Lok Sabha Question No. 3794 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Challenges faced by Trackmen in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION

## NO. 3794

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## CHALLENGES FACED BY TRACKMEN IN RAILWAYS

3794.  SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  challenges  faced  by trackmen in the Railways, including inadequate safety measures, heavy workloads, and limited career progression opportunities;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  total  number  of  trackmen currently  employed  in  the  Railways,  along  with  the  vacancies  in  this category;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to improve the working conditions and safety of trackmen, particularly during extreme weather conditions and night shifts;
- (d)  whether  the  Government has any plans to modernize the tools and equipment provided to trackmen to enhance their efficiency and reduce physical strain;
- (e) the details of any initiatives undertaken to address the grievances of trackmen, including wage disparities, promotions, and welfare measures; and
- (f)  whether the Government is considering the deployment of advanced technology to assist trackmen in their duties and if so, the timeline for its implementation?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (f)  Trackmaintainers  are  important  members  of  Indian  Railway Family who play important role in keeping track fit for safe operation  of

trains.  Indian  Railways  has  taken  several  measures  to  improve  the working condition of Trackmaintainers as under:

- (i)    Trackmaintainers  have  been  equipped  with  essential  safety  gears while working in hazardous environments. The major safety equipments like Retro Reflective Safety Jackets (Luminous Vests), Safety Shoes, Gloves, Safety Helmet with detachable miner's light, Tricolour Light Emitting Diode (LED) 3 cell Torch, Rain Coat, Winter Jacket etc. have been provided to them.
- (ii)  In  order  to  enhance  efficiency  and  reduce  physical  strain  of Trackmaintainers, Light Weight Tools and equipments like Spanner, Hammer, Crowbar etc. have been provided.
- (iii)  Mechanized  maintenance  of  tracks  using  various  types  of  Track Machines have been introduced to reduce the manual efforts.
- (iv)  Further,  to  reinforce  safety  practices,  regular  counselling,  training sessions  and  medical  examinations  are  being  conducted  to  raise awareness about potential hazards and proper safety protocols. The "Personal  Safety  First"  programme  is  being  conducted  through seminars  and  workshops,  where  Trackmaintainers  are  trained  on how to stay safe while working on or near the track.
- (v)  Indian  Railway  has  also  taken  measures  to  address  the  issue  of carrier  progression  and  promotion  of  Track  Maintainers'  Cadre  by introducing  two  more  promotional  grades  thereby  ensuring  four grades for promotion.
- (vi)  Apart  from  above,  additional  avenues  for  promotion  are  available through General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE) and Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE).

There is no Wage disparity as the wages and allowances for various level of  Track  Maintainers  are  as  recommended  by  the  7th  Central  Pay Commission.  Further,  Risk  and  Hardship  allowances  have  also  been provided according to nature of duty of the Trackmaintainers.

As  regards  welfare  measures  to  Trackmaintainers,  they  have  been provided  Gang  Tools  cum  Rest  Room,  Gang  Huts,  Toilets  facilities  at manned  level  crossing,  Water  bottle  (2  litre,  heat  insulated),  family accommodation to take care of education and health of dependents.

The  occurrence  and  filling  up  of  vacancies  are  continuous  process  on Indian Railways considering its size, spatial distribution and criticality of operation.  Adequate  and  suitable  manpower  is  provided  to  cater  to  the regular operations, changes in technology, mechanizations and innovative practices. The vacancies are filled up primarily by placement of indents by Railways with Recruitment agencies as per requirements. Presently, more than 2.19 lakh Trackmaintainers are working in Indian Railways.

Manpower  including  trackmaintainers  recruited  during  2004-14  vis-à-vis during 2014-24 is given as under:

| Period   | Recruitments   |
|----------|----------------|
| 2004-14  | 4.11 lakh      |
| 2014-24  | 5.02 lakh      |

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