Vacancies, pay, health: RDSO report flags challenges train controllers face

A study by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), which functions under the Railway Ministry, has found that train controllers face multiple challenges at work including "unattractive" pay scale, huge stress due to vacancy leading to health concerns, and a lack of basic amenities.

The report, which was submitted to the Railway Board recently, said section controllers perform high-strain jobs, their task made more difficult by the around 15-20 per cent vacancy, medically-decategorised officers posted in the department and the absence of appropriate reward either in terms of money, or esteem and career growth.

Titled 'The challenges faced by Section Controllers in carrying out their duties effectively' the report aims at exploring improvements in selection procedure, training, and infrastructures for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of train operations.

The Indian Railways is one of the largest networks in the world with thousands of trains traversing various