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Who Are Running Staff—and Why Does Indian Railways Call Them That?

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Most people hear the term running staff but never really stop to think about what it means. Who exactly are they, and why are they called “running” staff when they are not running on tracks? Then who are they really.

who are running staff in Indian railways?

Running Staff are railway employees who are directly involved in the movement of trains.

They are the people on duty while the train is running, responsible for safe, continuous, and punctual train operations. In Indian Railways, the term Running Staff mainly includes:

> Loco Pilots (Drivers of trains)

> Train Managers / Guards (in charge of train supervision and safety)

They are different from station staff or office staff because their workplace moves with the train.

Why Are They Called “Running Staff”?

They are called Running Staff because:

🔹 Their duty is calculated based on train movement (kilometers & hours)

🔹 They work only when the train is running

🔹 Their job starts at sign-on and ends at sign-off, often far from home

Unlike other employees:

They do not have fixed office hours

They do not have fixed workplaces

They work day, night, weekends, and holidays

The word “Running” refers to:

Running trains

Running kilometers

Running hours

Running responsibility

🚉 Loco Pilot

  • Drives the train

  • Controls speed, braking, and traction

  • Responds instantly to signals, gradients, weather, and emergencies

  • Bears direct responsibility for passenger and freight safety

🚩 Train Manager / Guard

  • Supervises the entire train

  • Uses flags, lamps, and communication to ensure safety

  • Monitors brake continuity and emergency situations

  • Acts as the eyes of the train from the rear

Together, they form the frontline safety team of every train.

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