995 loco pilots have failed breathlyser tests in 5 years, RTI reveals

In the last five years, 995 loco pilots have failed breathalyser tests in three zones, The Times of India reported on Monday, citing a response to a Right to Information query.

The Railways routinely conduct such tests as a way to prevent the consumption of alcohol by drivers while they are on duty.

The RTI application filed by activist Chandrashekhar Gaur in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch reveals the results from the Western Railway, Northern Railway and West Central Railway zones. Jabalpur Railway Division reportedly said that it does not maintain such records, while Bhopal Division refused to share the information.

“It is scary to know that so many loco pilots tested positive for alcohol after signing off from work,” Gaur said. “The railways should increase the number of tests and go for random testing.”

The Delhi division of the Northern Railway recorded 471 failed tests of loco pilots – the highest. Of these, 181 were pilots of passenger trains, while 290 were drivers of goods trains.

The Moradabad division reported 138 infractions.

In Gujarat where liquor is banned, 104 drivers, including 41 pilots of passenger trains, failed the breathalyser tests in the last five years.

Comparatively, Mumbai showed better results, where 11 drivers failed tests.

Data from the Western Railway said that 237 drivers, including 82 passenger drivers, reported failed tests. The...

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