Railways introduces key reforms for train controllers
New Delhi (PTI): In a significant move to ensure safety of train operations, the Railway ministry on Wednesday announced some key reforms for enhancing the functioning and working conditions of train controllers.
"Train controllers must serve a minimum of three years in the control office to build domain knowledge and operate at optimal levels. Only experienced and meritorious traffic inspectors and station masters with good service records will be selected as train controllers," a senior railway official said, simplifying the terms of the reforms.
He added, "Controllers must undergo mandatory refresher courses every five years, with simulator-based and scenario-driven learning modules incorporated into the curriculum. A performance monitoring mechanism will be institutionalised to review controllers' performance based on punctuality indices, emergency handling, communication skills and command over working rules."
Ministry officials stated that a proper succession and rotation plan will be maintained for all posts in control offices to prevent over-reliance on individual controllers. The ministry has also decided to introduce measures like yoga sessions, counselling and periodic health check-ups to address the high-stress nature of the job.
On August 27, 2024, the Railway ministry constituted a six-member committee -- three Additional Members of Staff, Revenue and Traffic; one Principal Executive Director of Infra, and two Executive Directors of Transformation and Traffic Transportation -- to examine and recommend ways to improve the working conditions of train controllers.
The said committee came into being after the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) flagged several concerning issues such as pay scale, vacancies, recruitment process and basic amenities.
PTI, on August 25, 2024, had published a detailed report on the study by RDSO, which functions under the Railway ministry, according to which the train controllers face multiple challenges at work including "unattractive" pay scale, huge stress due to vacancy leading to health concerns and a lack of basic amenities.
The June 25, 2025 circular, addressed to all the zones, said that the key initiatives have been taken after the committee's recommendations and to make "Railway Traffic Control Organisation at par with the global best".
"It has been decided to rename the Traffic Control as Operations & Traffic Control to serve as an Integrated Command Centre of all departments and branches involved in train operations," the circular said.
It added that the traffic controllers' cadre as a trained talent pool shall be filled by the prescribed streams such as direct recruitment, limited departmental competitive examination, departmental selection, et cetera, and "a standard working environment and facilities shall be provided to all staff working in control office."
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Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
