Indian Railways Loco Pilot Medical Test Criteria: The job of loco pilot in Indian Railways is the dream of millions of youth. Everyone likes to handle the train engine, transport thousands of passengers to their destination safely and be a part of the country’s largest transportation system, but the path to reach this job is not easy. For this, after passing the written examination, the biggest challenge is the medical test. Many times, many candidates do well in the written examination and training, but due to a small deficiency in the medical examination, their dream remains unfulfilled. In such a situation, if you also want to become a loco pilot, then let us tell you today what are the medical parameters to become a loco pilot and due to which shortcomings the dream can remain unfulfilled.

Why is medical test necessary?

The job of a loco pilot is not just to drive the train. They have to be alert all the time. Even a small mistake can cause a big accident. While driving a train, it is very important to recognize signals, understand the condition of the track, take immediate decisions on sudden problems and maintain attention for a long time. For this reason, Railways gives utmost importance to medical fitness. The candidate should be completely healthy, so that he can drive the train safely even in difficult conditions.

What are the medical parameters to become a loco pilot?

1. Vision Test – The most important medical test for a loco pilot is that of eyes. A1 medical category is applicable for ALP in Railways, which is considered the most difficult. In this, distance vision of both the eyes should be 6/6. Also, glasses or lenses are not allowed and the ability to recognize colors must be absolutely perfect. The ability to see at night is also tested. Apart from this, there should be no problem in identifying the signal lights. Signal recognition is the most important responsibility in railways. If a candidate is unable to identify red, green or yellow colors correctly, he may be disqualified.

2. Hearing Ability – The loco pilot has to constantly pay attention to the sound of the train’s engine, horn, wireless instructions and track sounds. Therefore it is important to have normal hearing ability. In medical examination, clear hearing in both ears, absence of any kind of infection and ability to recognize loud or soft sounds are seen.

3. Physical Fitness – Loco pilot has to work sitting inside the engine for many hours. Many times one has to work in bad weather and stressful conditions. Therefore it is important for the candidate to be physically fit. In fitness, body balance, functionality of hands and legs, condition of the spine, blood sugar and general physical strength are examined.

4. Mental Health – The work of a loco pilot is mentally very challenging. One has to be alert every second while driving a train. Therefore mental stability is considered very important. For this, Railways focuses on the ability to handle stress, ability to take quick decisions, ability to handle situations of panic or fear and ability to remain focused.

5. Heart and Respiratory Test – Railways ensures that the candidate remains healthy while working for long hours. In such a situation, the functionality of the heart, ability to breathe and condition of the lungs are checked.

Due to which shortcomings can the dream remain unfulfilled?

1. The dream of becoming a loco pilot can be rejected due to weak eyesight, wearing glasses, color blindness, poor vision at night, squint in eyes or double vision.

2. Selection may be canceled due to poor hearing in medical examination, persistent tinnitus, chronic ear infection or need for hearing aid.

3. The dream may remain incomplete due to deficiencies like weakness in arms or legs, problem in walking, severe back pain, high blood pressure or constant fatigue or weakness.

4. The dream of becoming a loco pilot can be shattered due to severe stress, mental illness, frequent nervousness and inability to concentrate.

5. Dreams can also remain unfulfilled due to problems like asthma, heart disease, shortness of breath and chronic lung disease.

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What is the training like after becoming a loco pilot?

After passing the medical test, the candidates are not given the responsibility of directly driving the train. First they have to go through several stages of difficult training, in which basic training comes first. In this, railway rules, engine technology, safety rules and operation are taught. After this there is practical training. In this, work is taught by sitting in the engine with the senior loco pilot and finally simulator training is done. In this, training is given to handle trains in different situations on computer based machines.

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