12 May 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau):The East Central Railway zone has started installing air conditioning units in running rooms at the Saharsa junction after the loco pilots refused to use them for out-of-home rest.
The loco pilots said that when the temperature was quite high on May 9, they boycotted the running rooms near the station and took rest in a crew lobby, which is meant for reporting of duty and new assignments.
The Samsatipur division, under which the Saharsa junction comes, took swift action to resolve the running staff’s concern and placed an order for 273 AC machines for all rooms and common areas.
“The installation process was immediately put in place the moment the ACs delivery started and a lot of rooms are now equipped with air conditioning machines,” said a railway official, adding all rooms will be fitted with ACs in a day or two.
All India Loco Running Staff Association zonal president D.P Srivastav said that Samastipur Division used to give contracts to private companies to offer ACs in running rooms during the summer season.
Summary: East Central Railway begins installing ACs in Saharsa running rooms after loco pilots boycott due to high temperatures, ensuring improved rest conditions.