A security guard at work on a railway track in Chennai. Photo: YouTube/@southernrailwayoffical
Faced with an acute manpower shortage, the Indian Railways has decided to hire ex-servicemen as switchmen across its network.
The Railway Board has approved the engagement of 5,058 ex-servicemen on contractual basis as an interim measure to meet operational requirements till regular candidates are recruited through recruitment cells.
In a circular issued on Thursday (December 12, 2025), the Railway Board directed the General Managers of all zonal railways to hire ex-servicemen through the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Boards under the Central and State Governments. Their original contracts will remain valid until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to vacancies.
Short term contracts
A switchman is responsible for the manual operation of switches, known as turnouts, and signals used to guide trains safely through tracks and junctions, and assists the station master in shifting and other operations required for smooth train movement without accidents.
After being selected for the security category, applicants complete the complete entry training prescribed for stabbers and receive a contractual remuneration. Only after successfully completing the training will they be sent to the field. Those who do not complete the training or are found unsuitable will be released immediately with payments as per the terms of the contract for the duration of their training.
Unions raise safety concerns
The decision drew criticism from unions. All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) national president N. Kannaiah said the union has consistently opposed the employment of employees on contract basis, including the recent deployment of AC mechanics in air-conditioned coaches.
According to him, AIRF is the largest railway employee union federation.
“Allowing employees on short-term contracts to operate critical security systems is a threat to security. They have no long-term responsibility or accountability. When the contract ends, they leave with full knowledge of signals and other sensitive security infrastructure,” said Dr. Kannaiah.
CRS warning
The move comes against the backdrop of a recommendation by the Commissioner of Railway Safety following his investigation into a rear-end collision between the Bagmati Express and a stalled 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 about the involvement of insiders and stressed the need for the railways intelligence department to strengthen internal vigilance. He also recommended reviewing the practice of deploying contract workers in security-critical areas.
“The involvement and exposure of contract personnel in the maintenance and operation of critical safety features and systems must be reviewed as a matter of priority and reduced to a minimum in the short term and zero in the long term,” he said in his report to the rail board.
Published – 12 Dec 2025 20:43 IST
