To:
The Chairman & CEO,
Railway Board,
Rail Bhawan, New Delhi

Subject:– Long pending demands of Track Maintainers of Engineering Department

References:

  1. AIRF’s PNM items: PNM/26/2018, PNM/09/2021, PNM/16/2021, PNM/08/2022, PNM/11/2023, PNM/27/2025
  2. AIRF letter dated 17.09.2024
  3. AIRF letter dated 28.07.2024
  4. AIRF letters dated 21.10.2024
  5. AIRF letters dated 30.12.2024, 24.02.2025 & 28.07.2025
  6. Railway Board letter dated 12.03.2026

Main Content:

Dear Sir,

The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) once again draws your attention to the above-referred PNM items and repeated correspondence regarding the long-pending demands of Track Maintainers.

Despite considerable time and repeated representations, the matter has not received serious and expeditious consideration. Out of ten issues raised, the Railway Board has responded only on Item No. 5, and that too negatively.

Pending Demands:

  1. Enhancement of Lateral Induction Quota:
    Increase from 10% to at least 30%.
  2. Opening of 10% LDCE:
    Should be open to all eligible candidates without restrictive conditions.
  3. Reduction of Beat Length:
    Reduce from 16 km to 10 km.
  4. Two Track Maintainers for Night Patrolling:
    Ensure deployment of two staff for safety.
  5. Relaxation of Educational Qualification for JE:
    Relax PCM requirement with in-service training.
  6. Opportunities for Women Track Maintainers:
    Provide promotions to posts like TC, CC, Pointsman, ASM.
  7. Extension of Career Opportunities:
    Extend Safaiwala-category opportunities to Track Maintainers.
  8. Provision of Shelters at Worksites:
    Provide adequate rest and meal shelters.
  9. Enhancement of Risk & Hardship Allowance:
    Increase allowance for hazardous duties.
  10. Grant of Grade Pay ₹4200:
    Financial upgradation for this safety category.

Conclusion:

Track Maintainers are a crucial safety category ensuring railway track integrity and safe train operations. However, delays in resolving their demands have negatively affected morale, career prospects, and working conditions.

AIRF has been continuously pursuing these issues, but they remain unresolved. The federation urges immediate intervention to resolve these demands in a time-bound manner.

A positive decision will improve both employee welfare and railway safety.

Yours sincerely,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Copy to: General Secretaries of all affiliated unions

Long-pending demands of Track Maintainers of Engg. Deptt. – 14.03.2026 (1)Download