My Duty Hours are Over! Train Stopped for 3 Hours in Bihar After Loco Pilot Refuses to Work Beyond 9 Hour Duty Limit
In Bihar, a train suddenly stopped after its loco pilot said his duty hours were over. After completing his 9-hour shift, the driver refused to continue the journey and followed railway rules.
On Wednesday, his decision left hundreds of passengers stranded at Thakurganj Railway Station in Kishanganj district of Bihar.
The Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train (75719) was travelling from Malda to Siliguri. It reached platform number 1 at Thakurganj Railway Station at 2:52 PM. However, instead of leaving the station, the train remained there for nearly three hours. The driver told railway officials that his duty hours had ended and he could not operate the train beyond the allowed limit.
According to railway rules, a loco pilot can work only 9 to 10 hours at a stretch to ensure safe train operations. Following these rules, the driver refused to continue without proper rest.
The train was carrying hundreds of passengers, including traders, labourers, and families travelling to Siliguri, Kishanganj, and nearby areas. The long delay left many passengers confused and upset as they waited for the issue to be resolved.
What are Rules for Loco Pilots?
The total duty period in one stretch (from sign-on to sign-off) must not exceed 11 hours. Running duty in one stretch should normally not exceed 9 hours. However, it may be extended if the railway administration gives at least 2 hours’ prior notice, but the total duty must still remain within 11 hours.
If a train does not reach its destination or the crew-changing point within 11 hours, and the relief point is about one hour away, the Running Staff may continue the trip, provided the total duty does not exceed 12 hours. For Loco Pilots of Mail/Express trains, running duty for link preparation should not exceed 8 hours. Preparation and closing (P&C) time will not be included in these 8 hours.
The Headquarter rest period for Running Staff will be 16 hours, regardless of the duration of the previous trip, subject to service requirements.
