NewzVille Desk
The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), organized the All India Track Maintainers Confrence on 22 April 2026 in New Delhi, to deliberate on important issues concerning Track Maintainers, who work round the clock and play a vital role in railway operations.
More than 3,000 track maintainer representatives from different zones and divisions across the country participated under the leadership of AIRF.The event was uccessfully conducted by AIRF’s affiliated union, Northern Railwaymen’s Union.
On this occasion, the Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, attended as the Chief Guest. Vivek Kumar Gupta, Member (Infrastructure), Railway Board, and Rajesh Kumar Pandey, General Manager, Northern Railway, were present as Guests of Honour. Other senior officers from Headquarters and Delhi Division were also present.
Addressing the conference, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the crucial role of Track Maintainers and assured that their safety, working conditions, and welfare would be given top priority.
He stressed ensuring the availability of modern equipment, better safety measures at workplaces, and adequate resources.
He also highlighted issues related to their health and welfare, stating that better medical facilities, rest arrangements, and other necessary amenities would be provided. Appreciating their difficult and risky work, he assured that all aspects related to their safety and welfare would receive utmost priority. He also assured attention to the issue of promotion in the track maintainer cadre.
Vivek Gupta emphasized strict adherence to safety standards at workplaces and regular inspections. He assured consideration of AIRF’s demands regarding adequate staffing, improved working hours, and a more humane approach.
He also assured that technical development and necessary support would be provided to facilitate their work.
Rajesh Kumar Pandey stated that track maintainers are the backbone of safe and smooth railway operations. He mentioned that special attention is being given to the availability of modern safety equipment, use of advanced technologies, and better maintenance of track machines.
He also highlighted steps being taken to ensure adequate staffing, balanced working hours, and strengthening of training facilities. Regular training programs will be organized for skill development of track maintainers.
AIRF General Secretary, Shiva Gopal Mishra, highlighted the difficult and challenging working conditions of Track Maintainers and strongly presented their key demands. He stated that Track Maintainers are the backbone of the railways and concrete steps must be taken to safeguard their interests.
He emphasized the need for better working hours, adequate staffing, availability of advanced safety equipment, and regular training. He also stressed strengthening skill development programs so that employees can adapt to new technologies. He further emphasized prioritizing issues related to their health and welfare, such as better medical facilities, rest arrangements, and other essential amenities.
Supporting the issues raised by track maintainers and their representatives during the conference, he assured that these demands would be effectively taken up with the administration and continuous efforts would be made for their resolution. He also demanded necessary facilities for women track maintainers along with acceptance of cadre changing.
Leaders and representatives from various zones also expressed their views, highlighting the problems faced by track maintainers and suggesting practical solutions. It was resolved that the issues and demands of track maintainers would be taken up with the concerned authorities on priority and continuous efforts would be made for their early resolution.
