Fewer than 6% locomotives fitted with toilets, says Railway Ministry.

Fewer than 6% locomotives fitted with toilets, says Railway Ministry.

It is shocking that out of nearly 15,000 locomotives in India, fewer than 6% are fitted with toilets. Despite repeated demands by loco pilots, basic sanitation needs continue to be ignored.

Until 2014, no locomotive had any urinal facility. Since 2018, only 883 have been fitted with waterless urinals. Though air-conditioning has reached over 7,000 engines, toilets still lag far behind.

Railways argue that pilots can use station toilets during halts, but this is neither practical nor dignified, especially on long-distance routes with limited stops.

New engines like Vande Bharat include toilets, and retrofitting is underway for older ones. However, the pace of change is too slow for a system that claims to be modernizing.

Loco pilots are the backbone of Indian Railways. Denying them access to such a basic facility reflects poorly on how we value their contribution.

The Ministry must accelerate its efforts and treat sanitation not as a luxury, but a necessity. The dignity of loco pilots cannot wait any longer.

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