Career in Indian Railways as Train Driver: Check Details Here

Career in Indian Railways as Train Driver – The role of a train driver is equivalent to the role of a pilot in an airline. On average, a normal train carries more than 500 passengers or various goods as cargo at a time. The responsibility of commuting over 500 people rests on the able shoulder of a train driver or loco pilot who does an unfailing duty and connects people with places on a daily basis. Driving a train, be it ferrying passengers or goods, is more than a job. The person entrusted with the task of steering a train has to be alert all the time and should not lose his/her cool even in case of an accident. 

After certain years of experience as Loco Pilot, the workman is promoted to Power Controller, Crew Controller, Loco Fireman (Loco Supervisor). The pay scale of a newly appointed Railway Driver starts from approx. Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 per month. However, these pay scales keep on revising from time to time. If you wish to have a career as a train driver on Indian Railway, then go through this article for detailed information. 

Career in Indian Railways as Train Driver

The career graph of a train driver includes running short-distance passenger trains, followed by posting for ‘shunting’. Shunting is driving trains from platforms to their parking spot or the yard, where they are given a quick wash, and moving them back from the yard to platforms. The drivers then have to steer goods trains, which haul freight across short and long distances. 

Railway Drivers or Loco-Pilots are the most important person in executing the huge task of transporting nearly 25 million passengers and more than 2.8 million tons of freight daily with the help of 2,29,381 wagons, 59,713 coaches, and more than 9,213 locomotive engines of various kinds. To transport 25 million passengers and millions of tons of freight and that too with taking care of both the traveller’s convenience and safety is not a mean task; the driver on whose sincerity the journey of a train depends. 

Career in Indian Railways as Train Driver: Eligibility Criteria 

Train drivers work for local and national rail companies servicing passengers, freight trains, or pulling engineering equipment related to track maintenance. To have a career as a train driver, one must fulfil the following criteria: 

Indian Railways Job Requirements 2022 for Driver: Age Limit

Those willing to become train drivers must be between 18 to 30 years of age. However, candidates belonging to SC/ST and OBC categories are given age relaxation according to government norms. 

Indian Railways Job Requirements 2022 for Driver: Academic Qualification 

1. To become an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) or train driver, a candidate must have qualified in class 10th or equivalent qualification from a recognized board or university. 
2. They must have completed an ITI pass or Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Automobile Engineering from an institution recognized by AICTE. 

Train Driver IRCTC Recruitment 2022 Process

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the selection procedure for RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot). The selection procedure is held in four stages – first Stage CBT, Second stage CBT, computer-based aptitude test and document verification.

1. First Stage – The first stage is conducted only to shortlist candidates for the second stage. The marks obtained by candidates in this stage are not considered for the final merit list. 
2. Second Stage – The marks scored in part A of the second stage will only be considered to shortlist candidates for further stages of the recruitment procedure provided candidates qualify in part B. Part B of RRB ALP second stage is qualifying in nature. 
3. Computer-Based Aptitude Test – Candidates are shortlisted for this stage based on their performance in part A of the second stage. The merit list for ALP will be prepared from amongst the candidates qualifying in the aptitude test. The examination authority will give 70% weightage to the marks obtained in part A of the second stage and 30% weightage to the marks obtained in CBAT. 
4. Document Verification – For all the ALP posts, the examination authority will consider the score of CBAT to shortlist candidates for document verification. 

The post of Assistant Loco Pilot is common in the Indian Railways under the Ministry of Railway and at various metro rail corporations within the country. The recruitment process for Assistant Loco Pilot is conducted by various Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) in respective regions from time to time as per the vacancies by issuing recruitment notifications. 

Career in Indian Railways as Train Driver: Training

• After recruitment as a Train Driver/Assistant loco pilot, they are sent to Zonal Training Centre (ZTC) for training.
• The training schedule is for 12 months on Diesel/Electric locomotives, including technical education and locomotives’ operational education.
• In addition to this, general and subsidiary rules training is also given to the recruits.
• After completing training from ZTC trainees, they are sent to posted division for practical training under Divisional Training Centre under Loco Supervisor.
• After completing the training, candidates are posted as Assistant Loco Pilots. 

Train Driver Indian Railway Jobs Opportunity

A Railway train driver usually begins their career as a diesel or electric assistant driver, where the job is mainly to check the state of the locomotive, help with all the auxiliary equipment as needed, and call out the aspects of the signals. ALP with a minimum of two years of service as Diesel Assistant/Electric Assistant and 60,000 Kilometre running experience is required for the promotion to the post of Loco-Pilot (Goods). 

Train Driver – Promotions

An assistant driver works as an assistant on goods trains, then on passenger trains, and finally on express trains. It takes at least eight or ten years, usually more, before an assistant driver works up the ranks to become the driver for a Rajdhani or Shatabdi train. The various grades for drivers include: 

1. Driver
2. Passenger Driver
3. Senior Passenger Driver
4. Goods Driver
5. Senior Goods Driver
6. Shunter
7. Senior Shunter
8. Diesel Assistant
9. Senior Diesel Assistant
10. Electric Assistant

Career as Train Driver in Indian Railways: Work Profile 

A train driver must operate on long-distance routes, staying overnight in various locations. Furthermore, it can be stressful, as delays and hazards on the track are common. Typically the Loco Pilot has to work for 10 hours duty at a stretch and can demand relief after 12 hours with 2 hours prior notice to the controller. 

There are no fixed schedules when operating the goods train. It usually takes long duty hours (sometimes continues 10 hours or more). They must wait for the train when returning to their Home Station. There are no immediate returning schedules for loco-pilot. In any personal or family emergency loco-pilot can not leave the cab without signing off. In an emergency, a loco-pilot can be called for duty while he is in rest periods. 

Facilities Provided to Train Driver in Indian Railway Jobs

1. Paternity leaves for 15 days are sanctioned twice during the whole service period. Paternity Leave may not usually be refused. Leave cannot be sanctioned for more than five years continuously.
2. Medical leave –  During one year, 10 days with full pay, 20 days with half salary, and if they take more than 20 days, they will not be paid. When train drivers join after six months of medical leave, the Railway authority takes a medical test. If found medically unfit, the duty/job/post of Loco-Pilot can be changed.
3. Reimbursement of Medical Expenses – When an employee or family member is referred to a hospital by the Railway Medical Authority, expenses incurred are reimbursed on the production of bills/receipts countersigned by the Supt. of the hospital.

Train Driver in Indian Railways: Responsibilities 

Assistant Loco Pilots are normally in charge of ensuring that trains run well and arrive on time. Some of the key responsibilities are:

1. Checking the engine and general state of the train prior to starting each journey.
2. Maintaining an awareness of track conditions and weather conditions.
3. Following signals (averagely, there are signals after every 1.5-kilometre distance).
4. They have to follow the safety regulations while starting the journey.
5. Keeping the train under control and at the appropriate speed at all times.
6. Keeping control of instruments, including brakes.
7. Maintaining awareness about emergency procedures.
8. Stopping the train at the appropriate stops on the schedule.
9. Keeping a record of problems, if any. 

Train Driver in Indian Railways Salary 

The pay scale of a newly appointed Railway Driver starts from approx. Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 per month. However, these pay scales keep on revising from time to time. They also get remuneration and incentives, including contributory provident fund, gratuity, medical facilities and/concessional Railways passage etc. 

They are also provided with a range of benefits and allowances, housing facilities, medical expenses and out-station allowances, and/concessional Railways passes for their immediate family members and dependants. The above-given salary is inclusive of the benefits and allowances provided by the Indian Railways. There are numerous allowances that an RRB Assistant Loco Pilot receives along with the salary, including: 

1. House Rent Allowance
2. Dearness Allowance
3. Transport Allowance
4. Running Allowance (based on the kilometres travelled)

Other Indian Railway Jobs

The Railway Board frequently releases Group-wise Indian Railway Recruitment 2022 notification. All roles in the railway department are classified as Gazetted or Non-Gazetted. Gazetted posts (Group ‘A’ and ‘B’) and non-gazetted posts (Group ‘C’ and ‘D’). We have listed the Group-wise Posts details below:

Also, check –

• Career as a Teacher
• Career as a Fire Fighter

Career in Indian Railways as Train Driver- FAQs

Some of the most commonly asked questions by candidates on the Career as Train Driver in Indian Railways are listed below:

Q.1: What is the work profile of a train driver?
A: Train drivers are responsible for transporting both passengers and freight. They will be responsible for trains that may operate on local or national rail networks, and they may also spend time manoeuvring engines in sheds or yards. It includes ensuring the safety of the passengers at all times.

Q.2: How do I become a train driver in the indian railway?
A: If you want to become a railway engine driver, then you have to qualify for the concerned exam conducted by the RRB. After qualifying for the exam, you will have to undergo a training period. Once you have successfully completed the training, you will be appointed as a train driver/Assistant Loco Pilot (Goods). 

Q.3: What shifts do train drivers work?
A: The industry standard working week is around 35 hours, which tends to be spread across four or five shifts, but these can be scheduled at any time, including evenings, late nights and weekends.

Q.4: What are other common names of a train driver?
A: A train driver is also called – an engine driver or locomotive driver, commonly known as an engineer in the United States and Canada, and also as a locomotive handler, locomotive operator or motorman. 

Q.5: Is ITI compulsory for the loco pilot?
A: To appear in the exam or to be eligible for the entrance examination, one has to complete ITI. So, yes, it is compulsory to become a Loco Pilot. 

Q.6: Is it difficult to be a train driver?
A: Driving a train from A to B is easy, although it does take some level of practice and experience to be able to complete a journey smoothly and as fast as conditions will safely permit.

Q.7: What is the qualification required to have a career in Indian Railways as train driver?
A: To become a train driver, candidates must have passed at least class 10th and completed the course Act Apprenticeship Industrial Training Institute approved by NCVT or SCVT in the respective trade. Those who have a diploma in Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical/ Automobile Engineering recognized by the AICTE are also eligible for the exam.

Q.8: Who conducts the entrance examination to recruit train drivers/loco pilots in India?
A: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the entrance examination to recruit train drivers/loco pilots in India. 

Q.9: Can women join the Indian Railway?
A: A few women have also been recruited as loco pilots. But their career progression faces multiple challenges as the job involves driving goods trains in tough, sparsely inhabited terrains, which could be unsafe. Hence, women loco pilots have been tasked with steering goods trains over shorter distances.

We hope that this information on Career as a Train Driver in Indian Railways has helped you. If you have any queries on becoming a Train Driver in India, you can ask us, and we will answer you. Use the comment section below for any queries and comments.

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