Lok Sabha Question No. 234 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Vacant Track Maintainer Posts
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 234 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

## VACANT TRACK MAINTAINER POSTS

## 234.   SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  total  number  of  vacant  Trackmen  (Track  Maintainer)  posts  in Indian Railways available through departmental exams;
- (b)  details  of  number  of  eligible  Trackmen  denied  the  opportunity  to appear for these departmental exams;
- (c) total number of Trackmen lost their lives while on duty in the past five years;
- (d) the measures taken by the Government to implement and enhance Trackmen's safety and prevent future fatalities;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  provided  Trackmen  with  safety devices or early warning systems to ensure their safety while working on the tracks; and
- (f)  the  steps taken by the Government to improve working conditions and career progression opportunities for Trackmen particularly regarding  access  to  departmental  exams  for  advanced  roles  and responsibilities?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (f)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 234 BY SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 27.11.2024 REGARDING VACANT

TRACK MAINTAINER POSTS

(a) to (f):  Trackmaintainers are recruited through Direct recruitment at the  entry  grade  and  they  are  further  promoted  in  their  cadre  as  per existing provisions. Trackmen have been restructured into four grades (Pay  Levels  I,  II,  IV,  and  V)  with  a  dedicated  promotion  channel.  No post of Trackmaintainer is vacant on account of departmental examination. Trackmaintainers have a defined channel for 3 promotions. Further as per the avenue of promotion, Trackmaintainer have promotional channel to Junior Engineer (Permanent Way).

Besides above, Trackmaintainers can appear in General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE). GDCE  are  open  to all eligible employees, including Trackmaintainers. Regular Group 'C' and Level-l staff  fulfilling  eligibility  can  appear  in  the  GDCE,  enabling  skilled  and qualified  employees  in  lower  grades  to  progress  to  higher  grades quickly.  Trackmaintainers  have  been  availing  the  benefit  of  GDCE across Railways.

Trackmaintainers are equipped with essential safety gear while working in hazardous environments. The safety equipment like Retroreflective  Safety  Jackets  (Luminous  Vest),  Safety Shoes,  Gloves, Safety  Helmet  with  detachable  miner's  light  Tricolour  Light  Emitting Diode (LED) 3 Cell Torch is regularly provided.

To further  reinforce  safety  practices,  regular  counseling  and  training sessions  are  conducted  by  Officers  and  Senior  Supervisors  to  raise awareness  about  potential  hazards  and  proper  safety  protocols.  The "Personal Safety First" programme is conducted through seminars and workshops,  where  Trackmaintainers  are  trained  on  how  to  stay  safe while  working  on  or  near  the  track.  Hand  Flags,  Banner  Flags, Detonators, Whistles etc. are also provided to enhance safety.

To ensure continuous monitoring of approaching trains, Lookout Men are  deputed  as  necessary.  Regular  medical  checks  are  conducted  to assess the physical fitness of Key personal.

As a result of the above safety measures, there has been reduction in no. of trackmen run over during duty from 196 in 2013-14 to an average of 67 per year during the last 5 years which is a reduction of over 65 %.

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