Railways Union Demands End to 12-Hour Shifts After Pointsman Killed in Nagpur
The All India Pointsmen Association (AIPMA) has called for the abolition of the 12-hour duty roster following the death of a pointsman at Gudma station in Nagpur on July 1.
Pointsman Abhilash Yadav, 28, was on duty from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. when he was struck by the Tata Nagar Express, according to railway officials. He had been stabilizing a train that had terminated at the station and moved to an adjacent track without realizing the express train was approaching.
Pointsmen are responsible for managing track crossing points, stabilizing trains in yards, and delivering written communications to train crew, among other tasks.
The association alleged that Yadav's exhausting work schedule contributed to his death, stating that it jeopardizes safe train operations and endangers thousands of frontline staff. 'The catastrophic consequences of severe mental and physical fatigue were painfully demonstrated on July 1,' said Sai Prasad, Central Organising Secretary of AIPMA.
In a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Prasad wrote that 'this young life was cut short because field staff are being pushed beyond their physical limits under hazardous and unprotected conditions.' He noted that pointsmen are the only critical safety category in Indian Railways still subjected to a 'Essentially Intermittent' classification allowing 12-hour shifts.
'This practice ignores modern rail operations—station yards are busier than ever,' Prasad argued. 'Working 12 hours straight in unlit yards, on loose ballast, and in harsh weather destroys situational awareness and leads to slower reaction times.'
The association also highlighted discrimination, saying other safety categories have moved to eight-hour rosters while pointsmen remain vulnerable to fatal injuries.
AIPMA demands an immediate switch to eight-hour shifts across all railway zones, maximum ex gratia compensation, clearance of death-cum-retirement benefits, and priority compassionate appointment for Yadav's family. It also calls for distribution of high-visibility safety gear and walkie-talkies, and a ban on manual vehicle stabilization without a dedicated safety lookout.
'We urge you to take immediate action before fatigue claims another precious life,' Prasad said.
