Ministry of Railways announces major reforms to train controller operations
India has launched a major overhaul of its railway control operations to improve safety, efficiency, and work conditions for train controllers. The new reforms include structured training, performance monitoring, stress management, and a revised recruitment process. These changes are aimed at aligning India’s railway traffic control systems with global standards and addressing long-standing issues of overwork, understaffing, and skill development in control offices.
Key reforms introduced include a minimum three-year service period in control offices to ensure domain expertise. Only experienced station masters and inspectors with credible service records will be selected as controllers. A structured succession and rotation plan will prevent over-dependence on individual officers. Authorities believe this consistency will enhance communication, decision-making under pressure, and overall operational discipline across the sprawling Indian Railways network, which handles thousands of daily train movements.
The reforms also make simulator-based refresher training mandatory every five years, focusing on punctuality, communication, emergency management, and adherence to railway protocols. A formal performance evaluation framework will assess controllers on these metrics. These reforms are designed to boost efficiency and safety while modernising India’s train command structure. Officials said that the aim is to nurture a highly skilled talent pool capable of managing complex, real-time operational challenges.
To address occupational stress, the ministry is introducing wellness initiatives such as yoga sessions, counselling, and periodic health screenings. Officials cited long working hours and pressure from staffing shortages as reasons for these stress-relief measures. These steps are part of a broader goal to establish a standard working environment that promotes both physical and mental health among staff, enhancing the overall sustainability of railway traffic control as a profession.
A committee formed in 2024 had flagged pay scale, staffing shortages, and amenities as critical concerns. Acting on its recommendations, the ministry has also renamed the Traffic Control department as the “Operations & Traffic Control” wing, reflecting its expanded integrated role. The revised control structure will operate as a unified command centre for departments linked to train movement. Recruitment channels will now include direct entry, exams, and departmental selections.
With these reforms, Indian Railways aims to elevate the professionalism and wellbeing of its train controllers while boosting the safety and reliability of rail operations nationwide. The changes reflect a larger push to modernise one of the world’s busiest rail networks. Ensuring globally benchmarked operational systems is now seen as critical to meeting the growing demands of India’s rapidly evolving passenger and freight traffic landscape.
