Alappuzha: Even as the expert committee report has recommended regulated working hours for loco pilots in the wake of successive train accidents, the Railways has once again opted for extended duty trials. To address the staff shortage, the Railways is increasing the working hours of loco pilots as a temporary solution. The time revisions already implemented across various divisions of the Southern Railway are now planned to be extended to other zones as well.

The working hours of loco pilots operating express and mail trains will increase by up to four hours. Loco pilots point out that Parliament had approved a 10-hour duty cap. However, they may now have to work continuously for up to 14 hours. At present, the working hours of loco pilots on freight trains under Southern Railway have al

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