Concerns over delay in starting training of newly-selected assistant loco pilots of South Western Railway

Concerns arise as Indian Railway delays training for new Assistant Loco Pilots of South Western Railway, increasing workload for current staff.

The All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) has raised serious concerns over the delay in starting training for newly-selected Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) in the South Western Railway (SWR) zone in Karnataka.

As per the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) notification issued in January 2024, Indian Railways planned to recruit 5,696 Assistant Loco Pilots, but due to the protest by AILRSA, the administration agreed to increase the number of vacancies to 18,799. A revised notification was issued on June 18, 2024. The RRB examination was conducted, and 1,576 candidates were recruited for South Western Railway in Karnataka.

The recruitment process was conducted in the following phases: Computer Based Test 1 (CBT) from November 27, 2024, CBT 2 from May 2, 2025, Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) from July 15, 2025, medical test from October 29, 2025, and the final result was published on December 2, 2025.

In many railway zones, including Southern Railway, the training programme for selected candidates is almost complete. However, in Karnataka (SWR), there is still no clear date for the start of training. Initially, candidates were informed that training would begin in January. Later, it was postponed to February, then to March 9, and again to March 16. The latest information suggests that the training may start in April.

Working loco pilots are facing a heavy workload. Many are struggling to get proper rest and leave due to a large number of vacant posts. AILRSA has requested the management to start the training programme at the earliest.