Indian Railways has finally got a diesel locomotive that has a vacuum toilet for loco pilots! In a major relief to train drivers, the budget proposal to provide toilet facility for loco pilots was implemented on Friday, with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagging off the train.
At present, loco pilots have the option of using toilet facility available in coach or in the Guard cabin. The train is the first dual cab high-horse power (4500 HP) freight locomotive provided with toilet facility onboard for the crew. “The toilet facility has the latest technology based vacuum type toilet module, similar to that provided in aircraft. It has the bio-digester technology for sewage treatment onboard,” says a Railway Ministry press release. (Don’t miss: Talgo’s high-speed trains for Indian Railways’ Delhi-Mumbai route)
As a safety measure, toilet cabin door will open only when the locomotive is stationary and loco brakes are in applied condition which means the driver cannot access the toilet cabin if the train is in running mode.
The system is self-sustaining and does not require periodic evacuation of sewage from the retention tank. The modular cabin has ventilation fans, lights, wash basin, support handle, indicators, proximity sensors, door opening and emergency exit switches.
It cost about Rs 17.5 lakh to provide the air-conditioned vacuum toilet with bio digester in the diesel locomotive. Railways will provide similar toilet facility in five more diesel locomotives in the current fiscal.
Expressing support for the cause of the railway staff, Suresh Prabhu said, “We are concerned about the wellbeing of our employees and we want to give all required facilities to our 13 lakh employees. Unless all of us are involved in getting the work done, the project execution will not be successful.”
Prabhu also said whether “It is a track man or guard or station master all have crucial roles to perform. In railway whether Chairman of the Railway Board or a track man all are important in rail functioning.”