Southern Railway launches safety drive after Yelagiri Express jumps signal at Vyasarpadi

The Chennai Division of Southern Railway has launched a 15-day safety drive for loco pilots and assistant loco pilots following a signal-jumping incident near the Vyasarpadi Railway Station. The drive, which runs until July 24, aims to prevent Signal Passed At Danger (SPAD) incidents, which occur when a train moves past a red signal without proper authorization.

The safety drive was initiated after the suspension of the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot of the Yelagiri Express. On July 6, the train departed from Dr. MGR Central Railway Station and eventually halted at Avadi. The loco pilot, P.S. Rao, complained of health issues at the time. However, a preliminary inquiry subsequently revealed that Rao had jumped a red signal near Vyasarpadi and used the health complaint to evade penal action. The crew remains suspended while the final inquiry is completed.

While railway union representatives and pilots welcomed the safety drive, they pointed out that systemic issues contribute to operational errors. A senior loco pilot stated that the crew felt punished for the mistakes of a few individuals. He noted that loco pilots face intense pressure to run mail and express trains on schedule, risking penalties under strict punctuality guidelines despite dealing with widespread vacancies.

Another pilot raised concerns about working conditions, stating that while running rooms have been modernized, inadequate rest and difficulties in securing leave harm morale. Though leave reserves and rest periods are officially greater for loco pilots than other railway staff, sources indicated these benefits exist only on paper.

According to a memorandum from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, approximately three lakh positions remain vacant across the Railways. In the Loco Running Category alone, about 39,000 posts—nearly one-third of the workforce—are vacant. This shortage forces the remaining staff to work up to 14 hours at a stretch. Additionally, vacancies in Chief Loco Inspector positions have resulted in increased pressure on supervisors to demand longer hours from the running staff.