Published: November 14, 2025, 7:33 PM IST

New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has directed all its zones to prioritise staff training and address faculty vacancies in response to concerns raised by parliamentary committees regarding safety protocols. The move comes after reports highlighted gaps in the induction, refresher, and promotional training of railway personnel, suggesting that these deficiencies could potentially compromise the safe operation of train services across the country.

In official communications, the ministry noted that recent assessments by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on “Derailment in Indian Railways” and the Standing Committee on Railways had identified several areas of concern. These included lapses in the periodic training of staff, both at the field and supervisory levels, as well as a significant shortfall in the staffing of training institutes. The committees’ reports also highlighted that allocated funds for staff training were not being fully utilised, a situation the ministry now seeks to rectify through a series of targeted measures.

According to the ministry, the absence of advanced training opportunities for railway employees and the shortage of qualified trainers pose a tangible risk to the safe movement of trains. “It is therefore advised that a robust mechanism be established to effectively monitor training at the induction, refresher, and promotional stages, ensuring that no staff at the field or supervisory level misses mandatory training at any stage and that all related training data are comprehensively recorded,” the ministry said in a directive to all railway zones.

The letter further emphasised that all sanctioned faculty positions across various railway training institutes should be filled promptly. By addressing these vacancies, the ministry intends to strengthen the workforce and ensure that employees are adequately prepared to operate safely, especially in light of technological advancements and modernisation initiatives being introduced across the rail network.

The ministry highlighted that Indian Railways is currently undergoing a “critical transition phase” marked by the adoption of new technologies and modern operational systems. The successful integration of these technologies, it argued, is directly dependent on a well-trained and safety-conscious workforce. Staff members who lack access to comprehensive training, or who have not undergone the necessary refresher courses, may inadvertently compromise operational safety.

To address these issues, the ministry has called for the establishment of a dynamic system to track both the allocation and monthly utilisation of funds earmarked for staff training. Such a system would ensure that training resources are optimally used and that gaps in staff development are identified and addressed in a timely manner. The letter stressed that training is not only a critical component of service conditions for railway employees but also central to maintaining operational safety and efficiency across the network.

Officials noted that the parliamentary committees had flagged multiple instances where employees, despite being in supervisory or field positions, had not undergone mandatory training sessions. These lapses were viewed as particularly concerning given the increasing complexity of railway operations and the growing reliance on automated and technologically advanced systems. By implementing a stricter monitoring framework, the ministry aims to mitigate risks and foster a culture of safety that aligns with international best practices.

Furthermore, the ministry has underscored the importance of making full use of funds allocated for staff development. According to the letter, underutilisation of training budgets has hindered the effectiveness of workforce preparation, creating gaps that could compromise both employee competency and passenger safety. By instituting mechanisms to track expenditure and progress on a monthly basis, the ministry aims to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and that all training programs are delivered as intended.

The directive also reiterated the need for Zonal Railways and Production Units to implement these recommendations actively and systematically. Each unit is expected to monitor compliance, maintain accurate records of training sessions, and fill faculty vacancies promptly. This approach is designed to create a comprehensive, accountable framework that supports both operational safety and professional development for railway employees at all levels.

Experts observing the railway sector have welcomed the ministry’s focus on training, noting that human resource development is often overlooked in large-scale infrastructure operations. “Railways are undergoing a technological transformation, from automated signalling systems to high-speed trains, and without a workforce trained in these new technologies, operational risks increase significantly,” said an industry analyst. “Ensuring that staff at every level are properly inducted, receive timely refresher courses, and have opportunities for professional development is essential for maintaining safety standards.”

The Ministry of Railways’ emphasis on training and faculty recruitment is also consistent with global best practices, where continuous skill development and knowledge updates are considered critical to safe and efficient railway operations. By implementing these measures, Indian Railways aims to reduce the likelihood of accidents, improve service reliability, and build confidence among passengers.

In conclusion, the Rail Ministry’s recent directive signals a renewed commitment to safety and workforce development in response to parliamentary scrutiny. By focusing on comprehensive staff training, filling faculty vacancies, and ensuring the optimal use of allocated funds, the ministry is seeking to create a proactive safety culture across the railway network. The implementation of these measures will not only enhance operational efficiency but also reinforce public trust in India’s railways during a period of rapid technological and infrastructural transformation.