The Railway Board has introduced new rules for track inspection to make train travel safer. Under these updated guidelines, Track Maintainer Grade-1 staff will now primarily take over the duties of the Keyman. This move aims to ensure that only experienced personnel handle critical track safety checks.
Who will perform Keyman duties now
According to a letter issued by Saurabh Jain, Director (Civil Engineering) of the Railway Board on April 22, 2026, Track Maintainer Grade-1 employees with a grade pay of 2800 will be the primary Keymen. In some special cases, senior and skilled track maintainers with a grade pay of 1800 or 1900 may also be given this responsibility. This change stops the practice of assigning these duties to junior staff who lack necessary experience.
What are the new inspection rules
The Railway Board has made manual track inspection rules much stricter. On double rail lines, Keymen must now follow a specific pattern: they will inspect one line while going and return via the second line. This ensures they always move in the opposite direction of the trains, which helps in better detection of track flaws and increases overall safety.
Key details of the Railway Board order
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Authority | Railway Board |
| Issuing Officer | Saurabh Jain, Director (Civil Engineering) |
| Designated Staff | Track Maintainer Grade-1 (2800 GP) |
| Inspection Method | Opposite to train direction |
| Union Response | N.E.R.M.U. welcomed the decision |
| Order Date | April 22, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is authorized to work as a Keyman now?
Track Maintainer Grade-1 staff with a grade pay of 2800 are primarily authorized. Skilled staff with 1800 or 1900 grade pay may be assigned in special cases.
How has the track inspection process changed?
Keymen must now inspect tracks in the opposite direction of train movement. On double lines, they must go on one line and return on the other.
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