Main Chalaunga: Loco Pilots Fight for Control of Agra-Udaipur Vande Bharat Train
Violent Confrontation at Gangapur City Junction
In a dramatic incident, loco pilots have clashed over who gets to operate the newly introduced Vande Bharat Express train on the Agra-Udaipur route at Rajasthan’s Gangapur City Junction on Thursday. The conflict, vividly captured in a viral video, highlights the intense struggle among railway staff as they vie for the chance to control this high-profile train. Watch the viral video of unfolding drama as the situation escalates at the Gangapur City Junction.
Viral Video Captures the Chaos
A viral video shared by X user Sachin Gupta vividly captures the chaos that unfolded. The footage shows several loco pilots aggressively pushing and shoving each other as they attempt to gain access to the Vande Bharat Express train’s cab. At one point, three individuals manage to enter the cab through a small window and unlock the door from the inside. Subsequently, the loco pilot and his assistant, who were initially in control of the train, are forcibly removed and assaulted by those outside. The video also features police officers struggling to manage the escalating situation.
The Dispute Over Operating Rights
According to reports, the Agra loco pilot and his assistant were instructed by the Gangapur staff to deboard the train so that the Gangapur crew could take over operation. When the Agra team refused and locked themselves inside the cab, the Gangapur staff resorted to breaking the window pane to gain entry. They then forcibly opened the cab door, escalating the confrontation further.
Sachin Gupta highlighted the underlying issue, explaining that the conflict among the loco pilots was not about passenger seating but about who would operate the Vande Bharat Express train. Gupta noted that operating prestigious trains like the Vande Bharat Express is crucial for career advancements and promotions within the railways. “The train service between Agra and Udaipur is newly launched, and staff from Western-Central Railway, North-Western Railway, and Northern Railway are competing for control. This struggle is driven by the potential for promotions and increments associated with operating high-profile trains,” Gupta wrote on X.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The video, posted on September 7, quickly went viral, accumulating over 800,000 views and attracting criticism from the public and social media users. Many expressed concerns about the administrative and promotional issues within the railways. One user remarked, “The fight among loco pilots underscores severe administrative issues. It’s important for the unions to address these problems effectively.” Another commented, “The clash over operating the Vande Bharat Express train is unfortunate and reveals significant flaws in the administrative system. There is a clear need for improvement in the promotion system for loco pilots.”
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Details
On September 2, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the first Vande Bharat sleeper coach at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)’s Bangalore Complex. The new Vande Bharat sleeper train, designed for long-distance overnight journeys, will cover distances between 800 to 1,200 kilometers. It features 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier, and one AC first-class, providing a total of 823 berths.
