Representational picture (IANS)
New Delhi: To enhance passenger safety, the Railways has introduced a safety-focused measure requiring loco running staff to keep all mobile and CUG phones switched off while on duty, ensuring full attention from the time they take charge of the train until handover.
This decision has been taken to ensure that Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots remain fully focused on their responsibilities. In railway operations, safety is not just about major decisions, it is built on small, consistent habits that protect everyone on board.
As part of this commitment, LPs, when required to contact the Train Manager or Station Master, are instructed to use only the Walkie-Talkie set. The use of CUG mobile phones or personal phones for such communication is strictly discouraged.
This measure is designed to ensure that LPs and ALPs remain fully attentive to their operational responsibilities without unnecessary distractions. By standardizing communication through dedicated channels, the system strengthens reliability, reduces ambiguity, and reinforces operational discipline. Ultimately, these small but consistent habits followed by every crew member collectively uphold the highest standards of safety for passengers and railway operations alike.
In case of any locomotive trouble en route, such as loco failure, train parting, derailment, or any other operational issue, the LP will contact the Train Traffic Controller (TLC) only through the official CUG (Corporate User Group) communication system. The LP should not contact any Chief Loco Inspector (CLI) or other railway officials directly on mobile phones. If required, the TLC will arrange a conference call with the concerned officials for further coordination and necessary instructions, the railways said.
According to the railway officials, any telephone communication with the TLC will be made only when the train is stationary and the speed is zero.
As per the directives, in case the train is stationary and the LP needs to attend to any personal emergency or contact family members, such communication will be made only through the TMR telephone or the station CUG phone.
During the course of train operations, strict communication discipline is maintained to ensure safety, control, and accountability. The LP is not permitted to use personal mobile phones at any point during the journey. All operational communication is routed only through authorized railway communication systems, the official said.
At the end of the duty, during sign-off at the lobby, accountability is further reinforced. If any mobile usage occurred within the section before handing over charge to the outgoing crew, the LP is required to record full details in the Mobile Usage Register. This entry must include the date, time, section, and reason for usage, ensuring transparency and traceability of all exceptions.
Through these structured protocols, communication remains controlled, recorded, and aligned with operational safety standards.
From a safety perspective on the initiative, Ram Sharan, Central President of the All India Loco Running Staff Association, told ETV Bharat, “The move will enhance passenger safety and improve operational discipline.”
He noted that keeping mobile and CUG phones switched off will help LPs and ALPs remain fully focused on driving, thereby reducing instances of Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD).
He further explained that with modern railway technologies, signals appear frequently, often at every passing kilometer requiring continuous attention to multiple operational tasks. Mobile phone use can disrupt this focus, restricting their usage enables loco running staff to perform their duties more effectively and safely.
Padam Singh, Northern Railway’s zonal secretary of the All India Loco Running Staff Association, told ETV Bharat that it is reasonable for a Loco Pilot not to use a mobile phone while driving the train, as it can cause distraction and affect attention. However, he questioned the restriction on mobile phone use when the train is stationary, stating that he does not understand why mobile usage is prohibited during such periods.
In railway operations, safety is built not only on major decisions but also on disciplined everyday practices that ensure seamless coordination and focus.
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