Image used for representational purposes only. File
| Photo Credit: Anil Kumar Sastry
Facing an acute manpower crunch, the Indian Railways has decided to recruit ex-servicemen as pointsmen across its network.
The Railway Board has approved the engagement of 5,058 ex-servicemen on a contractual basis as an interim measure to meet operational requirements, until regular candidates are recruited through the Railway Recruitment Cells.
In a circular issued on Thursday (December 12, 2025), the Railway Board directed the general managers of all zonal railways to recruit ex-servicemen through the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Boards under the Central and State governments. Their initial contracts will remain valid until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on vacancies.
Short-term contracts
A pointsman is responsible for the manual operation of the track switches, known as points, and the signals used to safely guide trains through yards and junctions, and assists the Station Master in shunting and other operations needed for smooth, accident-free train movement.
After selection to the safety category, the candidates will undergo the full initial training prescribed for pointsmen and receive contractual remuneration. Only upon successful completion of the training will they be posted in the field. Those who fail to clear the training or are found unsuitable will be relieved immediately, with payments made as per contractual terms for the duration of their training.
Unions raise safety concerns
The decision has drawn criticism from unions. All India Railwaymen Federation (AIRF) national president N. Kannaiah said that unions have consistently opposed the engagement of staff on contract, including the recent deployment of AC mechanics in air-conditioned coaches.
The AIRF is the largest federation of employees’ unions in the railways, he said.
“Allowing staff on short-term contracts to operate critical safety systems is a threat to safety. They have no long-term accountability or responsibility. After their contract ends, they leave with full knowledge of signals and other sensitive safety infrastructure,” Dr. Kannaiah said.
CRS warning
The move comes against the backdrop of the recommendations made by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, following his inquiry into the rear-end collision between the Bagmati Express and a stabled goods train at Kavarapettai station in the Chennai Division of Southern Railway on October 11, 2024.
Classifying the incident as “sabotage”, the CRS highlighted concerns over the involvement of insiders and stressed the need for the Railways’ intelligence wing to strengthen internal vigilance. He also recommended a review of the practice of deploying contractual staff in safety-critical areas.
“The engagement and exposure of contractual staff for the maintenance and operation of critical safety features and systems must be reviewed as a priority and reduced to minimal in the short term, and to zero in the long term,” he said in his report to the Railway Board.
Published – December 12, 2025 08:43 pm IST
