Train drivers’ unions have refuted claims by the Northern Railway suggesting that Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to New Delhi Railway Station, met loco pilots brought in from outside the Delhi Division. Chief Public Relation Officer Deepak Kumar implied that Gandhi may not have met local crew members.
However, unions present during Gandhi’s visit asserted that his interaction included pilots from various divisions, not just Delhi. R Kumaresan of the All India Loco Running Staff Association South Zone clarified that Gandhi spoke with all present in the crew lobby, regardless of division.
Common Grievances Highlighted
Kamlesh Singh from Indian Railway Loco Runningmen Organisation echoed this, noting common grievances like long duty hours and inadequate facilities across all divisions. Sanjay Pandhi of IRLRO affirmed Gandhi’s right to meet railway employees nationwide as an MP and opposition leader.
After Gandhi’s visit, Railway Ministry officials promptly visited New Delhi Railway Station to address grievances raised during his interaction, marking a responsive move by the Railway Board.
The visit highlighted ongoing concerns among pilots, such as extended duty hours and inadequate amenities during their shifts, issues regularly communicated by pilot associations to the Railway Ministry.