What is required to become a Loco Pilot of Vande Bharat? Know complete information about salary, qualifications and allowances

9Vande Bharat Loco Pilot Details: Vande Bharat Express is one of the most modern and semi-high-speed trains of India. Its maximum speed can reach 160 km/h. The responsibility of running such a fast and modern train is not given to a regular driver, but to an experienced and specially trained loco pilot. Therefore, people often wonder: What is the salary of a loco pilot who runs Vande Bharat train, the qualification to become a loco pilot and how much allowance does he get.

What is the salary of Vande Bharat Loco Pilot?

Indian Railways does not decide a separate pay scale for Vande Bharat Loco Pilot. Loco pilots running Vande Bharat trains are usually experienced loco pilots of Level 6 (7th Pay Commission). Their basic salary starts from ₹35,400, but their total salary is not limited to this basic salary only. Their basic salary is around ₹ 56,000 to ₹ 60,000. However, the real income comes from allowances like night duty allowance, running allowance and DA. Overall, the total salary can range from ₹ 90,000 to ₹ 1,20,000 every month.

After adding dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), transport allowance, running allowance, night duty allowance and other allowances, the take-home salary usually ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹1.30 lakh or more per month. This varies depending on the posting, city, experience, distance covered and duties.

Why such high salary?

Running a train like Vande Bharat is a very responsible job. Loco pilot has to run the train at high speed. Throughout the journey, they have to constantly monitor signals, track conditions, weather and safety regulations. Even a small mistake can cause a big accident. Therefore, such loco pilots get extra running allowance and other benefits.

Who can become a loco pilot for Vande Bharat?

No one can directly become a loco pilot for Vande Bharat train. Initially, recruitment is done as Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) through Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). Only after years of experience, departmental promotion, medical fitness and special technical training, a loco pilot is hired to drive modern trains like Vande Bharat.

Apart from the basic salary, loco pilots running Vande Bharat trains get various types of allowances, such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Running Allowance, Night Duty Allowance, Transport Allowance, medical facilities, pension and other government benefits. Overall, their monthly income is quite good. Running allowance is a major part of their total earnings.