Members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a protest in front of Coimbatore Railway Station against the reduction of staff in the Indian Railways, urging the Union government to immediately fill vacant posts and halt workforce cuts.
Coimbatore:
Condemning the reduction of workforce in the Indian Railways, members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a demonstration in front of the Coimbatore Railway Station on Saturday.
According to a directive issued by the Railway Board on April 24, 2026, all railway zones have been instructed to implement a 2% reduction or redistribution of sanctioned manpower. With the total sanctioned strength at 14.80 lakh posts, this exercise is expected to result in the abolition or redistribution of approximately 29,608 posts during the current financial year.
A similar exercise carried out in the previous financial year (2024–25) led to the abolition of 28,815 posts. The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns that staff reductions could impact safety and service quality even as railway services continue to expand.
Condemning the move, more than 50 DYFI members gathered outside the city’s railway station, raising slogans against the Union government and holding placards.
Speaking at the protest, district secretary Dinesh Raja alleged that around 30,000 posts in the Railways remain vacant and have not been filled. He further claimed that instead of addressing these vacancies, steps are being taken to reduce manpower.
He also stated that unfilled vacancies are contributing to railway accidents, and that reducing staff strength under such circumstances would weaken the sector. He added that increasing privatisation in the Railways is leading to a decline in employment opportunities.
Alleging that the Prime Minister’s promises on job creation have not been fulfilled, he urged the Union government to immediately fill the vacant posts and take steps to protect the public sector.
Condemning the reduction of workforce in the Indian Railways, members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a demonstration in front of the Coimbatore Railway Station on Saturday.
According to a directive issued by the Railway Board on April 24, 2026, all railway zones have been instructed to implement a 2% reduction or redistribution of sanctioned manpower. With the total sanctioned strength at 14.80 lakh posts, this exercise is expected to result in the abolition or redistribution of approximately 29,608 posts during the current financial year.
A similar exercise carried out in the previous financial year (2024–25) led to the abolition of 28,815 posts. The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns that staff reductions could impact safety and service quality even as railway services continue to expand.
Condemning the move, more than 50 DYFI members gathered outside the city’s railway station, raising slogans against the Union government and holding placards.
Speaking at the protest, district secretary Dinesh Raja alleged that around 30,000 posts in the Railways remain vacant and have not been filled. He further claimed that instead of addressing these vacancies, steps are being taken to reduce manpower.
He also stated that unfilled vacancies are contributing to railway accidents, and that reducing staff strength under such circumstances would weaken the sector. He added that increasing privatisation in the Railways is leading to a decline in employment opportunities.
Alleging that the Prime Minister’s promises on job creation have not been fulfilled, he urged the Union government to immediately fill the vacant posts and take steps to protect the public sector.