Justice on Track: The Rising Voice of Indian Railways' Tower Wagon Drivers

The All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) has called for Indian Railways to provide cadre status and equal pay for tower wagon drivers, vital players in train safety operations. The federation argues for salary parity with goods train loco pilots and a defined career path as recognition for their contributions.

Tower wagon drivers operate self-driving inspection vans critical for fixing overhead equipment on electrified lines. Despite their acknowledged role as running staff since 1991, these drivers lack consistent benefits and face systemic disparities, AIRF noted in a letter to the Railway Board.

The federation pushes for formal creation of a cadre and implementation of an initial pay grade similar to goods drivers, which courts have sometimes mandated in individual cases. These moves are said to clarify the drivers' status, enhance motivation, and rectify longstanding grievances, contributing positively to Indian Railways' operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)