Lok Sabha Question No. 6210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Toilet facilities for Locomotives
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Utkarsh Verma Madhur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6210 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## TOILET FACILITIES FOR LOCOMOTIVES

## †6210. SHRI UTKARSH VERMA MADHUR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the trains often run late during the winter seasons and if so, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether any measures have been taken by the Government to protect passengers from the cold such as lighting bonfires at railway stations during winter days; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  provide  toilet  facilities  in  the engine for the locomotives and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (c)  Indian  Railways  makes  all  possible  efforts  to  run  trains  on time.Several factors, both internal and external, affect punctual running of trains which include foggy weather, path constraints, asset maintenance, alarm  chain  pulling,  agitations,  cattle  run  over  and  other  unforeseen circumstances.

Fog and climate related conditions affect all modes of transportation - road, rail  and  air.   Indian  Railways  makes  all  efforts  to  run  trains  as  per  their schedule and punctually. However, foggy weather conditions affect normal operation  of train services  causing  delays,  cancellations  and partial cancellations.

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To ensure safety of operations, smooth functioning of railways even during the  winter  months  as  also  to  minimize  cancellations  the  following  steps have been taken by Indian Railways:

1. To mitigate the effect of fog, to assist the Loco Pilots in train operations and  to  ensure  safety  of  passengers  during  foggy  weather  conditions, Indian Railways have taken various measures which include:
2.  A  Global  Positioning  System  (GPS)  based  portable  'Fog  Safe  Device' (FSD) is being provided to Loco Pilots, which displays upcoming critical landmarks such as approaching signal, level crossing gates, permanent speed restrictions etc. in advance during poor visibility conditions like fog. This device is used for safe train operation especially during winter season and to help reduce stress on Loco Pilots while running in poor visibility  conditions.   As  on  31.01.2026,  there  are  29,848  Fog  Safe devices available over Indian Railways.
3.  Electrical/Electronic  Interlocked  Signalling  with  Absolute  or  Automatic block working systems are provided for safe & smooth train operation in the sections.  To minimize  delays  upto  some  extent  during  foggy weather,  provision  of  Modified  Semi-Automatic  Stop  Signal  has  been made in Delhi - Sonipat section where automatic signalling system has been provided.
2. Safety  measures  during  Foggy  conditions:  Detailed  guidelines  for Zonal Railways already exist regarding safe train operations during foggy and inclement weather. These instructions are reiterated to Zonal Railways from time to time, particularly at the beginning of winter season every year.
3. Staff training for Foggy condition:  Railway employees including Loco Pilots  and  Assistant  Loco  Pilots  are  given  structured  training  at  various stages of their career. Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots are imparted structured  training  on  fog-related  safety  procedures  function  of  various safety  equipment  VCD,  Fogsafe/FogPass  device  during  initial  training  as well as periodic refresher courses conducted at Railway Training Centres.

The  training  modules  created  for  initial  and  promotional  as  well  as refresher  courses  for  Loco  Pilots  and  Assistant  Loco  Pilots,  cover  the functioning, safety features, and emergency protocols related to automatic signaling.

Detailed  training  modules  including  on  Kavach  system  as  per  prescribed periodicity are available for respective categories at initial and promotional stages along with refresher courses as well as specialized training courses, laying emphasis on practical aspects which help them in skill upgradation and  assimilation  with  related  advanced  technology,  keeping  a  focus  on overall safety and passenger experience. These modules are also updated keeping in view the technological changes in working practice.

Training  Centres  located  all  over  Indian  Railways  impart  various  type  of trainings i.e. Initial, Promotional, Refresher & Specialized:

Initial  Training  -  for  the  purpose  of  introducing  the  new  entrants  to  the various facets of Railway operations and management.

Promotional Training - for the purpose of preparing serving staff in advance for jobs of higher responsibilities.

Refresher  Training  -  for  the  purpose  of  refreshing  the  serving  employees periodically with new ideas and principles for improving efficiency in their jobs.

Specialized  Training  -  for  the  purpose  of  updating  the  knowledge  of technological  developments,  quantitative  techniques,  etc.  e.g.  PRS,  new locomotives, signalling system, Track Technology etc.

Waterless  urinals  are  being  progressively  provided  in  the  locomotives  as per feasibility. As in February, 2026, more than 2800 locomotives have been provided with Urinals.

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