Loco Pilot Jobs in India.

Locomotive pilots perform a crucial role in the Indian railway system by undertaking the task of maintaining and operating train engines. Since the railway is in the public sector, loco pilots have good job prospects and earning potential. Knowing more about this profession can help you decide if this career path is right for you. In this article, we discuss what a loco pilot is, what their duties are and what skills and qualifications they require to perform their job well.

What is a loco pilot?

A loco pilot is a professional who is in charge of operating and driving trains and ensuring that they are properly maintained throughout the whole journey. Aspiring loco pilots enter the railway workforce as assistants and get promoted to senior posts with time and experience. A loco pilot follows railway guidelines, instructions and adheres to regulations that govern the locomotive operation

How to become a loco pilot?

Below mentioned eligibility criteria for Loco Pilot position:

In order to become a Loco Pilot in India, candidates must qualify 10th exam and 12th exam with Mathematics and physics as subjects. Students with an ITI/Diploma/Apprenticeship in Mechanical or Electrical or Electronics or any other field related to any of these three core fields. Finally, students are required to clear RRB ALP and Technical Exam or any Metro Recruitment Exam.

Age Limit: 18 to 28 years.

Stages of jobs: This is all starts with, at first

• ·         Assistant loco pilot Goods: After the newly joined pilot got some experience. It can take 2-4 years depending on the learning of newly joined pilot.

• ·         Loco pilot shunter: Then they are promoted Shunter Loco Pilot (the one who takes the rakes/wagon from the yard to platform or vice a versa, etc... small work). Then at this time the pilot has got enough experience to drive a goods train by himself. So then

• ·         Loco Pilot Goods:  It can take 2-5 years Shunter Loco Pilot. Then after getting a lot of experience for like 5-8 years driving of Goods Train at speed of 70-80 kmph.

• ·         Assistant Loco Pilot: Next they promoted to assistance loco pilot for Passenger Train.

• ·         Loco Pilot: After they promoted to Loco Pilot Passenger it takes 2-3 years after Assistance Loco Pilot Passenger. Now the pilot has to drive the passenger trains at a speed of 100-110 kmph only when allowed, every Loco Pilot has to follow the speed in different different section.

• ·         Loco Pilot: Mail/SF Exp/Premium Trains. Finally, the pilot has become the LP of premium trains like Rajdhani Exp, Tejas Rajdhani Exp, Duronto Exp, Shatabdi Exp, Vande Bharat Etc.

Salary / Pay Scale of a Loco Pilot

• ·         Junior level salary – INR 20,000 per month 
• ·         Senior-level salary – INR 50,000 per month 
• ·         Average salary – INR 30,000 per month 

The salary structure for Senior ALP is as follows:

• ·         Junior level salary – INR 40,000 per month
• ·         Senior level salary – INR 70,000 per month
• ·         Average salary – INR 50,000 per month

Loco pilots get other allowances and perks, which includes,

• ·         House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• ·         Transport Allowance
• ·         Dearness Allowance (DA)
• ·         Night Duty Allowance
• ·         Running Allowance

Toughest part of being a Loco pilot:

Loco Pilot’s duty shift (on footplate) may vary between 6 hours to max 8 hours. In this entire duration he / she assumes the responsibility to take the train, at its booked speed, safely and in time from the station he takes over the duty and till the station he hands over, irrespective of ambient conditions, day or night. His / her toughest part is being constantly alert observing the road (track), signals and caution orders ahead and the train rake behind without relaxing his concentration during his duty shift,

Job tenure / Retirement:

Railway Board enhance the maximum age limit for re-engagement of retired hands to 65 years from the existing age limit of 62 years. Ministry of Railways issued orders introducing Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for Loco Pilots (Drivers) and Trackmen (Gangmen) in the 50-to-57-year age group.

Lastly, if you feel you are ready to embark on an adventure as a loco pilot, you are welcome in thrill and excitement job with lots of growth.

Please feel free to add your comments if any.

Thank you