R.B.E. No. 172/2002 

Subject: Co-drivers for Rajdhani Expresses and 'High Speed Trains' – PNM/AIRF Item No. 23/2001. 

Reference: Board's Letters (i) No. E(P&A)II-81/RS-8, dated 1.1.1987 (Bahri's RBO 1987, p. 457) and (ii) No. 98/M(L)/466/701, dated 24.8.2000.        

[No. E(P&A)II-2000/RS-21, dated 26.9.2002] 

            The issue regarding provision of Co-drivers for Rajdhani Expresses and trains classified as 'High Speed trains' by the Board on the basis of norms contained in para 3.22(iv) of letter No. E(P&A)II-80/RS-10, dated 17.7.1981 has been under consideration of the Board. 

2.   In modification of the instructions contained in Board's letters dated 1.1.1987 & 24.8.2000 ibid, it has now been decided that the level of co-driver in Rajdhani train will be in the same grade as that of the main driver (Mail Driver in grade Rs. 6,000-9,800) while the co-driver of the 'High Speed' trains will be Sr. Passenger Driver/ Passenger Driver in grade Rs. 6,000-9,800 Rs. 5,500-9,000 in respect of those sections whee the following conditions are fulfilled:-

(a)    The maximum permissible speed should not be less than 110 kms/per hour in the case of broad gauge and 100 kms/per hour in the case of metre gauge. 

(b)   The aforesaid limits of maximum permissible speed should obtain over at least 50% of the run of the train for the respective sections: section for this purpose would be determined on the basis of crew changing points, from 'signing on' of the crew to the 'signing off' point. 

(c)    The average speed should not be less than 66 kms/per hour on broad gauge sections and 60 kms/per hour on metre-gauge sections; and 

(d)   The minimum distance between terminals of the train should be 400 kms on broad gauge and 300 kms on metre-gauge sections.

3.   For sections where the Rajdhani Expresses and trains classified as 'High Speed trains' do not fulfill the above conditions, the co-driver will be only a Diesel/Electric/ Assistant. 

4.   This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.