pressure,” said a driver of an inter-state train.
