Parliament Question: Toilet facilities for Locomotives

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. § Page 1 of 3To 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:  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.  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. Page 2 of 3The 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. ***** Page 3 of 3