Railway locomotives to get air conditioners
Railways have decided to introduce air conditioning facilities in locomotives to reduce fatigue level of loco pilots and improve their efficiency.
The decision comes in the backdrop of a host of safety-related features being planned by railways, which is yet to recover from the Sainthia train accident that took place on July 19 claiming 66 lives.
According to a railway official, the move to air condition the cab area inside the locomotives was deliberated at length and there was unanimity in adopting it keeping the interest of loco pilots in mind.
There was a greater realisation of the fact that the loco pilots are working in extreme weather conditions of heat, humidity and dust prevalent across the country, he said.
“The Railway Board therefore has decided for provision of air conditioning in cabs of both electric and diesel locos, which are going to be manufactured in future and also on those already in service,” he said.
According to reports, 75 to 80 per cent of the rail accidents have been attributed to human error.
The Indian Railways have a locomotive fleet strength of over 8,500. As per its policy, all types of locomotives, irrespective of whether they are hauling freight or passenger trains, will have air condition facilities.
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