In a rather off-track yet telling initiative, Indian Railways has added a curious clause to the safety manual of train operations— domestic peace. At a counselling programme held on Saturday near New Cooch Behar Railway Station, senior railway officials made a rather unconventional appeal to the wives of loco pilots.
Their message? “Avoid household disputes. It affects your husband’s mind. And when his mind is disturbed, the train he drives could be, too.”
Organised by the Alipurduar Division, the session brought together loco pilots, assistant loco pilots and their families in an effort to address what officials described as “hidden yet serious contributors” to rail accidents— emotional stress and domestic discord.
The gathering kicked off with a videographic presentation illustrating two sharply contrasting narratives: one of loco pilots burdened by domestic unrest, leading to distracted driving and mishaps, and another of pilots enjoying marital harmony, leading to safer train operations.
“We’ve found a direct correlation between unrest at home and operational lapses,” said Amarjit Gautam, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Alipurduar Division, adding, “That’s why we’ve asked the wives to maintain a calm and understanding environment at home. The mind of the driver is as critical as the machine he’s operating.”
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But the session wasn’t only about advice to wives. Railway officials also opened the floor for grievances and loco pilots didn’t hold back. Many voiced their growing concern with the system on several issues ranging from grueling overtime to inadequate quarters and delayed medical assistance.
“Our problems don’t end at home,” one assistant loco pilot said, adding, “They begin at work.”
Another added, “We don’t get enough rest. And when we go home to leaking ceilings or unpaid dues, how can we keep a peaceful mind?” Officials took note and promised to address the infrastructural and logistical issues in phases.
Railway insiders admitted the programme stemmed from an increasing concern over human error in recent accidents. Internal assessments have pointed to mental fatigue and stress — much of it from personal issues — as contributing factors.
“Pilots are not robots. A mind in turmoil cannot manage a train engine moving at 120 kmph,” said a senior official said.
This unique session reflects Indian Railways’ evolving approach toward safety— not just through mechanical overhauls or speed restrictions, but by entering the deeply human territory of emotion and relationships.
Whether it was progressive or patronising is up for debate. But the message rolled in loud and clear— when it comes to railway safety, even the home front is now officially on track.
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