Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the government over the working conditions of loco pilots, calling them “inhumane” and a serious risk to passenger safety.
Gandhi shared a media report on social media, highlighting that the Railways rejected demands for basic necessities such as food breaks and toilet facilities. According to the report, women staff have been forced to work eight-hour shifts without access to toilets.
In his statement, Gandhi recalled his previous interactions with loco pilots, where he learned about their 14-hour shifts, continuous night duty, lack of adequate rest, and absence of food breaks. He criticized the Railways’ response to accidents, arguing that authorities often blame “human error” while ignoring the harsh working conditions that contribute to such incidents.
Gandhi accused the government of forming a committee “just for show”, with no real intention of addressing the concerns of loco pilots. He condemned the rejection of basic demands, stating that it was not only an injustice to workers but also a threat to millions of passengers who rely on train travel.
Vowing to continue his fight for justice, Gandhi assured loco pilots that he would keep raising the issue until the government took meaningful action.
