With temperatures rising sharply at the start of April, loco pilots in the Raipur railway division are facing harsh working conditions, operating trains for long hours in engines without air conditioning. Despite a long-standing plan to equip locomotives with AC cabins, progress remains uneven—particularly in the Raipur loco shed.
According to railway officials, the situation at the South East Central Railway’s Bhilai Electric Loco Shed is comparatively better. Out of 400 locomotives, 367 have already been fitted with air conditioning systems, with work on the remaining 33 engines expected to be completed soon. This puts Bhilai close to achieving full coverage.
In contrast, the Raipur diesel and electric loco sheds present a more concerning picture. Official data suggests that only 77 out of 209 electric locomotives have AC units installed so far, leaving a majority still operating without cooling systems. However, loco pilots claim the situation is even more severe, stating that out of around 410 engines, only about 140 have functional AC units, while a large number either lack the system entirely or have non-operational units.
The condition of freight locomotives is particularly troubling. Around 75 high-horsepower (HHP) engines used for heavy goods transportation in Raipur have yet to be equipped with air conditioning, adding to the challenges faced by operators during peak summer.
Sources indicate that a significant proportion of trains in the division are powered by WAG-9 locomotives, which tend to generate intense heat during operation. As a result, cabin temperatures can soar up to 55°C, making it extremely difficult for pilots to endure shifts lasting 10 to 12 hours.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such extreme conditions can lead to fatigue, dehydration, and even heatstroke. More importantly, reduced concentration levels under high heat may increase the risk of operational errors, potentially affecting railway safety.
The slow pace of AC installation in Raipur has raised questions about the implementation of modernization efforts. While railway authorities maintain that the work is being carried out in phases, the gap between different sheds highlights the need for faster execution.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Avdhesh Kumar Trivedi stated that improving working conditions for loco pilots remains a priority. He added that phased installation of air conditioning systems is underway to ensure both safety and efficiency in train operations.
As temperatures continue to climb, the urgency to address these concerns is becoming increasingly critical for both workforce welfare and passenger safety.
