Safety being a top priority, the Ministry of Railways has introduced a wide-ranging reform package aimed at enhancing efficiency, performance monitoring, and the well-being of its train controllers, who work under immense responsibility. Developed from recommendations by a high-level committee formed in August 2024, the reforms
Ministry of Railways’ Wellness & Safety Drive to Ease Job Stress
Ministry of Railways’ Wellness & Safety Drive to Ease Job Stress
The concerns you mention originated in mid‑2024 when the Research Design and Standards (RDSO) flagged a cluster of critical issues—ranging from unattractive pay scales and widespread vacancies (reported between 15–24 %) to outdated recruitment methods and a glaring absence of basic workplace amenities—contributing to heightened stress and health problems for train controllers Acting on these findings, the Railway Board constituted a high‑level committee on August 27, 2024, to devise remedial measures; the committee’s work culminated in a comprehensive reform circular issued on June 25, 2025, to all railway zones, mandating a revamp of India’s Traffic Control framework in line with global best practices The circular specifically addresses RDSO‑identified gaps by earmarking performance‑based financial incentives, reinstating direct recruitment of traffic apprentices to reduce reliance on feeder categories, and introducing standardized aptitude testing to improve candidate quality Importantly, it calls for upgrades in control office infrastructure—adding water purifiers, vending machines, rest areas—and launching wellness initiatives such as medical check‑ups and yoga programs to combat lifestyle‑related disorders prevalent among controllers Together, these integrated reforms aim to professionalise controller recruitment, enhance working conditions, and align India’s Railway Traffic Control operations with international benchmarks.