Train operations demand a high degree of alertness and total commitment to safety from operations personnel. Managing and maintaining tens of thousands of kilometers of railway track and thousands of trains daily, particularly on land prone to trespassing, requires exceptional attentiveness and coordination. This service operates 24/7 with no margin for error, as a single fault can result in the loss of thousands of lives and impact tens of thousands of family members. Therefore, the system is strictly rules-driven and follows a systems approach, necessitating a high level of discipline and coordination.
In addition to safety, punctual train operations are equally significant, as passengers expect to reach their destinations at the times specified on their reserved tickets. They also anticipate high-quality service.
The hierarchical system in railways is designed to manage the extensive network of train operations spread across the country. This structure facilitates the delivery of services, coordination, control, and monitoring. A system that operates non-stop 24/7, ensuring safety and punctuality while meeting the needs of millions of people, must be built on a strong foundation of training.
As Konkan Railway operates a railway line through the treacherous Western Ghats of India, its staff is extensively trained in ensuring safe train operations with a focus on customer centricity. To address this need, Konkan Railway has established its own Training Academy. The Academy focuses on ensuring that staff members acquire the correct operational knowledge and follow the laid-down procedures and rules meticulously.
New training formats have been initiated keeping up with 24x7 working nature of railways. Training is conducted through various formats –
- i) Classroom theory
ii) Off-site field learning
iii) One-on-One at work site (called LEAP- Learning Enhancement and As-sessment Program)
iv) Online learning – through Gyansagar (including self-tests and evalua-tion)
v) Mobile workshops at various Stations and also online
The Training dept now conducts several technical and soft skills programs for continuous skills enhancement of its employees across all verticals to enable them to give quality service to the passengers and other stakeholders. Training programs are being conducted in KRCL for employees at all levels.
The Academy actively conducts training programs for its employees as well as awareness drives for school and college students and for general public on latest advancements in railways in India; following railway rules and travelling by trains as a responsible traveller.
As a significant member in contributing to Nation building, Konkan Railway has endeavoured to impart skills training to engineering and management students to enhance their understanding of their discipline and give them hands-on training. Soft skills programs are conducted for the youth to improve their employability prospects and conduct career counselling for them.
For inculcating a sense of discipline, positive thinking, community service and good citizen values, the trainees are grouped together to participate in cleanliness, plantation drive and gardening activities in the institute premises frequently, as also write and play out short skits for generating awareness on various issues amongst railway passengers waiting for their train at station.
Training needs of departments
Training needs for each category of staff are identified to ensure employees are well-prepared for their assigned jobs. Employees are also encouraged to pursue additional training programs at institutions other than KRCL for further skill enhancement. The departments have specific training needs that are addressed by the Training Department, following established policies and procedures. Safety category staff receive training at prescribed intervals and for specified durations to maintain high standards of safety and efficiency.
The trainings can be broadly classified as Operational, Maintenance, and Managerial.
a) Initial / Induction course : Imparted to all employees joining Konkan Railway at any level. It is aimed at orienting them to the Corporation’s rules, policies, philosophy, culture and practices.
b) Refresher Course for safety working : Imparted to the safety category staff to ensure revision of safety rules and promote safety consciousness.
c) Pre-promotional course for safety category : Imparted to SC/ST staff be-fore they appear for any promotional exam.
d) Promotional course for safety category : The training is imparted to safety category staff to enable them to appear for exam for promotion to next level.
e) Repeater course for safety category : Imparted to staff who are required to repeat the Initial or Refresher course due to non passing of the requisite ex-am at the end of the said course.
f) Special course : Conducted for staff who are required to be counselled for work improvement.
g) Workshops : Conducted for short duration at various stations along the rail-way route for a quick updation and refreshening of rules and procedures. These are also conducted for specific outputs e.g pre-monsoon for handling emergencies during monsoon.
h) Field visits : Conducted by the trainers at the field to give hands-on practice to the employees or on-site understanding of rules.
i) Soft skills trainings : Imparted to all employees as per Competency frame-work
j) Executive trainings : Imparted to all Executives
k) Senior management trainings : Imparted to Senior management officials
l) External awareness programs : Imparted to external persons, viz school/college students, passengers, and general public with an aim to pro-mote Swaccha Mission especially in railway premises and route, creating awareness on railway rules for passengers, and promote safety awareness while travelling by trains or at Level Crossing gates.
These programs can be conducted for Regular and Contract staff and officials of your Railways, Ports, Private sidings, and related Companies too at nominal rates.
Write to us at dgm-trg@krcl.co.in to know more about the above programs.
