Central Railway mass retirement: 72 loco pilots seek voluntary retirement

72 Loco Pilot Mail staff from Central Railwayrsquos Mumbai Division have jointly applied for voluntary retirement citing longstanding systemic issues that they say have made continued service ldquoprofessionally unsustainablerdquoThe applications received on Tuesday by the Divisional Railway Manager the General Managerrsquos Office and the Senior DEE TRO outline serious concerns over safety poor facilities and administrative pressureCritical concerns highlighted by loco pilotsSubstandard food facilities Meals provided during duty hours and at running rooms are reportedly unhygienic and unfit for consumption posing health risks for safetysensitive dutiesPoor rest facilities Running rooms and rest areas lack cleanliness proper maintenance and essential amenities preventing adequate recovery after long strenuous shiftsUnsafe infrastructure Missing pathways poor lighting and unsafe access to lobbies trip sheds and running rooms create significant safety hazards particularly at night and during adverse weatherAdministrative pressure Staff report undue administrative interference harassment and a stressful work environment affecting mental health and operational efficiencyHealth and family impact Continuous stress irregular duties and poor facilities have reportedly deteriorated the physical and mental wellbeing of staff straining family lifeThe joint application stresses that the decision was taken after repeated representations to authorities went unaddressedThe applicants have requested that their VRS applications be approved promptly and have assured full cooperation during the notice period including a smooth handover of dutiesThe move has drawn attention to longstanding welfare and safety issues within the Mumbai Division raising concerns about staff retention and operational safety in Central Railway operationsNRMU demands highlevel inquiry and urgent upgradesThe National Railway Mazdoor Union NRMU has warned the Central Railway administration that a large number of Mumbaidivision mail and express loco pilots have applied for voluntary retirement citing mounting workplace distress and neglect of longpending grievancesIn a representation the union stated that poorquality and unhygienic food badly maintained running rooms unsafe access to facilities excessive administrative pressure and the impact on health and family life are demoralising a safetycritical workforce and could affect punctuality and public confidence in rail operationsldquoThis development is not merely an administrative matter but a serious institutional warning signalrdquo said Venu P Nair General Secretary of NRMU urging a highlevel inquiry urgent facility upgrades and structured dialogue to prevent a potential exodus and safeguard railway safety