Officials propose solutions to address shortage of Train Controllers

Highlighting a shortage of train controllers, certain senior officers have communicated with the Railway Board, proposing strategies to address the issue. These measures include offering higher salaries and enhanced benefits to individuals occupying these positions, which entail undertaking the most demanding and stressful responsibilities crucial to ensuring the safety and efficiency of train operations. The officers noted that a significant challenge has emerged across nearly all railway zones in filling vacancies for section controllers after the discontinuation of direct recruitment for traffic apprentices in 2020.Following the cessation of direct recruitment procedures, the railway authorities opted to fulfil 75 per cent of controller roles through the promotion of station masters (55 per cent), guards (10 per cent), and train clerks (10 per cent). The remaining 25 per cent of recruitments are intended to be carried out via a limited departmental competitive examination.In an official communication addressed to the Railway Board on August 4, Dr Pranai Prabhakar, the Principal Chief Operations Manager (PCOM) of the North Western Railway, expressed that in the past, the station masters' major advancement pathway was facilitated by higher pay scales and supplementary perks. However, with the advent of the VIIth CPC (Central Pay Commission), the initial grade pay for both station masters and section controllers became equivalent. This adjustment has resulted in station masters being hesitant to apply for train controller positions.