DRIVEN TO DESPAIR
India Today|August 19, 2024
"Are loco pilots not humans?" the Congress had asked on social media platforms, after Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, visited a running room, or rest room, for locomotive pilots at the New Delhi railway station last month to review their working conditions. Rahul himself spoke of their "16-hour" workday and "boiling hot" cabins.
Avishek G. Dastidar
DRIVEN TO DESPAIR

On August 1, during a budget discussion in Parliament, railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hit back with some numbers: 558 running rooms across the country have been air-conditioned, said the minister, as have 7,000 train engine cabs.

Unfortunately, neither the minister, nor the Opposition, went beyond the general working conditions of loco pilots to talk about the specific grievances that women on the job claim they have been raising for years-the absence of basic facilities like toilets on locomotives and separate spaces, including changing rooms and washrooms for women, in running rooms. "We often have to use the public toilets at stations even to change," says a woman loco pilot, who has been working for 18 years and is currently posted in Rajasthan.

This story is from the August 19, 2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 19, 2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM INDIA TODAYView All
A Cut Above the Rest
India Today

A Cut Above the Rest

Oft ignored, the ceiling in a room is so much more than a necessity

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
THE GRAND STAND
India Today

THE GRAND STAND

This atypical bachelor pad for Delhivery's Sandeep Barasia is all about balancing art with form, aesthetics with functionality and materiality with context

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
50 SHADES OF WHITE
India Today

50 SHADES OF WHITE

From ivory to ecru, TV actor Ankita Lokhande and reality TV star Vicky Jain's apartment in Mumbai is all about a fresh and clean feel

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
"GOOD DESIGN IS EFFICIENT, BEAUTIFUL AND PROBLEM SOLVING"
India Today

"GOOD DESIGN IS EFFICIENT, BEAUTIFUL AND PROBLEM SOLVING"

Known for creating thoughtfully crafted spaces, architect Jaskaran Singh takes us through the legacy he was born into

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
HITCHED AT HOME
India Today

HITCHED AT HOME

From offbeat décor to eco-friendly design elements, an intimate wedding runs high on undeniable charm and unique sentiments

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
ROOM TO BLOOM
India Today

ROOM TO BLOOM

Bring wedding festivities indoors with flowers and hues that set the mood for this beautiful tablescape

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
THE RITE CHOICE
India Today

THE RITE CHOICE

Move over heaven, well-designed and stylish marriages require the Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla touch. They share how to ace this space.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Twist on Tradition
India Today

Twist on Tradition

Stylish storytelling, vibrant vistas, trendy textiles and modern magic, wedding decor is a beautifully crafted and personal tale today

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
TROUSSEAU TROVE
India Today

TROUSSEAU TROVE

From preserved flowers to bountiful hampers, what you give the bride and groom will set the tone for their life ahead

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
iSpy
India Today

iSpy

Your guide to the hottest new stores and products

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024