Parliament Question: Shortage of Staff in Safety-category Posts

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4284 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026 SHORTAGE OF STAFF IN SAFETY-CATEGORY POSTS †4284. SHRI MURARI LAL MEENA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware of the shortage of staff in posts such as Station Master and Pointsman at various stations of Railways due to the ban imposed by the Ministry of Finance on the creation of posts in the safety category and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government proposes to lift the said ban for creating new posts in the safety cadre keeping in view the expansion of railways and the increasing operations of multi-track and quadruple-line system and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether the policy of denying Night Duty Allowance to Level-9 Station Masters, despite them performing night duties regularly has been reviewed along with the details of the affected personnel in Rajasthan and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether there is any proposal under consideration to restore the Night Duty Allowance for Level-9 Station Masters in accordance with the principle of equal remuneration for equal work and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (d): Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways. As a consequence of various safety measures taken over the years, there has been a steep decline in the number of accidents. Number of Consequential Train Accidents has reduced as shown in the table below:- §Year Consequential Accidents 2014-15 135 2025-26 (upto 28.02.2026) 14 (90% lesser) Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations is Consequential Accident Index, the details of which are as under:- Consequential Accident Index:- Year Accident Index 2014-15 0.11 2024-25 0.03 (73% lesser) This index measures number of consequential accidents as a ratio of total running kilometers of all trains. Accident Index = 234 165 135 55 31 14 2005-06 2009-10 2014-15 2019-20 2024-25 2025-26 (Feb 2026) The various safety measures taken to enhance safety in train operations are as under:- 1. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related activities has increased over the years as under:- stnediccA niarT laitneuqesnoC fo .oN No. of consequential accidents No. of trains X million kilometers runExpenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) 2013-14 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 39,200 87,336 1,01,662 1,14,022 1,17,693 1,20,389 2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,665 stations up to 28.02.2026 to reduce accidents due to human failure. 3. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 10,153 Level Crossing Gates up to 28.02.2026 for enhancing safety at LC Gates. 4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6,669 stations up to 28.02.2026. 5. Indian Railways has gone for implementation of indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, which required safety certification of highest order (SIL 4). Kavach has been adopted as a National ATP system in July 2020. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on South Central Railway and experience gained, further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024. After extensive and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been successfully commissioned on 1,452 Route Kilometres, covering the high density Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes as below: SN Section Progress Route (Km) (1) Delhi-Mumbai route: i Junction cabin – Palwal – Mathura – 667 Nagda section ii Vadodara - Ahmedabad section 96 iii Vadodara - Virar section 336(2) Delhi – Howrah route: i Gaya Sarmatanr section 93 ii Chota Ambana - Bardhaman – Howrah 260 section Further, track side Kavach implementation work has been taken up on 24,427 RKM covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of Indian Railways. 6. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling, e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued. 7. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized. 8. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots. 9. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather. 10. A GPS based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc. 11. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Pre-stressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, fan shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals. 12. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors.13. Maximizing supply of 130m/260m long rail panels for increasing progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby improving safety. 14. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails. 15. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e., Flash Butt Welding. 16. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars). 17. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures. 18. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout renewal works. 19. Inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices. 20. Web based online monitoring system of track assets viz. Track database and decision support system has been adopted to decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs. 21. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track, e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued. 22. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations. 23. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done. 24. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019. 25. Safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections.26. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory “Fire Notices” for widespread passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are provided in every coach so as to educate and alert passengers regarding various Do’s and Don’ts to prevent fire. These include messages regarding not carrying any inflammable material, explosives, prohibition of smoking inside the coaches, penalties etc. 27. Production Units are providing Fire detection and suppression system in newly manufactured Power Cars and Pantry Cars, Fire and Smoke detection system in newly manufactured coaches. Progressive fitment of the same in existing coaches is also underway by Zonal Railways in a phased manner. 28. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken. 29. Concept of Rolling Block introduced in Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules vide Gazette notification dated 30.11.2023, wherein work of integrated maintenance/ repair/replacement of assets is planned up to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan. The details of the Safety related works related to better maintenance practices, Technological improvements, better infrastructure and rolling stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:- 2004-05 to 2014-15 to 2014-25 Vs. S.N. Item 2013-14 2024-25 2004-14 Technological Improvements 1. Use of high-quality rails 57,450 Km 1.43 Lakh More than 2 (60 Kg) (Km) Km times 2. Longer Rail Panels 9,917 Km 77,522 Km Nearly 8 (260m) (Km) times 3. Electronic Interlocking 837 Stations 3,691 More than 4 (Stations) Stations times 4. Fog Pass Safety Devices As on As on 288 times (Nos.) 31.03.14: 31.03.25: 90 Nos. 25,939 Nos. 5. Thick Web Switches Nil 28,301 Nos. (Nos.)Better Maintenance Practices 1. Primary Rail Renewal 32,260 Km 49,941 Km 1.5 times (Track Km) 2. USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw 79.43 Lakh 2 Crore More than 2 detection) Testing of times Welds (Nos.) 3. Weld failures (Nos.) In 2013-14: In 2024-25: 90 % 3699 Nos. 370 Nos. reduction 4. Rail fractures (Nos.) In 2013-14: In 2024-25: More than 2548 Nos. 289 Nos. 88% reduction Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock 1. New Track KM added 14,985 Km 34,428 Km More than 2 (Track Km) times 2. Flyovers (RoBs) / 4,148 Nos. 13,808 Nos. More than 3 Underpasses (RUBs) times (Nos.) 3. Unmanned Level As on As on Removed crossings 31.03.14: 31.03.24:Nil (Nos.) on BG 8,948 (All eliminated by 31.01.19) 4. Manufacture of LHB 2,337 Nos. 42,677 More than Coaches (Nos.) 18 times Indian Railways recruit Station Masters and Pointsman on a regular basis considering the vacancy position. Keeping in view train operation and retirement of staff, new positions are opened up for recruitment. The details of filling up vacancies of Station Masters and Pointsman are as follow: Year Details 2024 994 vacancies of Station Masters and 5058 vacancies of Pointsman were notified. Selection process is in advanced stage of completion. 2025 615 vacancies of Station Masters and 5053 vacancies of Pointsman have been notified.Recruitment done in Indian Railways during 2004-05 to 2013-14 vis-à-vis during 2014-15 to 2025-26 is given as under: - Period Recruitments 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 4.11 lakh 2014-2015 to 2024-2025 5.08 lakh 2025-26 till date 42,380 Occurrence and filling up of vacancies are continuous processes 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, mechanisations and innovative practices. The vacancies are filled up primarily by placement of indents by Railways with Recruitment agencies as per operational and technological requirements. The RRB examinations are quite technical in nature entailing large scale mobilization of men and resources and training of manpower. Railway overcame all these challenges and successfully conducted the recruitment in a transparent manner following all laid down guidelines. No instance of paper leakage or similar malpractice has occurred during the entire process. Further, as system improvement, the Ministry of Railways has introduced a system of publishing the Annual Calendar from 2024 for recruitment to various categories of Group ‘C’ posts. The introduction of the Annual Calendar is benefitting the aspirants in the following manner:  More opportunities for candidates;  Opportunities to those becoming eligible every year;  Certainty of exams;  Faster Recruitment process, Training and AppointmentsPresently, recruitment against 1,43,086 vacancies of non-gazetted personnel has been taken up on Indian Railways as per Annual Calendar 2024 and 2025. During January to December 2024, ten Centralized Employment Notifications (CENs) for 92,116 vacancies were notified for filling up of posts of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs), Technicians (including Technician Grade-I Signal), Sub-Inspectors, Constables in Railway Protection Force (RPF), Junior Engineers (JEs)/ Depot Material Superintendent (DMS)/ Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA) (including JE Signal), Paramedical Categories, Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate), Non-Technical Popular Categories (Under-Graduate), Ministerial & Isolated Categories and Level-1 categories such as Assistants, Track Maintainers and Pointsman. First Stage/Single stage Computer Based Tests (CBTs) for 92,116 posts have been completed. Details are as under: - Exam Candidates Cities Languages 1st Stage CBT for the post of ALP (18,799 18,40,347 156 15 vacancies) CBT for the post of Technician (14,298 26,99,892 139 15 vacancies) 1st Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA 11,01,266 146 15 (7,951 vacancies) CBT for the post of RPF-SI (452 vacancies) 15,35,635 143 15 CBT for the post of RPF-Constable (4,208 45,30,288 147 15 vacancies) CBT for Paramedical Categories (1,376 7,08,321 143 15 vacancies)1st Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular 58,41,774 141 15 Categories (Graduate) (8,113 vacancies) 1st Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular 63,27,473 157 15 Categories (Under Graduate) (3,445 vacancies) CBT for Ministerial & Isolated categories 4,46,013 139 15 (1,036 vacancies) CBT for level-1 posts (32,438 vacancies) 1,08,28,261 152 15 Total Candidates 3,58,59,270 2nd stage CBTs for the posts of ALP, JE/DMS/CMA and Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate & Under-Graduate) have also been completed. Details are as under: - Exam Candidates Cities Languages 2nd Stage CBT for the post of ALP 2,66,363 112 15 (18,799 vacancies) 2nd Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA 1,17,339 118 15 (7,951 vacancies) 2nd Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular 1,21,931 129 15 Categories (Graduate) (8,113 vacancies) 2nd Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular 51,978 79 15 Categories (Under-Graduate) (3,445 vacancies) Total Candidates 5,57,611 Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for the post of ALP and Non- Technical Popular Categories (Graduate) and Computer based Skill Test for the post of Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate and Under Graduate) and Ministerial & Isolated Categories have also been completed.Details are as under: - Exam Candidates Cities Languages CBAT for the post of ALP 1,32,044 84 2 Translation Test for Ministerial and 1,233 8 2 Isolated Categories CBAT for the post of Non-Technical 13,616 38 2 Popular Categories (Graduate) Computer Based Typing Skill Test 30,341 58 2 (CBTST) for the post of Non- Technical Popular Categories (Graduate-level) Computer Based Typing Skill Test 13,145 44 2 (CBTST) for the post of Non- Technical Popular Categories (Under- Graduate-level) Total Candidates 1,90,379 Panels for more than 42,000 candidates for various posts including the posts of Technicians, Junior Engineers, Paramedical Categories, Sub- Inspectors & Constable (RPF) and Assistant Loco Pilots have been finalised. Majority of them are in safety categories. In addition, as per Annual Calendar for the year 2025, nine Centralized Employment Notifications (CENs) for 50,970 vacancies have also been issued. Details are as under: CEN No. Post Name No. of Month Vacancies of Notification notified 01/2025 Assistant Loco Pilots 9,970 March 202502/2025 Technicians 6,238 June 2025 03/2025 Paramedical categories 434 July 2025 04/2025 Section Controller 368 August 2025 05/2025 Junior Engineer (JE) / Depot 2,585 October 2025 Material Superintendent / Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant 06/2025 Non-Technical Popular 5,810 October 2025 Categories (Graduate) 07/2025 Non-Technical Popular 3,058 October 2025 Categories (Under-Graduate) 08/2025 Isolated Categories 312 December 2025 09/2025 Level-1 posts (Including 22,195 December 2025 Assistants, Track Maintainers and Pointsman) Total 50,970 First stage/Single stage Computer Based Tests (CBTs) for 19,595 posts have been completed. Details are as under: - Exam Candidates Cities Languages 1st Stage CBT for the post of ALP (9,970 10,03,719 141 15 vacancies) CBT for the post of Section Controller (368 4,33,748 131 15 vacancies) 1st Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA 5,74,351 133 15 (2,585 vacancies) CBT for the post of Technician (6,238 8,41,525 117 15 vacancies)CBT for the post of Paramedical Categories 3,19,396 106 15 (434 vacancies) Total Candidates 31,72,739 In view of operational and administrative requirement due to creation of new assets, new posts are also created in consultation with Ministry of Finance. Station Masters in Pay Levels 6 to 8 are currently eligible for Night Duty Allowance (NDA) in accordance with the existing guidelines. Station Masters in Level 9 are eligible for enhanced Transport allowance at the rate of ₹ 7200 plus DA per month as against Rs 3600 plus DA for those in Pay Levels 6 to 8. Station Masters in Level 9 are also eligible for Dress Allowance at the rate of ₹12,500 per year in addition to statutory allowances of DA and HRA. The existing provisions continue to remain in force. *****