On Thursday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the central government, expressing deep concern over the harsh and “inhumane” working conditions faced by loco pilots employed by Indian Railways.
Gandhi argued that the continued neglect of their basic rights not only constitutes a gross injustice towards these essential workers but also endangers the safety of millions of passengers who rely on trains as their primary mode of transportation across the country.
Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi shared a news report that highlighted the Railways’ recent rejection of long-pending demands raised by loco pilots.
The report specifically mentioned that female staff were often compelled to work eight-hour shifts without access to toilet facilities, underscoring the severe lack of basic infrastructure and humane consideration for employees.
Reflecting on his interactions with railway staff, Gandhi wrote, “Last year, during a conversation with several loco pilots, I was profoundly disturbed to learn about the shocking conditions they endure.
Many of them are made to work 14-hour shifts, frequently face back-to-back night duties without sufficient rest, and are deprived of essential breaks for food or even basic human needs like using a toilet.”
The Congress leader strongly criticized the recurring pattern wherein the Railways, after serious accidents, tend to attribute the cause to “human error” while conveniently failing to address the systemic neglect and exploitation of employees.
Gandhi highlighted the disconnect between the government’s narrative and the lived reality of loco pilots, who are often stretched to their physical and mental limits without institutional support.
Further sharpening his attack, Gandhi accused the government of willfully ignoring the just and reasonable demands of the railway staff, such as the implementation of fixed working hours and the provision of a safer, healthier work environment.
He alleged that, rather than acting in good faith, the authorities formed a committee merely for public appearances, with no sincere intention of addressing the root of the problem.
“The situation has now reached an alarming point,” Gandhi stated, “where even the most basic human needs — like food breaks and access to toilet facilities — have been dismissed by the administration as ‘impractical.’ This response is both shocking and unacceptable.”
He stressed that the issue at hand extends beyond worker rights and directly impacts the safety of the entire railway network.
He warned that overworked and fatigued loco pilots, deprived of basic needs and sufficient rest, pose a latent risk to the millions of lives entrusted to the system every day.
Calling it not just a labor rights issue but also a grave matter of public safety, Gandhi reaffirmed his solidarity with the loco pilots and pledged to continue supporting their cause.
He vowed to keep raising the matter both inside and outside Parliament until the government acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and implements meaningful reforms.
“This is not just a political issue; it is a fight for justice, dignity, and safety,” Gandhi concluded. “As long as the government chooses to turn a deaf ear to the plight of loco pilots, I and many others will continue to amplify their voices and stand with them in their struggle.