Mumbai: In a pioneering move to enhance worker safety, Central Railway (CR) has imported specialised shockproof shoes from Malaysia for staff responsible for handling high-powered cables. These Class-3 dielectric shoes, capable of withstanding up to 33,000 volts, are designed to prevent electric shocks for employees working with the 25,000-volt overhead cables that power trains.
This initiative marks the first instance of the Indian Railways procuring such specialised footwear from abroad, as no domestic manufacturers currently produce shoes that meet these stringent specifications. On May 29, the initial batch of 11 pairs of dielectric shoes was delivered to the Mumbai Division of Central Railway, specifically for the electrical department’s Traction Distribution staff. These employees are tasked with maintaining and repairing overhead equipment, power supply installations, and substations.
Previously, staff were equipped with Class-2 shoes, which provide protection up to 17,000 volts. The newly introduced Class-3 shoes, identifiable by their orange colour, offer superior insulation and can handle up to 33,000 volts, thereby significantly enhancing safety. Priced at approximately ₹20,000 per pair (excluding taxes), these shoes act as poor conductors of electricity, insulating the wearer from up to 1 milliampere of power leakage.
Central Railway officials highlighted that this acquisition is a landmark achievement, positioning CR as the first zonal railway in India to supply such advanced safety gear to its workforce. Extensive research, spanning over six months, and consultations with multiple distributors preceded the procurement decision. Rigorous internal and external testing confirmed the shoes’ efficacy in preventing electric shocks.
“Dielectric shoes are critical safety equipment for technicians operating near live electrical installations, including those working on underground or overhead lines,” stated a CR official. Despite standard procedures that mandate discontinuing electric supply before maintenance, the risk of accidental exposure remains, underscoring the necessity of such protective measures.
Looking ahead, CR intends to integrate these dielectric shoes into the standard uniform for relevant staff, aiming to procure over 1,500 pairs to ensure comprehensive coverage. This proactive approach reflects CR’s commitment to worker safety and operational efficiency, setting a benchmark for other railway zones in the country.
