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CENTRAL RAILWAYS
COMs office
MUMBAI CST
No 1 286 Running Room

Sr.DEE(TRO)/BB,BSL,NGP Date 16.01.04


Sr.DME/PA,SUR

Sub: Report of the EDs Committee of Railway Board on


improvements in Running Room and Crew lobbies.
Ref: 1) Rly Board L.No.2001/M(l)467/2 dated 10.11.03.
2) This office L.No.L.286.RR dates 23.12.03.

Please find enclosed herewith a copy of the report of the EDs


Committee of Railway Board on improvement in Running Rooms and
Crew Lobbies for necessary compliance.

Feedback on compliance be sent to this office regularly.

DA as above (A.A.PHADKE)
For COM

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Report
Of
The EDs Committee
Of
Railway Board

On

Improvements in
Running Rooms and
Crew Lobbies

-November 2003-

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The Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) vide their


order No.ERB-I/2003/23/19 dt.17.07.2003 constituted a Committee of
Executive Directors from Railway Board to review the efficacy of
existing systems in running rooms and crew lobbies and make
recommendations for Boards consideration, with a view to improve the
working conditions for running staff.

1. Members of the Committee:

i. Shri Shakeel Ahmed, EDME(Tr)/Railway Board Convener


ii. Shri Sudesh Kumar, EDEE(RS)/Railway Board Member
iii. Shri Sudhir Mathur,EDF(X)/Railway Board Member
iv. Shri Vivek Sahai, ED(Stat & Economics)/Railway Board Member
v. Shri Satish Kumar, ED(Projects)/Railway Board Member

2. Terms of Reference of the Committee

A) Running Rooms

* To recommend classification of running rooms based on numbers of


users.
* To recommend scale of facilities for each type of running room.
* To examine efficacy of the existing system of food preparation in
running rooms and make recommendations based on interaction with
the users to improve it.
* To examine efficacy of the existing system of upkeep and maintenance
of running rooms and suggest improvements.
* To examine adequacy of existing level of functional control and suggest
changes, if any.

B) Crew Lobbies

To recommend classification of crew lobbies based on number of


staff signing on/signing off.
To recommend scale of facilities for each type of crew lobbies.
To examine efficacy of the existing system of upkeep and
maintenance of crew lobbies and suggest improvements.
To examine adequacy of existing level of functional control and
suggest changes, if any.

A copy of Ministry of Railways order is enclosed as annexure-1.

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CONTENTS

Chapter Topic No. Page


No.

Running Rooms

I Background 1
II Methodology 4
III Classification 6
IV Scale of Facilities 7
V System of Food Preparation 23
VI System of upkeep and Maintenance 25
VII Level of Functional Control 27

Crew Lobbies

VIII Classification 28
IX Scale of Facilities 29
X Upkeep and Maintenance 31
XI Functional Control 32
Miscellaneous

XII Suggestions from Federations 33


Annexures

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON


IMPROVEMENTS IN
RUNNING ROOMS AND CREW LOBBIES

The report comprises of two parts:

Part A- Deals with Running Rooms.

Part B- Deals with Crew Lobbies.

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON

IMPROVEMENTS IN

RUNNING ROOMS AND CREW LOBBIES

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-


------------ -------------- --------------- ------------
(Satish Kumar) (Vivek Sahai) (Sudhir Mathur) (Sudesh Kumar)
ED(Projects)/ ED(stat & Eco.)/ EDF(X)/ EDEE(RS)/
Railway Board Railway Board, Railway Board, Railway Board,

Sd/-
----------------
(Shakeel Ahmed)
EDME(Tr)/
Railway Board
Convener
13.10.2003

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Part A- Running Rooms

1. Running rooms should be classified as under.


Category Number of users per day
A Above 51
B 21 to 50
C up to 20
2. The scale of facilities and other details for running rooms have
been given in chapter-IV of the Report.

3. Existing running rooms with more than two beds per room should be
provided with shoulder high cubicles (starting 6 below mattress
level) in such a way that each cubicle has two beds, one pedestal fan
for each bed and socket for installing mosquito repellant. Adequate
number of exhaust fans should also be provided to improve circulation
of air.

4. Old dilapidated running rooms (more than 70 years old) with tiled
roof, uneven flooring, open sewerage/dry latrine should be phased out
and replaced by modern running rooms as per 1 above. Similarly,
running rooms whose locations is inconvenient and does not suit the
current traffic pattern, should be phased out.

5. The shortfall in running room capacity arising out of partitioning,


restricting the beds to 6 per room and existing on account of
additional trains/ change in traffic pattern, should be made good in a
tie frame of 3 years by proposing additional running rooms through
works programme.

6. Priority should be given to the construction of new running rooms


through works Programme at smaller places. Shortfall in major towns
(A&B Category cities) should be made good by immediately hiring
hotel accommodation (2-3 star facility). The hiring of hotel accommo-
-dation should be through a package deal with transportation (pickup
and drop) as well as meals forming part of it.

7. Wherever syste4m of hiring of running rooms stabilizes and works


successfully, it should be retained on a long-term basis. If for any
reason, it does not work, additional new running rooms should be
constructed.

8. Some of the running ro0oms are located close to busy main roads with
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noise pollution from vehicular traffic and announcements made at the


railway station. Railways should consider erection of suitable baffle
walls for filtering out the noise in such cases. Location of new running
rooms should also take this aspect into account and provide adequate
offset from the roads.

9. All new running rooms should be constructed with two beds per room.
The layout should be functional and the building should be modern
with maintenance free construction of toilet and kitchen. An architect
should be engaged for doing a professional job. Each railway should
construct one new model running room in the next one year.

10. Divisions should identify running rooms for providing boundary


wall/fencing based on the law and order situation and menace of
cattle. Collapsible gates should be provided with locking arrangement
to ensure security during night in the corridors.

11.Division should identify running rooms for providing round-the-clock


security based on law and order situation. Private security should be
provided to keep the costs low.

12.Wherever power interruption is more than one hour per day, stand by
power should be provided. This energy should be bought on contract
basis to improve reliability and reduce costs.

13.Mosquito net should be replaced with appropriate mosquito repellant


to keep the rooms tidy and improve air circulation. Mosquito net may
be retained only in exceptional cases where local conditions are such
that it is unavoidable.

14.All category A&B running rooms should be provided with a


meditation room for running staff.

15.A small library should be maintained by the caretaker, in which GR,


SR, Accident Manual, Trouble-Shooting Guide, Operating Manual
and similar other books frequently used by drivers should be kept.
These books can be issued to the running staff for reading in their
spare time.

16. Water purifier and electric water cooler with annual maintenance
contract should be provided in all the running rooms.

17. The condition of electrical wiring, switch gear and electrical fittings
in old running rooms must be got periodically surveyed by the
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inspectors authorized under statutory provisions and replacements


planned through works programme.

18. Instructions exist that the running rooms facility should not be
extended to the commercial staff. These instructions should be rigidly
enforced and even where spare running room capacity is available it
should not be extended to the commercial staff due to difference in the
rest requirement of the two categories.

19.There is a requirement for screening out day-light and having low


illumination level to have an environment conducive for rest. There
should not be any lights on the ceiling, windows and doors should be
provided with colored glass and curtains should be dark. Walls
should be distempered with light blue shades and dark dado. Night
lights may be provided at floor level. For facilitating individual
needs, reading lamps should be provided at individual bed side.

20.The beds in the running rooms should be numbered. The name of the
occupant of each bed should be displayed on a small board outside
each room so that correct driver is woken up without disturbing
others.

21.Every running room should have adequate communication arrange-


-ment by way of provision of railway and DOT phones (with out STD
facility).

22.The expenditure on the upkeep and maintenance of running rooms is


currently being charged to Civil/Electrical/S&T heads of allocation.
A separate head should exist for booking all running room expenses
under one head.

23.Desert cooler should be provided in every room with a yardstick of


one desert cooler for 4 beds. In new running rooms it should be
1 per room.

24.Easily detachable window and door curtains should be provided with


enough spare stock for monthly wash.

25.Recreation facilities like playing cards, viewing TV should be


prohibited. Only newspapers & magazines in vernacular languages,
Hindi & English should be provided. List of newspapers and
magazines should be finalized by running room in charge in
consultation with the users.

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26. Attached toilets should be provided in new running rooms, whereas


old running rooms should have common toilets @1 for 8 beds.

27.All toilets and urinals should be of flush type with proper drainage
and septic tank.

28.All cooking utensils should be of stainless steel type (exception


Aluminum alloy pressure cooker). Old utensils should be periodically
scrapped on condition basis and replacement ensured.

29.Lockers should be provided to running staff for keeping their personal


belongings and valuables. Locker key should be issued to the driver
on arrival.

30.Cooks, Bearers, Waiters must be medically examined for T B/skin


diseases/other infectious diseases by Railway doctors.

31.Doctors should visit the running room quarterly and seek opinion of
the occupants about the food and other environmental conditions.

32.Running room staff should be provided with suitable uniform and


identity cards with laminated photographs and other particulars.

33.Dos and Donts should be clearly exhibited at conspicuous locations


in the running room (e.g. Silence Please, do not talk loudly, do not
smoke etc.)

34.First aid box and fire fighting equipment should be provided on each
floor. All running room staff should be trained in giving first-aid and
use of fire-fighting equipment. Adequate fire-fighting equipment
should be available.

35.The existing system of food preparation where driver supplies ration


and individual meals are cooked, has following problems.
Preparation of individual meals causes delay. This results in
dissatisfaction amongst the users, curtailment of rest and
frequent detention to trains.
Running room cooks lack basic cooking skills due to lack of
training and aptitude for cooking.
Dietary preferences and dietary restrictions are favoured by
drivers to continue the system of preparation of food according
to rations supplied by the drivers.

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The wide variety of preferences and tastes comes in the way of


cooking good food. If menus are standard, food can be prepared
well.
Food supplied by caterers from their own rations is suspected to
be prepared our of sub standard ingredients.
The running rooms provide avenue for absorbing medically
decategorised or compassionate appointee staff. Out sourcing
of activities could lead to IR problems and existing staff may
have to be continued while activities are out sourced.

36.Notwithstanding the various sentiments and other arguments which


favour the continuation of the existing system, purely on consideration
of logistics and professionalism required, the Committee recommends
that all running rooms should, gradually and in a phased manner,
progress towards adopting the following system for preparations of
meals.

a) For running rooms located in small towns:


Four menus -2 each for vegetarians and non-vegetarians
should be prepared by the loco inspector/TI for each running
room, in consultation with the running staff.
One menu each should be with dietary instruction while the
other one should be normal.

The menu should be different for each day of the week and
should be displayed on the notice board.

b) For running rooms located in major towns:


The system should be applicable only for such cities where it
is possible to contract out catering.
Supply of round the clock meals should be contracted out to
private caterer, discontinuing departmental cooking of
individual ration.
Four menus-two each for vegetarians and non-vegetarians out
of which one each should be with dietary restrictions, should
be supplied by the caterer.
Menu for each day should be different and should be finalized
by loco inspector/TI in consultation with the running staff.
Running staff should pay a nominal charge for the meal.
A sound system of ensuring quality and quantity should be in
place with stiff penalties for violation.

37.Contracting out of catering may be done in a phased manner making


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a beginning with one running room per division.

38. Catering contract should preferably be given to co-operative societies


of retired/serving railway men or their families.

39. Railway should increasingly resort to contract maintenance for


cleaning of running rooms and its toilets. Railway should encourage
established agencies such as Sulabh International, NEID for sanitation
work in running rooms.

40. The officer in charge of the running room and its supervisor should
be liberally empowered. A cash imprest of Rs. 25,000/- should be
provided with the officer in charge of the running room for petty
engineering repairs and replacements of electrical fittings.

41. A standing spot purchase committee at divisional level should make


purchases of running rooms items.

42. As per Railway Boards circular No. 90/RS (G)/1131/1 dt. 8.6.1990,
bed sheets, pillow covers and blankets are required to be purchased of
handloom material.These instructions need to be withdrawn and
railways authorized to do quality procurement of these items. The
quality standard should match with what is available in I AC.

43. Two linens, one pillow cover packed in polythene and blanket (during
winter). Should be issued to each user. Linens/blankets should be
marked with date of supply, serial number and running room.

44. The existing level of supervision/control in running rooms is


practically non-existent. In most of the running rooms, a ministerial
staff, sometimes even a Group D employee is responsible for the
day-to- day supervision, as a caretaker. This arrangement is
considered totally unsatisfactory and is often the root cause of
mismanagement and dissatisfaction leading to complaints from the
running staff.

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45. There is an urgent need for upgrading the level of functional control as under.

Size of running room Pay scale of supervisor Pay scale of caretaker


(One/running room) (One/shift, four/running room
More than 100 beds Gr B7500-11500 Rs. 3050-4590
51-100 beds Gr C6500-10500 Rs. 3050-4590
21-50 beds Gr C5500-9000 Rs. 3050-4590
Upto 20 beds Gr C5000-8000 Rs. 3050-4590

46. Inspection schedule for running rooms should be circulated to all


Divisional and HQ officers and Inspectors. Timely inspection of
running room by officers and inspectors should be included in the
duty list of running room supervisor.

47. A Standing Committee under the Chairmanship of ADRM of the


Division with executive officer in charge of running room as its
Secretary should be setup. Officers of Engineering, Electrical and
safety should serve as its Standing Members. This standing
committee must ensure quarterly inspection of every Cat A
running room on the division. Periodicity of 6 months should be
followed for Cat B and C running rooms.

48. A system of cash awards for motivating staff in ensuring proper


upkeep of running room should be initiated. A cash award of
Rs. 30,000 for best major running room (Cat A& B) on the zonal
railway should be instituted. Similarly, every division should have
an award of Rs. 10,000 for the best major running room
(Cat A& B) and Rs.5000 for best minor running room (Cat. C).

49. A suggestion Book must be available in the running rooms to


enable running staff to communicate their problems with
Supervisors/Officers.

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Part B: Crew Lobbies


1. The crew lobbies should be classified as under :
Category Number of Users per day

A Above 51
B 21 to 50
C Upto 20
2. The scale of facilities in crew lobbies are given under Chapter-IX of the
report.

3. All new crew lobbies should be constructed with rest room attached to
it. The layout should be functional and building should be modern with
maintenance free toilet.

4. Wherever it is not possible to renovate/refurbish the existing crew


lobbies, they should be dismantled/put to alternate use in a phased
manner and replaced with properly equipped modern lobbies.

5. Water purifier and water cooler with annual maintenance contract


should be provided in all categories of lobbies.

6. A minimum of one desert cooler each should be provided in the lobby


and rest room attached to it. The number may be increased depending
upon the size of the room. In areas with high humidity/rainfall, exhaust
fan should alternatively be provided.

7. Inverter/power backup of suitable capacity based on local conditions


should be provided in all crew lobbies.

8. Flush type toilet and urinals with proper drainage and septic tank should
be provided with each lobby.

9. Glazed tiles should be fitted on walls and anti-skid type on floor of


lavatory attached to rest room.

10.Every crew lobby should have adequate communication arrangement


by way of provision of railway and DOT phones (without STD facility).

11.24 hours running water supply should be ensured.

12. Upkeep and maintenance of crew lobbies including sanitation may be


contracted out.
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13. A separate cash imprest of Rs. 5000/- should be maintained with the
officer in charge of crew lobby for petty repairs (engineering/electrical)
and replacement of fittings.

14. The Committee recommends following level of supervision for the


crew lobbies.

Category scale of pay


A Rs.6000-9800
B Rs.5500-8000
C Rs.5000-8000

15. The Committee further recommends that for A category lobbies where
running staff signing on/off per day is 81 & above, supervisor of the Grade
of Sr. Loco Foreman i.e. Rs. 7450-11500 should be deployed for effective
control.

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Part A
Running Room

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CHAPTER I
BACKGROUND

1.1 Indian Railways have leveraged technology in a significant manner


to upgrade various systems to reduce the element of human
dependence and there by avoid human error. This has paid rich
dividends particularly in areas of signaling, involving station staff.
As far as staff responsible for the maintenance of locomotives,
rolling stock and track are concerned; they work in groups with
various levels of suspension. Even if all the staff in a group does
not deliver fully, there are enough checks and balances in the
system to ensure that safety is not compromised .Unfortunately,
because of the huge costs and relatively newer technologies, there
has not been significant automation in the area of train driving, In
the absence of devices such as cab signaling, our dependence on
crew continues to remain total and at the same level as it was at the
time of independence.

1.2 About 400 accidents take place on Indian Railways every year, out
of which 65.35% are on account of human error. 10.4% of all the
accidents that take place on account of human error on the part of
the running staff.

1.3 Although there is an assistant driver to assist the driver in the


sighting of signal, anyone familiar with the rigorous nature of
footplate duties will readily appreciate the amount of concentration
required and the mental stress that the running staff in general and
the driver in particular has to go through. Added to this are other
multifarious duties and responsibilities of the running staff such as
trouble shooting at the time of engine failure, reporting signal and
track defects, observance of engineering restrictions, exchange of
all right signals, rolling stock defects, frequent looking back, train
operation in inclement weather, failure of communication, train
protection at the time of accidents and so on. The list of his duties
here is only representative and not exhaustive but is sufficient to
highlight the degree of alertness required from the running staff.

1.4 Running staff is the only category, which does not have a concept
of fixed time rest either in night or in daytime. Except the periodic
night in bed rest, his rest time commences the moment he signs
Off and completes after the stipulated rest hour under HOER,
irrespective of the time of the day or night. The inherent nature of
his duties and rest is quite challenging to the biological clock of the
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body and the running staff has to go through this throughout his
active duty. Such a demanding work condition of the most crucial
safety category puts extra responsibility on the railways to ensure
that when the running staff signs On for duty, he is fully rested
alert and free from mental stress. The Railways have generally
appreciated this and treated the running staff as a special category
as for as their rest requirement is concerned.

1.5 It is for this reason that improvement in the condition of running


rooms has been a major thrust area for the Indian Railways.
Important committees have examined the subject in the past such as
Sikri Committee, Kuzru Committee and more recently, Railway
safety Review Committee (Khanna Committee). Based on these
recommendations, as well as individual initiatives, lot of effort has
been made by the railways to improve the condition of running
rooms. However, a lot remains to be done to further improve the
conditions.

1.6 Unlike running rooms, not much attention has been paid in the past
to the condition of crew lobbies. As, the crew sign on in lobbies
and some times get detained there due to uncertainties of train
operations, it is equally important that conditions in the lobbies are
paid adequate attention.

1.7 These subjects got fresh impetus recently in the wake of Safety
Sanvad,started at the initiative of Honble Minister for Railways,
leading to the setting up of this committee.

1.8 RUNNING ROOMS ON INDIAN RAILWAYS:

During the days of steam traction, most of the running rooms were
located adjacent to or near the loco shed. Steam locos mostly had
short runs and the driver used to pickup and drops locos in the shed
and take rest in the near by running room. With the changeover to
diesel and electric traction, change in traffic pattern and increased
emphasis on the implementation of 10 hour duty roster there is
significant shift in the location of running rooms to stations
(passenger trains) and yards (freight trains). As a matter of fact, a
large number of running rooms located near stream sheds have
become redundant and some of them continue to be used despite
locational handicap as new running rooms at vantage locations have
not kept pace with the change in traffic pattern.

1.9
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1.10 CREW LOBBIES ON INDIAN RAILWAYS:

With the phasing out of steam traction signing on/off of crew shifted
from loco shed to the stations(passenger trains) and yards (Freight
trains) resulting in setting up of lobbies.

1.11 ZONE WISE POSITION (RUNNING ROOM AND CREW


LOBBIES):

There are in all 401 running rooms on Indian Railway with 2795 rooms
and 13992 beds. There are 319 crew lobbies. Railway-wise details of
running rooms and crew lobbies are as under.

Rly Running Rooms Crew lobbies


Total lactations
No.of roomsNo.of beds
CR 37 255 1514 24
ER 18 100 400 18
NR 49 440 1996 50
NER 21 170 908 24
NFR 9 70 449 8
SR 58 291 1532 22
SCR 34 252 1289 23
SER 18 108 664 39
WR 47 274 1339 23
ECR 25 222 997 23
NWR 19 125 696 15
WCR 17 144 854 15
NCR 4 73 165 6
SECR 9 47 169 11
SWR 18 102 393 13
ECOR 18 122 627 5
IR 401 2795 13992 319

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CHAPTER II
METHODOLOGY

2.1 The Committee has based its recommendations on field visits to


Running rooms, interaction with the running staff, suggestions from the
two Federations (AIRF and NFIR), details obtained from the Zonal
Railways and recommendations of the earlier committees.

2.2 FIELD VISITS:

The Committee members individually or collectively made field visits


to the following running rooms:
New Delhi running room (NCR),
Bangalore running room (SWR),
Howrah running rooms 1& 2 (ER),
Guwahati running room (NFR),
New Guwahati running room (NFR),
Jamalpur running room (ER),
Mumbai Central (WR)
During these visits, detailed interaction with the users was held to find
out the problems, their suggestions for improvement. The visits also gave an
opportunity to see the actual conditions prevailing in the running rooms.

2.3 CONSULTATIONS WITH THE FDERATIONS:

Vide letter no.2000/M (L)/467/ dt.22.8.2003 the two Federations (AIRF


and NFIR) were requested to give their suggestions for improving the

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conditions in the running room. A copy of the suggestions received


from them are placed as annexures II and III to the report.

2.4 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EARLIER COMMITTEES:

2.4.1 Khanna Committee

The Railway Safely Review Committee-98 (Khanna Committee) in


part I and II of their report have considered the question of amenities
to be provided in the running rooms.

Summary of the recommendations of RSRC (part-1) is as under:

Running rooms should be provided with the amenities as under:

a) Basic amenities like proper hygiene, toilet facilities and clean


drinking water to be ensured immediately.
b) Not more than two beds per room/cubicle.
c) Proper ventilation and lighting.
d) Desert coolers.
e) Subsidized meals.
f) A reading room with magazine and papers.
g) Every running room of 20 beds or over should have full time
supervisor in charge.

The Board has accepted the above recommendations by RSRC Zonal


Railways have already been advised that all new running rooms may
be built with layout an amenities suggested by RSRC. The existing
rooms may be upgraded to the extent layout permits keeping in view
the requirement of cross ventilation
(Boards letter no.2002/M(L)/466/7101 dt. 10.4.2003 refers).

2.4.2 RSRC-98 (Khanna Committee) part-II vide item no. 96 of its


recommendations has further recommended as under:

Each Railway try giving on contract the management of a few


running rooms. The system can be extended progressively.

The RSRC while deliberating on the issue has, vide para 3.10.4 of it
report, noted that for years, there had been concerns regarding
management of running rooms. There were recurring complaints
regarding food, cleanliness, linen, noise etc. After looking at some
well-run establishments, viz,. Guna and Itarsi which are contracted
out, the RSRC made the above recommendation which was accepted
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by the Board. (Boards letter no.2002/M(L)/466/7101 dt.16/12/2002


refers).

2.4.3 Sikri Committee:

Running rooms should be provided with individual cubicles in which


staff can take rest undisturbed.
Provision of basic necessities like clean linen, mosquito nets, adequate
water supply, electricity, etc, should be arranged and sanitary
conditions improved.
Ways and means should be devised by Railway Administrations to
insulate running rooms against misuse by outsiders.
Running rooms should be located in close proximity to the place of
duty.
Trained cooks should be provided in running rooms to meet the needs
of staff fully.
Railway should also consider establishing regular canteens in the larger
running rooms.

2.5 DRAWING FROM EXPERIENCE:

The Committee has also drawn upon heavily from the experience of its
Members in the field, while working in various capacities.

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CHAPTER III
CLASSIFICATION

3.1 The numbers of beds in a Running rooms gives a fairly accurate idea
of its size and the numbers of users. The classification of running
rooms should accordingly be based on the number of beds. The
committee recommends following classifications:

Category Numbers of Beds


A Above 51
B 21 to 50
C Up to 20

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CHAPTER IV
SCALE OF FACLITIES

4.1 The committee has considered the scale of facilities and other details for
the following items:

o Bed room
o Lounge
o Dining room
o Box room
o Bathroom, lavatory & urinal
o Store room
o Pantry
o Kitchen
o Utensils and other items
o Verandah
o Soiled linen
o Garden
o Sanitation
o Fire protection
o Meditation room
o Library
o Running room staff
o Boundary wall/ fencing
o Miscellaneous

4.2 DISCUSSION OF IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Some of the important recommendations are discussed as under:

4.2.1 No. of beds per room:

The existing running rooms are having dormitory type of


arrangement with a large number of beds ranging from 4 to as many
15 (Howrah running room no. 2). The arrangement is not considered
conductive to undisturbed rest with privacy. Most of the users
complained of congestion and disturbance. The two Federations also
expressed similar sentiments. The committee, therefore, accepts in
principal that only two beds should be provided in each room.
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Accordingly, all running rooms in future should be constructed with


only 2 beds per room.

Considering the fact that there are as many as 401 running rooms and
none of them have 2 beds per room, it will not be possible to
implement the concept-t of 2 beds per room as the capital investment
would be enormous. As a via media, all existing running rooms
should be partitioned with cubicles in such a way that there are only 2
beds per cubicle and a maximum of 3 cubicles per room. The cubicles
should be perforated, they should be shoulder high, start 6 below the
mattress level and should be made of wood.

Earlier efforts to partition big halls by providing cubicles and


restricting the number of users to two have not succeeded as
partitioning hinders air circulation. In order to improve air circulation,
the committee recommends that individual pedestal fans for each bed
in the cubicle and adequate number of exhaust fans in each room
should be provided.

4.2.2 Review of condition/location of running rooms:

Some of the running rooms are totally dilapidated with tiled roof
uneven flooring, open sewerage and dry type of latrine. It may not be
possible to make them functional and significantly improve their
condition, even after incurring huge costs in repairing /refurbishing
them.

Similarly, as mentioned earlier, older running rooms are located


adjacent/nearer to the erstwhile steam sheds and their location has
lost relevance in the context of current traffic pattern. While most
such running rooms have become redundant and are not use, some
continue to be in use.

The committee recommends phasing out of such running rooms


within a time frame of 3 years.

4.2.3 Requirement of additional running rooms:

Each railway should conduct a division wise review of additional


beds/rooms based on the following:
o Requirement arising out of provision of cubicles to ensure 2
beds/cubicle.
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o Restricting the number of bed per room to 6.


o Existing running rooms becoming unusable on account of
being old/dilapidated.
o Location of running room not fitting in with the existing
traffic pattern.
o Existing shortfall in capacity.

4.2.4 Action plan to make good the shortfall:

Railways should prepare an action plan for making good the shortfall in
3 years, in the following manner:

o Priority construction of new running rooms at smaller places


where hotel accommodation cannot be hired.
o Hiring of hotel accommodation with 2-3 star facilities in major
towns (A and B category cities).
o The hiring of hotel should be a package deal, which should
include transportation of running staff (pick up and drop) as well
as meals.
o Running staff should pay a nominal charge for the meals.
o Wherever system of hiring of running rooms stabilizes and works
successfully, it should be retained on a long term basis. If for
any reason, it does not work, new running rooms should be
constructed.

4.2.5 Hiring charges for hotel:

The committee has made a sample study of costs incurred by the Railways on
Running rooms based on the details obtained from 5 running rooms of central
and Northern Railway. The details are as under:

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Expenditure on Running Rooms


Railway CR NR

Location Bombay Pune Ajni DLI Meerut


No. of beds 560 192 30 255 42
No. of users per day 672 230 35 280 47
Expenditure per month
1 Staff Salary 590066 238132 94099 400000 82000
2 LPG cylinder 6000 2500 2025 18000 3500
3 Kitchen utensils & other 8000 5000 1240 4167 694
gadgets
4 Electricity charges 339134 12330 7512 80000 11400
5 Water charges 201600 600 7035 120000 20000
6 Linen replacement 49000 16343 - 4167 694
charges
7 R/R cleaning items 61000 28000 1375 94907 1608
8 Linen wash 58333 10000 2871 20258 7744
9 Misc. (staff transporta- - - 12613 - -
-tion contract)
Total expenditure (1 to 1313133 312905 128770 741499 127640
9)
Running room 78 54 143 97 101
expenditure per bed per
day

For estimating hotel charges following additional expenses should be included:


Interest on capital investment for construction of new Running room.
Maintenance charges of running room building.

While finalizing the contract for hotel accommodation, these costs should be
kept in view.

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4.2.6 Construction of new running rooms:

New running rooms should be constructed by engaging reputed


architects. The layout should be functional and ergonomically designed
with modern, maintenance free lavatories, bathrooms and other
amenities. Instead of separate locker room, each room should have
cupboard with lock for each occupant. Each railway should construct
one new model running room in the next one year.

4.2.6 Boundary wall/fencing:


There are many running rooms where unauthorized people keep
intruding all the time, making use of the facilities meant for the
running staff, indulging in alcoholism and disrupting the rest of
running staff. Menace of cattle is also prevalent. Such running rooms
should be identified and proper boundary wall/ fencing should be
provided.

4.2.7 Security:
Presently, there is no system of providing security in the running
rooms. At some places the law and order situation is quite bad and
unauthorized people enter running rooms, misuse its facilities and be
a source of nuisance to the users and staff. Each division should
identify such running rooms and provide adequate security. In view
of high cost of providing departmental security, the committee
recommends privatization of running room security.

4.2.8 Power Backup:


For almost 8-9 months a year, most parts of the country require the
use of fan/cooler. The Committee feels that uninterrupted power
supply is a must for providing undisturbed rest to the running staff.
Wherever, power break down/day is for more than an hour, the
Committee recommends power backup of adequate capacity.
Providing such a power back up departmentally may pose problems
of maintenance and running of DG set, supply of HSD oil and round
the clock posting of staff. Despite huge costs the system may not
work satisfactorily. Accordingly, the Committee recommends that
backup power should be contracted out. The railway should only
provide proper space for housing the DG set. All other responsibility
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should be of the contractor. The charges in the contract should have


two components a fixed charge based on installed capacity/
investment and another variable based on actual consumption of
electricity. To avoid disturbance and noise pollution, it should be
installed away from the running room. Measures to insulate the room
should also be taken.

4.2.9 Mosquito repellents in lieu of mosquito nets:


Mosquito nets are currently provided for each bed in the running
room. They pose following problems:

o Hinder free circulation of air.


o Provide clumsy look to the running rooms with improvised rods
provided to hang them.
o Torn out Mosquito nets are not effective.
o Regular washing is not done.
To overcome these problems, the Committee recommends that a
suitable Mosquito repellent should be provided for each cubicle. Proper power
socket for installing mosquito repellent should be provided in each
cubicle/room.

4.2.10 Meditation Room:


Each A & B category running rooms should be provided with a
meditation room. No idol / pictures should be permitted in this room.

4.2.11 Library:
A small library under the supervision of caretaker should be maintained
which should have sufficient copies of G & SR, operating manual,
accident manual and trouble shooting guide. The books may be issued to
the running staff on request, for consultation.

4.2.12 Drinking water arrangement:


Cold potable drinking water is a basic requirement. All running rooms
should, therefore, have electric water cooler with water purifier. The two
machines should be with Annual Maintenance contract to avoid break
down and separate processing of repair.

4.2.13 Electrical Wiring:


The condition of electrical wiring, switch gear and electrical fittings in
old running rooms must be got periodically surveyed by the inspectors

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authorized under statutory provisions and replacements planned through works


programme.

4.2.14 Sharing of running room by commercial staff:


Instructions already exist that running room facility should not be
extended to the commercial staff. On some of the divisions, local
administration has allowed commercial staff to use running room. The
committee does not approve of this due to varying requirement of rest
and nature of duties of running staff and commercial staff. The Railways
should strictly prohibit use of running room by commercial staff, even
where spare capacity is available.

4.2.15Lights in bed rooms:


There is a requirement for screening out day-light and having low
illumination level to have an environment conducive for rest. The
committee has considered that there should not be any lights on the
ceiling and that window and doors should be provided with coloured
glass and curtains should be dark. Walls should be distempered with light
blue shades and dark dado. Night lights may be provided at floor level.
For facilitating individual needs, reading lamps should be provided at
individual bed side.

4.2.16Numbering of beds:
The beds in the running rooms should be numbered. The name of the
occupant of each bed should be displayed on a small board outside each
room so that correct driver is woken up without disturbing others.

4.2.17Communication:
Every running room should have adequate communication arrangement
by way of provision of railway and DOT phones (without STD facility).

4.2.18Booking of expenditure:
The expenditure on the upkeep and maintenance of running rooms is
currently being charged to civil/Electrical/S&T heads of allocation. The
committee recommends that a separate head should exist for booking all
running rooms expenses under one head.

4.2.19Reducing noise pollution:


Some of the running rooms are located close to busy main roads with
noise pollution from vehicular traffic and announcements made at the
railway station. Railway should consider erection of suitable baffle walls
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for filtering out the noise in such cases. Location of new running room
should also take this aspect into account and provide adequate offset from
the roads.
4.3 SCALE / OTHER DETAILS OF VARIOUS FACILITIES:

ITEM SCALE/OTHER DETAILS


4.3.1 BED-ROOM
Floor area 60 sq.feet/person(approx)

Bed Size-6 *6.


Rigid steel frame with hard plywood top.
Spare-6%

2 beds per room in new running rooms.


2 beds/cubicle in exiting running rooms.
6 beds/room in existing running rooms(maximu
All beds should be numbered.

Mattress Rubberised coir foam @1 per bed

Pillows Cotton filling in strong soft brown/blue khadi


Cover (27x16)
One per bed

Cubicle Perforated partition from 6 below bed level to


shoulder height.

Light Individual light for each cot.


Only common night bulb.
No common bright light.

Fan One ceiling fan per room in new running room .


Individual pedestal fan per bed in cubicle in
Addition to existing ceiling fans.

Room heater To be provided @ 1 for 2 beds. Applicable only

for extremely cold areas at the discretion of

officer
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in charge.
Exhaust fan Minimum number 1 per room.
Actual number to be decided locally.

Desert cooler One per room for new running rooms.


One of 4 persons in existing running rooms.

Mosquito repellent
One for two beds.

Call bell One push button/cubicle (existing running room)


One push button/room (New running room)

Linen 2 no.s polythene packed washed linens to be issued to


each user.
Quality same as AC I coach.
Requirement to be calculated as under.
Number of users x washing cycle x 2 + 15% reserve
Contract washing in power laundry.

Pillow cover White soft 30x20 one per bed.


Requirement for washing.
No. of pillows x no. of users x days for laundry

Blanket Scale of 1 or 2 blanket to be fixed by officer in charge( t


be issued in winter).
Quality same as AC-I coach.
Must be sent to Laundry once in three months.

Curtain Thick cotton cloth of soothing color.

Plug Points For mosquito repellent, pedestal fan, room heater(if


applicable).

Windows To be fitted with wire-mesh.


Panel Doors.

Doors Panel type.

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4.3.2 LOUNGE

Floor area 30 Sq. ft./person for 10 beds layout (approx)


15 Sq .ft/person for 50 beds layout (approx)
(to be allotted on the basis of the number of
beds plus a margin for increase)

News paper Cat C Vernacular -2


Hindi -3
English -2
Cat B Vernacular -3
Hindi -4
English -2
Cat A Vernacular -3
Hindi -4
English -2
(for every 50 user)
The actual number may be decided by the officer
in charge of the running room based on the
number of user.

Magazine Cat C Vernacular - 2


Hindi -2
English -1
Cat B Vernacular - 2
Hindi -3
English -2
Cat A Vernacular - 2
Hindi -3
English -2
(for every 50 user)
The actual number may be decided by the officer
in charge of the running room based on the no. of
Users.

Carom Board Optional to be decided by officer in charge.

TV Sets/Radio- Strictly prohibited.


set/ Music system

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Chairs 5 for every 20 beds, including 1 easy chair.

Light Adequate no. of incandescent bulbs.


Illumination sufficient for reading/writing.

Ceiling fan To be decided locally.

Call bell One push button to be provided.

4.3.3 DINNING ROOM


Floor area About 20 Sq.ft./ person in layout for 10 beds.
About 15 Sq.ft/ person in layout for 50 beds.

Windows To be fitted with wire mesh.


To be glazed.

Doors Swing type


To be half glazed & half paneled.

Curtain Blue cotton curtains on spring curtain rod


should be provided on the glazed portion
only.

Dining Table Size 40 x 60 with marble/granite top.


Scale 1 seat for three beds.
(Actual requirement to be worked out locally
taking into account bunching of occupants)

Dinning chair Non- folding steel type (superior quality).


Wooden chair for extremely cold places.

Ultra violet fly killer machineMinimum 1.


More can be provided based on the area.

Water purifier Cat C 1


(Aqua Guard or Cat B 2 and
similar) Cat A 3

Mosquito repellent Minimum 1


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(All out or Similar) The number can be increased based on area.

Electric Heater (For warming


For extremely cold conditions only.
Rooms) To be decided by officer in charge.

Call bell One push button on each table.

Ceiling fan To be decided locally.

Ware and cutlery Mug (Porcelain), steel ware full plates, steel
(1set) Ware quarters plates, Trays for serving tea,
Katories-
Steel two per person plus one small one for
Ghee in the south only, Thalis with pressed
katories recesses
May be used instead, Steel tumblers, Jugs of
Stainless Steel, Table spoons-stainless steel,
Tea spoons,Desert spoons, desert forks (one
per full plate set) tea strainers (adequate
number), ash tray ( according to
requirements), Salt cellar to every table,
Pepper Cellar.
One set to be provided for every 4 beds. +
30% as contingencies.

4.3.4 BOX ROOM (to be located near the dining room)

Floor area About 120Sq. ft. for layout for 10 beds


About 189 Sq.ft. for layout for 50 beds.
3 Sq ft. shelf space (in two tiers) on per
bed basis.(Applicable only where Boxes are
in use)

Door To be fitted with iron bar instead of panel.

4.3.5 BATHROOM,
LAVATORY & URINALS
Bath room Size - 6X4
Scale - 1 for 8 beds( in existing running
rooms).
- 1 for 4 beds(attached) for new
running rooms.

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Lavatory Size - 5x 39
Scale - 1 for 8 beds (in existing running
rooms)-Minimum 2 .
-1 for 2 beds (attached) for new
running rooms
Type - flush type.
90% commodes should be of the Indian
(squatting)
Type and 10% of the Western Type
(minimum 1);

Urinals Scale 1 for 20 beds.


Type with flush system.

Floor Antiskid tiles on floor.


Granite tiles on walls up to 46

Wash basins & mirrors 1 per 8 beds (upto 50 beds)


1 for 10 beds ( beyond 50 beds)

Electric water heaters 1 for each bathroom.


(geysers)
1 standby for each running room.

General Layout - Bath rooms and lavatories should be


separate.
- The complete bath room and toilets area
should be tiled with anti skid tiles.
- Interior walls of lavatories and closets to
be of granite tile to a minimum height of
46 . Floor to be of antiskid tiles.
- Deodorant tablets must be provided in the
Lavatory.
- All bathrooms must be provided with coat
Hooks/hangers, soap dish holders in
sufficient numbers.
- Liquid soap dispensers should be available
with every wash basins.
- Bath rooms soap dispensers should be
available with every wash basins.

- Adequate sanitary workers should be


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available and earmarked for Running


room.
- Sanitation should be privatized in a
phased manner
- Built-in recess for toilet accessories
- Arrangement for hanging clothes an
towels.
- Shower as well as the ordinary tap.
- One three gallon bucket and one mug for
each bathroom.
- Recess for mug.
- Emergency water tank.

4.3.6 STORE ROOM

Provisions Size -5x63 for 10beds


- 66x8 for 50 beds
Sufficient number of shelves of suitable with
(some open and others with lockable doors).
Receptacles for storage of different kinds of
main provisions.
Applicable only where departmental catering
is available.

General storage Size - 14x8 for 10beds.


- 27 x12 for 50 beds.
The size of store room may vary depending
upon the size of the running room.
Sufficient no, of naphthalene tablets should
be used to avoid damage to blankets and
other stocks.
Steel almirahs should be provided for
Stacking linen material.
Steel cupboards for storage of bed, table
linen, blankets etc.(Woolens must be stored
with naphthalene balls).
Proper locking arrangements should be
available enough space for spare furniture
etc.
to be provided.

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4.3.7 PANTRY
Dimensions (minimum) Size - 209x 12 for 10 beds.
- 18 6x12(2 nos) for 50 beds.
Separate pantry for non-vegetarian at the
desecration of officer incharge.
Every room is recommended for provision
of one sink and two clear shelves for
placing cooked foods and utensils in an
orderly manner.
proper shelves to be decided locally.
Built in wire gauge cupboard.

Dish washers With Annual Maintenance contract may be


provided at nominated places.

Pantry table Size 35 (high) x32x60


Stainless steel top with sliding door shelves.
One or two in a pantry as may be required.

Mopping Pantry towels (Honey comb type) 2 in use


at a time.
Dusters requirements to be decided
locally.
Change once a day ( minimum)
Cooks aprons 3 per person.

4.3.8 KITCHEN
Size -13x10for 10 beds
-13x12 for 50 beds.
Separate for non-vegetarian and vegetarian
catering.
Gas stove Cat C 1 (Domestic type).
Cat A and B industrial type with
manifold.
Rack (with railing) To be provided on the side wall near the
cooking range for spices.
Kitchen table Size -33x33x60.
Stainless steel top and one set of drawers
below.

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Stools As per requirements.


Vegetarian and Separate rooms to be provided.
non- vegetarian Kitchen

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4.3.9 UTENSILS AND OTHER ITEMS:

ITEMS UPTO 20 TO BEUPTO 50 TO BE


CATERED AT A ORDERED AT A
TIME TIME
Degchies with covers (a) 18 - 3
Degchies with covers (b) 14 2 4
Degchies with covers (c) 12 4 2
Degchies with covers (d) 10 2 2
Degchies with covers (e) 8 2 2
All aluminum vessels should be
replaced by stainless steel vessels
to avoid health hazard.

Karrahi (iron) (a) 16 - 1


Karrahi (iron) (b) 14 1 1
Frying pans (a) 18 - 1
(b) 9 1 1
(c) 6 1 1
Kettle for boiling water for tea for 1 1
20 cups
Coffee filter stainless steel (where 1 2
required Medium type)
Milk can(aluminum) (a) 12 lb - 1
(b) 8 lb 1 1
Tava 1 2
Parat (for kneading flour) (a) 26 - 1
Parat (for kneading flour) (b) 18 1 -
Thali to cover parat 1 1
Kharahi (iron) scraper 1 1
Pounee with handle (for frying in 1 1
Kharani) perforated ladle
Kharani with ladle 6 6
Iron fire tongs 1 1
Fire pokar 1 1
Channis a) for flour wire gauge 1 1
b) brass for boiled rice 1 1
Meat mincing machine 1 1
Ladookash(grater/spredder) 1 1
Sil/batta 1 1
Kundi/Danda 1 1
Chakla/Belan 1 -
Meat knife 1 1
Meat chopper 1 1
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Bread knife 1 4
Bread board 1 2
Toasting rack 1 2
Vegetable knife 2 -
Pie dishing (various size) 3 3
Basins, brass 4 2 3
Receptacle for rubbish (with 1
automatic closing Lid)
Lotas 2 2
Buckets 3 4
Tumbler brass 2 3
Tin cutter 1 2

4.3.10VERANDAH
Width 10 wide.
should serve the lounge, bed and
dinning rooms
One ceiling fan per 10 beds.
One wash basin
Cane lawn chair
Dust bin
4.3.11 SOILED LINEN Rooms for soiled linen
Annual power laundry contract for
washing.

4.3.12 LAWN/GARDEN All running rooms ( except those


located in multi storied buildings)
should have gardens/lawn with
maintenance contract.

4.3.13 LOCKER ROOM 40% of number of beds


(locker key to be handed over to
the running staff on arrival in the
running room

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4.3.14 RUNNING ROOM STAFF:


Cook Cat C - 1
Gr. Rs 4500-7000 Cat B - 1 per shift
Cat A - 2
Masalchi Cat C - nil
Gr. Rs 3050-4590 Cat B - 1 per shift
Cat A - 1
Bearers Cat C - 1
Gr.Rs 2650-4000 Cat B - 2 per shift
Cat A - 3
Sweepers One for every 30 beds.

Duty hours ( to be suitably fixed)


Cooks and bearers etc. should be medically examined for V.D.&
Skin Diseases, etc. prior to their employment and afterwards
every six months.
Staff should be provided with suitable uniform and identity cards
with laminated photographs and other particulars.

4.3.15 MISCELLANEOUS:

Ventilator (those in bed rooms to have blue colored glasses).


Wire mesh should be provided on all windows.
Safety instructions dos and donts should be displayed in places of
common room such as lounge, dining room, verandah.
Notice board with drawing pin notice hanging arrangement to be
provided in the verandah.
Suitably framed pictures may be provided for the lounge and
dining rooms.
Wall clock should be provided in the lounge.
Out side each bed room, bed wise position of occupants should
be displayed so that only correct person is woken up. The
position should be regularly updated.
Doors mats (coir) according to requirements.
A readily available suggestion book should be maintained. To be
inspected by inspecting officials. Extracts of the same should be
forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
Material required for sanitary staff to be provided as per
requirements.

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Fire protection is recommended for all the Running rooms.


Adequate number of fire extinguishers, Round bottom buckets
filled with sand & water to be provided.
Railways should increasingly switchover to solar heater on
priority.
One number First Aid Box in each running room.
Color wash Annual for bedroom, lounge and dining room.
White wash-
Annual Box room store room.
Quarterly Bath room /Lavatory/urinals, Kitchen & Pantry.

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CHAPTER V
SYSTEM OF FOOD PREPARATION

5.1 In addition to cooking facilities such as free LPG supply, utensils,


crockery, running rooms are provided with departmental staff (cooks,
bearers and masalchis) for cooking meals. In most of the running rooms,
the running staff brings his own ration, which is freshly cooked.

5.2 The opinions on the existing system of food preparation are sharply
divided amongst drivers, cooks, running rooms incharges and
management. These are summarized as under:

Preparation of individual meals causes delay. This results in


dissatisfaction amongst the users, curtailment of rest and frequently
detention to trains.
Running room cooks lack basic cooking skills due to lack of training
and aptitude for cooking.
Dietary preferences and dietary restrictions are favoured by drivers
to continue the system of preparation of food according to rations
supplied by the drivers.
The wide variety of preferences and tastes comes in the way of
cooking good food. If menus are standard, food can be prepared
well.
Food supplied by caterers from their own rations Is suspected to be
prepared out of sub standard ingredients.
The running rooms provide avenue for absorbing medically
decategorised or compassionate appointee staff. Out sourcing of
activities could lead to IR problems and existing staff may have to be
continued while activities are out sourced.
5.3 Not withstanding the various sentiment and other arguments which
favour the continuation of the existing system, purely on consideration of
logistics and professionalism required, the committee recommends that
all running rooms should, gradually and in a phased manner, progress
towards adopting the following system for preparation of meals:

a) For running rooms located in small towns:

Four menus -2 each for vegetarians and non vegetarians should be


prepared by the running rooms supervisor for each running room, in
consultation with the running staff.
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o One menu each should be with dietary restriction while the other one
should be normal.
o The menus should be different for each day of the week and should
be displayed on the notice board.
o The system of departmental cooking should be retained.

b) For running rooms located in major towns:

o The system should be applicable only for such cities where it is


possible to contract out catering.
o Supply of round the clock meals should be contracted out to private
caterer, discontinuing departmental cooking of individual ration.
o Four menus two each for vegetarians and non-vegetarians out of
which one each should be with dietary restrictions, should be
supplied by the caterer.
o Menu for each day should be different and should be finalized by
running room supervisor, in consultation with the running staff.
o Running staff should pay a nominal charge for the meals.
o A sound system of ensuring quality and quantity should be in place
with stiff penalties on the caterer for violation.

5.4 A beginning may be made by contracting out catering of one running


room per division.Catering contract should preferably be given to co-
operative societies of retired/serving railway men or their families.

5.5 Veg/non-veg food:

The committee has critically examined this issue and recommends that in
areas where sentiment is strong in favour of a separate kitchen & dining
room for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, the same should be provided.

5.6 Menu:
Running room supervisor in consultation with the running staff should
prepare weekly, day wise menu for veg/non-veg. meals. Under both the
categories, there should be two menus, one conventional and one with
dietary restrictions. The Caretaker should display the same on the notice
Board for the information of occupants of running rooms.

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5.7 Meal charges payable by the running staff:

Based on the details of variable costs obtained from CR (Mumbai,


Ajni and Pune) and NR ( Delhi and Meerut), the Committee has
estimated the expenses incurred by the railways towards the salary of
running room staff, LPG supply and replacement of utensils. Details
are as under:

Railway CR NR
Location Bombay Pune Ajni DLI Meerut
No. of beds 560 192 30 255 42
No, of users per 672 230 35 280 47
day(a)
1.Staff salary 590066 23813 40000 82000
per month 2 94099 0
2. LPG cylinder 6000 3500
2500 2025 18000
3.Kitchen 8000 4167 694
utensils & other 5000 1240
gadgets
Sub total (b) 604066 24563 42216 86194
2 97364 7
Subsidy on 30 36 93 50 61
meals /user/day
(b/a)

These expenses are essentially in the nature of subsidy on the meals


of running staff. Depending upon the size of running room and local
conditions the subsidy ranges between Rs.30/- to 93/- per user per
day. The meal charges payable by the running staff should be
nominal and decided by the Division taking into account the subsidy
on meals.

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CHAPTER VI
SYSTEM OF UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE

6.1 An important reason for the poor condition of running rooms and lack
of basic amenities is the existing procedure of material procurement
and repairs. Lot of time is wasted on the part of running room
caretaker to contact various agencies who are either unable or
unwilling to make good the deficiency and carry out repairs
expeditiously.Against the recommendation of change of linen with
every user, the committee is appalled to note that Howrah Running
Room No. 2 is not changing linen even in a weeks time. Dirty torn
out linen were in use in this running room. Even where things were
better, it was noticed that the linen provided did not cater to the
requirement of change with every user (e.g. Guwahati Running
room) . Condition of blankets in Guwahati Running room was
extremely poor. For proper accountability, the Committee feels that
the officer and supervisor responsible for the upkeep and maintenance
of running room should be sufficiently empowered. The committee
recommends as under.

6.2 Empowerment of officer in charge of running room and


caretaker:
The officer in charge/supervisor of running room should be
empowered to get petty repairs done by maintaining a cash imprest of
Rs.25000/- petty repairs should include engineering works (cistern,
cooks, plumbing etc) electrical fittings (tube lights, geysers, bulbs,
switches etc) and sanitation work (sweeping and cleaning of toilets).

6.3 Standing spot purchase committee for running room items:


In order to avoid delays in the purchase of running room items like
blankets, bed sheets, mattresses, pillows, pillow covers, utensils, a fast
track system of material procurement should be in place on each
division. For this purpose each railway should set up a standing spot
purchase committee at a divisional level for making purchases of all
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items for running rooms, which are outside the scope of purchases
from the usual imprest. These items may include the following:

Furniture
Utensils/crockery/gas ovens / geysers/ coolers/pedestal fans etc.
Linen/blankets/pillow/mattress/drapery.

The standing spot purchase committee should be comprised of


Concerned executive officer incharge of running room.
Sister department officer from stores/Engineering and
Accounts department.
The committee should normally make purchases once a year but
may make more purchases, if so required.

6.4 Quality of linen and blanket:


As per Railway Boards circular No.90/RS (G)/1131/1 dt. 8.6.1990,
beds sheets, pillow covers and blankets are required to be purchased
of handloom material. For the rough use to which these are subjected
to in a running room, the Committee recommends their
discontinuation. The instructions, therefore, need to be withdraw and
railways authorized to do quality procurement of these items. The
quality standard should match with what is available in AC-I coaches.
Acrylic blankets are recommended for mild winter and woolen
blankets for harsh winter. More than one woolen blanket can be
considered based on climate conditions (to be decided by officer in
charge).

6.5 Marking of linen:


All linens procured for running rooms should be marked with
indelible ink in the following format:

YY/MM/XXX-Serial no - Rg. Room

6.6 Cleaning of blankets:


Cleaning of blankets should be twice in a year once before the onset
of winter and the second time in the middle of winter.

6.7 Contracting out of maintenance and sanitation:

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Considering that upkeep and maintenance of running room is not the


core business of Railways, the Committee recommends phased
privatization of running room maintenance, sanitation and horticulture
( where admissible). Railways should encourage established agencies
such as Sulabh International, NEID for sanitation work in running
rooms.

6.8 Suggestion Book:


A Suggestion Book must be available in the running rooms to enable
running staff to communicate their problems with supervisors/officers.

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CHAPTER VII

LEVEL OF FUNCTIONAL CONTROL

7.1 The existing level of supervision/control in running rooms is


practically non-existent. In most of the running rooms, a ministerial
staff, sometimes even a Group D employee is responsible for the day
to day supervision, as a caretaker. This arrangement is considered
totally unsatisfactory and is often the root cause of mismanagement
and dissatisfaction leading to complaints from the running staff.

7.2 There is an urgent need for upgrading the


level of functional control as under:
Size of running Pay scale of Pay scale of caretaker
room supervisor (One/shift,four/runningro
(One/running om)
room)
More than 100 Gr B 7500- Rs. 3050-4590
beds 11500
51- 100 beds Gr C 6500- Rs. 3050-4590
10500
21 50 beds Gr C 5500-9000 Rs. 3050-4590
Upto 20 beds Gr C 5000-8000 Rs. 3050-4590

7.3 Posting of caretakers:


The post of caretaker should be ex-cadre. The tenure of the post should
be 3 years. The officer incharge of the running room should select
suitable candidate to man the post.

7.4 Periodic inspection by standing committee:


A standing committee under the chairmanship of ADRM of
the Divisions with power officers as its secretary should be
setup. Officers of Engineering, Electrical & safety should be its
standing members. This standing committee must ensure
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quarterly inspection of every Cat A running room on the


Division. Periodicity of six months should be followed for Cat
B & C running rooms.

7.5 Inspection Schedule;


Inspection schedule for running rooms should be circulated to
all Divisional & HQ officers and inspectors. Timely inspections
of running room by officers and inspectors should be included
in the duty list of running room supervisor.

7.6 System Of Award :

A standing system of awarding the best maintained


running room at divisional/HQ level should exist on each
Railway. An annual competition should be held to pick up the
best running room on each Division followed by the
competition at HQ level from amongst the best running room.
Recommended cash awards are as under:

1) Best running room on the Division(Cat A & B)- Rs 10,000.


2) Best running room on the Division(Cat C) - Rs 5,000.
3) Best running room on the Railway(Cat A & B)- Rs 30,000.

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CHAPTER VIII
CLASSIFICATION

8.1 The crew lobbies should be classified as under as under:

Category Number of users per day

A Above 51
B 21 to 50
C Upto 20

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Part - B

C R E W L O B B
Y

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CHAPTER - IX

SCALE OF FACILITIES

9.1 The scale of facilities in crew lobbies should be as under:

Item Scale
9.1.1 Room
Size of crew lobby A, B, C
category. 12x14
Rest room attached with crew
lobby only for A & B category. 10x12

9.1.2 Chairs Cat C 1 easy chair + 4 chairs.


Cat B - 2 easy chairs + 8 chairs.
Cat C 4 easy chairs +12
chairs.

9.1.3 Drinking Water One water purifier (Aqua Guard


Or similar) with AMC for all type
of lobbies.
One water cooler with AMC.

9.1.4 Room cooler One each for lobby & rest room
attached with lobby.

9.1.5 Lavatory(attached with rest room) Commode unit - 1


Urinals - 1
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Hand wash basins - 1

9.1.6 Sanitation To be contracted out.

`9.1.7 Power Backup Cat C inverter.


Cat A & B DG set.
Expectations to be made at the
discretion of officers incharge.

9.2 All new crew lobbies should be constructed with rest room
attached to it. The layout should be functional and building
should be modern with maintenance free toilets.

9.3 Where ever it is not possible to renovate/refurbish the


existing crew lobbies, they should be dismantled/put to
alternate use in a phased manner and replaced with
properly equipped modern lobbies.

9.4 Water purifier and water cooler with Annual Maintenance


Contract should be provided an all categories of lobbies.

9.5 A minimum of one desert cooler each should be provided in


the lobby and rest room attached to it. The number may be
increased depending upon the size of the room. In areas
with high humidity/rain fall exhaust fan should alternatively
be provided.

9.6 Inverter/power backup of suitable capacity based on local


conditions, should be provided in all crew lobby.

9.7 Flush type toilets and urinals with proper drainage and
septic tank should be provided with each lobby.

9.8 Glazed tiles should be fitted on the walls and anti-skid type
on floor of lavatory attached to rest room.

9.9 Door mats to be provided at the entrance to rest room and


toilets attached to crew lobby.

9.10 Every crew lobby should have adequate communication


arrangements by way of provision of railway and DOT
phones(without STD facility).

9.11 24 hours ruuning room water supply should be ensured.


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Chapter X

UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE

10.1 Upkeep and maintenance of crew lobbies including


sanitation, may be contracted out.

10.2 A separate cash imprest of Rs. 5000/- should be


Maintained with the officer in charge of crew lobby for
pretty repairs ( engineers/electrical) and replacements of
fittings.

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CHAPTER XI

Functional control

11.1 The committee recommends following level of


Super vision for the crew lobbies.

Category scale of pay

A Rs.6000 - 9800
B Rs.5500 - 8000
C Rs.5000 - 8000

11.2 The committee further recommends that for A category


lobbies were running staff singing on/off per day is 81 &
above, supervisor of the Grade of Sr. Loco Foremen i.e
Rs.7450-11500 should be deployed for effective control.

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CHAPTER - XII

SUGGESTIONS FROM FEDERATIONS

12.1 The committee has examined the suggestions furnished


by the two. Federations namely - NFIR/AIRF. While most of
the suggestions have been accepted, following items were
not found feasible for implementations.

Item Suggestion Comments


1. Attached bathroom/lavatory with Recommended for new running
each running room rooms only.
For existing ones, common bath
rooms @one per beds has been
recommended.

2. Air conditioner of running room / A provision of room coolers is


crew lobby. recommended for each running
rooms and crew lobby.

3. 4 beds should be provided in crew The facility is likely to be misused


lobby with occupancy of 30 and by different categories of staff .
above. Moreover, detention of running
staff after signing on is not
expectable to be such that it
warrants sleeping in the lobby.
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Easy chairs for relaxing have been


recommended.

MAINTENCE OF RUNNING ROOMS


GUNTUR DIVISION AS ON 01-02-
2008

Place of Allotment of beds for different categories


S.No Running Assistant Assistant TOTAL
room Driver Guards
Drivers guards BEDS
1. GNT 8 8 8 .. 24
2. NLPD 5 5 6 .. 16
3. NDKD 3 3 4 .. 10
4. NDL 13 13 13 6 45
5. DKD REST
ROOM 1 1 1 .. 3
6. MCLA REST
ROOM 1 1 1 .. 3
7. TEL REST
ROOM 1 1 1 .. 3

TOTAL 32 32 34 98 104

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