By The North Eastern Railway in Lucknow has taken a very special step to improve train travel and help our brave heroes. Recently, 45 ex-servicemen, who are retired soldiers from the Indian Army, joined the Lucknow division as pointsmen. This is a very important role in the railway system. A pointsman is a person who helps in moving trains safely by managing the tracks and signals at the station. This new initiative is great news for both the railway department and the veterans who have served our country.
The decision to hire retired soldiers came after an agreement was signed between the railway division and the Army Welfare Placement Organisation earlier this year. The goal of this partnership is to provide good jobs to soldiers after they retire from the army. At the same time, the railways get to hire people who are very disciplined, hardworking, and used to following strict rules. Because soldiers are trained to handle difficult situations, they are perfect for the job of a pointsman, which requires a lot of focus and responsibility.
Before starting their new jobs, the 45 ex-servicemen had to go through a very detailed training program. This training lasted for one month and took place at the Railway Training Centre in Gonda. During this month, the veterans learned everything about how a railway station works. Senior railway officers and expert teachers taught them about the different signals, how to change tracks safely, and how to communicate with the station master.
The training was not just about reading books. The ex-servicemen also had practical lessons where they practiced their duties on real tracks. They learned how to assist in shunting operations, which is when train engines or coaches are moved from one track to another. They also learned how to help the station masters in the daily work of managing many trains. At the end of the month, all 45 veterans passed tests and were ready to start their new careers.
This initiative by the North Eastern Railway is the first of its kind in India to hire ex-servicemen specifically for the pointsman position. It solves a big problem for the railways, which is the shortage of staff. Many railway stations have been facing a lack of workers, and by bringing in these disciplined veterans, the Lucknow division can now run its operations more efficiently.
For the ex-servicemen, this is a wonderful opportunity to start a second career. After spending many years protecting the borders, they can now continue to serve the nation by ensuring that millions of passengers travel safely on trains. A special ceremony was held in Lucknow where these veterans received their training certificates. High-ranking officials from both the Army and the Railways attended the event to congratulate them.
In the future, the railway department plans to hire even more ex-servicemen for different roles across the country. This project shows that the skills learned in the military are very valuable in other jobs too. By working as pointsmen, these 45 brave individuals are helping the Indian Railways become safer and better for everyone.
North Eastern Railway’s Lucknow Division has recruited 45 ex-servicemen as pointsmen to strengthen railway safety and operations. Trained at Gonda, these veterans will manage tracks and signals, ensuring smooth train movement. This first-of-its-kind initiative addresses staff shortages while offering disciplined, skilled manpower, enhancing both safety and efficiency in railway operations.
