The has declined requests from locomotive pilots for scheduled breaks during their shifts to eat meals and use restrooms. The railway board cited operational challenges and safety concerns as reasons for this decision, reported on Wednesday, 10 April.

The decision comes at a time when are on the rise, with human error frequently cited as a major contributing factor. Fatigue and lack of basic amenities — like time to eat or use the restroom — can significantly impair a driver's concentration, decision-making, and reaction times.

Locomotive pilots, commonly known as loco pilots, have long advocated for structured breaks, highlighting the demanding nature of their work, which often involves extended hours without opportunities for rest or meals. The absence of scheduled breaks can lead to fatigue, potentially impacting both the well-being of the pilots and the safety of train operations.

In response to the rejection, unions representing the loco pilots have expressed disappointment and are urging the railway board to reconsider its stance, emphasising the importance of rest for safe and efficient train operations.

However, critics argue that by refusing structured rest, Indian Railways may be inadvertently increasing the risk of accidents, not reducing it. Worker unions and safety advocates are highlighting how pilot exhaustion isn't just a labor issue — it's a public safety issue.

This raises a key question: how can a system expect consistent safety performance when it doesn't accommodate even the most basic human needs of its frontline workers?

Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has defended the installation of the Crew Voice & Video Recording System (CVVRS) in locomotive cabins, claiming it’s not a breach of privacy, but rather a tool for post-event analysis and to enhance accountability and safety.

"The provision of CVVRS in locomotive cab is not a breach of privacy. CVVRS will serve the purpose of assistance and support to the crew in post-event analysis. It doesn't cause any additional workload on the crew, thus it is only a tool for enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring the safe running of trains," the board said.

Regarding carrying fog-safe devices in normal weather, the board said, "The Committee considers Fog Safe Device as a useful tool with Loco Pilot which assists for the location of the signal and therefore recommends its use in normal weather also as a safety aid."

Here’s how they are justifying it:

The footage and audio would help understand the sequence of events in case of an accident or operational issue.

It’s meant to provide support and clarity in investigations, not to monitor crews in real-time.

Railways argue that airlines use similar cockpit voice recorders, so this is in line with international norms.

Now there’s a broader debate: Do tools like CVVRS actually enhance safety, or do they shift responsibility without solving the root issues — like overwork and fatigue?

This ongoing issue underscores the broader challenges faced by railway staff in balancing operational efficiency with worker welfare.

With PTI inputs