102 South Central Railway Loco Pilots Found Drunk on Duty Over Five Years
HYDERABAD: Railway safety has come under scrutiny after 102 loco pilots in the South Central Railway (SCR) zone were found reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol over the past five years. Authorities detected 22 cases in 2025 and 17 in 2024. Despite these numbers, the administration suspended only one loco pilot during this period. He belonged to the Guntur division, as reported by TOI
Alcohol Levels and Detection
The blood alcohol content (BAC) of those caught ranged between 20 mg and 40 mg per 100 ml. Officials identified all cases during mandatory breathalyser tests conducted before pilots boarded trains.
SCR has six divisions. In 2025, Guntakal reported seven cases and Nanded reported six. Together, these two smaller divisions accounted for nearly 60% of the year’s detections.
Passenger Groups Raise Alarm
Railway passenger associations voiced concern over the findings. “Loco pilots operate trains that carry thousands of passengers and heavy freight. Rail operations rely on strict safety compliance. Any lapse at the pilot level directly endangers passengers and may cause signal overshooting or speed violations,” said P Bharadwaj, member of the Long Distance and MMTS Travellers Association.
Railways Outline Safety Measures
Railway officials said safety protocols prevent intoxicated crew from taking charge of trains.
Crew members undergo breathalyser tests every time they sign in and sign off. Officials also conduct surprise ambush checks during journeys.
“We hold regular counselling sessions with nominated inspectors to sensitise loco pilots and assistant loco pilots against alcohol consumption while on duty. We also monitor them through foot-plating inspections and surprise checks to ensure compliance with safety norms,” said a senior official from SCR’s electrical engineering wing.
Penalties for Violations
Officials explained the penalty structure.
If a staff member records a BAC between 1 mg and 20 mg per 100 ml, authorities bar the person from duty for the day.
If the BAC exceeds 20 mg per 100 ml, officials impose penalties based on the concentration level. They decide action on a case-by-case basis.
If an employee tests positive three times, regardless of the alcohol level, the administration initiates formal disciplinary proceedings.
