Loco Pilot Jobs: Average Salary, Jobs for Freshers, Career Options, Top Recruiters

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Ahana Bhaduri

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A Loco Pilot is a qualified and trained professional responsible for operating locomotives or trains. They are also known as Train Drivers or Engine Drivers. They are skilled individuals trained in the field of railway transportation and are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trains. Loco Pilots undergo rigorous training to operate and control locomotives, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and maintaining smooth operations on railway tracks. Their primary role is to drive trains, monitor signals, follow schedules, and ensure passenger safety during the journey.

To become a Loco Pilot in India, candidates need to have a minimum educational qualification of 10th standard or its equivalent. Higher qualifications such as a diploma or degree in engineering can be advantageous. There is an age limit of generally between 18 to 30 years. Candidates must meet specific physical fitness standards, including visual acuity, hearing ability, and overall physical health, as per railway guidelines. Selected candidates undergo rigorous training conducted by the Indian Railways and must pass the required examinations to be certified as Loco Pilots. 

The average salary of a Loco Pilot in India is approximately INR 5 LPA - 6 LPA. Entry-level positions may offer lower salaries, however, senior-level or experienced candidates are in high demand, and are paid significantly higher salaries. 

Loco Pilot Jobs: Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of Loco Pilot jobs include:

  • Loco Pilots are responsible for safely operating locomotives and trains.
  • They follow designated routes and adhere to railway rules and regulations.
  • They must ensure the safety of passengers and cargo by strictly following safety protocols.
  • Loco Pilots continuously monitor the performance of trains, including the engine, brakes, and other mechanical components.
  • They maintain communication with control centres to receive instructions, updates, and clearance for movement, ensuring efficient coordination and safe train operations.
  • Loco Pilots are trained to handle emergencies, such as signalling malfunctions, accidents, or breakdowns.
  • They maintain accurate records of train movements, incidents, and maintenance activities, providing necessary reports to authorities for documentation and analysis.
  • Loco Pilots adhere to train schedules and timetables, ensuring timely arrivals and departures while maintaining punctuality.
  • Before starting a journey, Loco Pilots perform pre-trip inspections of locomotives and ensure they are in proper working condition.
  • They work in collaboration with Assistant Loco Pilots, providing guidance and instructions when required.

Loco Pilot Job Profiles

Loco Pilot job profiles include Train Driver or Engine Driver. They are responsible for operating locomotives, ensuring safe and efficient train operations while following railway rules and regulations.

Job Profile Job Description Average Annual Salary (INR)
Passenger Train Pilot Operates locomotives for passenger train services. Ensures the safety and comfort of passengers during their journey. 6 L - 8 L
Freight Train Pilot Operates locomotives for freight train services. Ensures the efficient transport of goods and cargo while adhering to safety regulations. 5 L - 7 L
Shunting Pilot Handles shunting operations, which involve moving train cars within yards, sidings, or stations, ensuring the proper positioning of trains. 4 L - 6 L
High - Speed Train Pilot Operates locomotives for high speed train services. Maintain high levels of safety and efficiency while achieving faster travel times. 8 L - 10 L
Loco Inspector Conducts inspections and examinations of locomotives to ensure their proper functioning, identifying and addressing any maintenance issues. 6 L - 8 L

Loco Pilot Jobs for Freshers

Loco Pilot jobs for freshers provide opportunities for entry-level candidates to begin their career as train drivers

Name of the Organization Average Annual Salary (INR)
Indian Railways 4 L - 6 L
Metro Railways 3 L - 5 L
State Transport 2 L - 4 L
Freight Companies 4 L - 6 L

Loco Pilot Government Jobs

Loco Pilot government jobs provide employment opportunities in the railway sector under various government organizations. 

Organization Job Profile
Indian Railways Loco Pilot
Metro Rail Corporations Train Operator
State Transport Loco Pilot
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) Train Driver
Defense Railways Loco Pilot

Loco Pilot Jobs in India

Loco Pilot jobs in India are available in various sectors, primarily in the railway industry.

Name of the Organization Average Annual Salary (INR)
Indian Railways 4 L - 6 L
Metro Rail Corporations 3 L - 5 L
State Transport 2 L - 4 L
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) 4 L - 6 L
Defense Railways 4 L - 6 L

Loco Pilot Jobs in Bangalore

Tabulated below are the various Loco Pilot Jobs in Bangalore.

Name of the Organization Average Annual Salary (INR)
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) 4 L - 6 L
South Western Railway 3 L - 5 L
Bangalore Division, Indian Railways 4 L - 6 L
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) 3 L - 5 L
Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) 3 L - 5 L

Loco Pilot Jobs in Pune

Tabulated below are the various Loco Pilot Jobs in Pune. 

Name of the Organization Average Annual Salary (INR)
Indian Railways 4 L - 6 L
Pune Metro Rail Corporation 3 L - 5 L
Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation 2 L - 4 L
Freight Companies 4 L - 6 L

Loco Pilot Jobs in Hyderabad

Tabulated below are the various Loco Pilot Jobs in Hyderabad. 

Name of the Organization Average Annual Salary (INR)
South Central Railway 4 L - 6 L
Hyderabad Metro Rail 3 L - 5 L
Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) 2 L - 4 L
Indian Railways, Secunderabad Division 4 L - 6 L

Loco Pilot Jobs in Noida

Tabulated below are the various Loco Pilot Jobs in Noida. 

Name of the Organization Average Annual Salary (INR)
Noida Metro Rail Corporation 5 L - 7 L
Indian Railways - Noida Division 4 L - 6 L

Loco Pilot Jobs in Gurgaon

Tabulated below are the various Loco Pilot Jobs in Gurgaon -

Name of the Organization Average Annual Salary (INR)
Rapid Metro Gurgaon Limited 4 L - 6 L
Indian Railways - Gurgaon Division 4 L - 6 L

Loco Pilot Jobs Abroad

Loco Pilot jobs abroad offer opportunities for train drivers to work in various countries. 

Company Name Location Average Annual Salary (INR)
Union Pacific United States 40 L - 50 L
Canadian Pacific Railway Canada 35 L - 45 L
Deutsche Bahn Germany 30 L - 40 L
SNCF France 30 L - 40 L
East Japan Railway Japan 25 L - 35 L

Loco Pilot Jobs: FAQs

Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for Loco Pilot jobs?

Ans. To be eligible for Loco Pilot jobs, candidates typically need to meet the following criteria:

  • Candidates must have completed 10th or 12th grade from a recognized board or possess an ITI certificate in relevant trades.
  • The age limit for Loco Pilot positions is usually between 18 to 30 years, with age relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.
  • Candidates should meet the medical fitness standards set by the respective railway authorities, including visual acuity, hearing capability, and general physical fitness.
  • Depending on the specific requirements, candidates may need to possess technical qualifications, such as a valid driving license, knowledge of signalling systems, and understanding of railway operations.
  • Candidates need to undergo a selection process, which typically includes a written examination, aptitude test, medical examination, and document verification.
  • Candidates must be citizens of India or fulfil the nationality requirements specified by the respective railway authorities.

Ques. Are there any specific medical requirements for Loco Pilot positions?

Ans. Yes, there are specific medical requirements for Loco Pilot positions, which include:

  • Candidates must have visual acuity without glasses or contact lenses that meet specific standards set by the respective railway authorities. This includes requirements for near vision, distant vision, and colour vision.
  • Candidates should have normal hearing ability to ensure effective communication and awareness of auditory signals in the railway environment.
  • Candidates need to meet the general physical fitness standards as per the prescribed guidelines, which may include parameters such as overall health, strength, and agility.
  • Candidates are required to undergo a thorough medical examination conducted by authorized medical practitioners to assess their overall health and fitness for the role of a Loco Pilot.

Ques. What are the top organizations hiring for loco pilot jobs in India?

Ans. Several organizations in India hire Loco Pilots for their railway operations. Some of the top organizations include:

  • Indian Railways
  • Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
  • Konkan Railway Corporation Limited
  • Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited
  • Chennai Metro Rail Limited
  • Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited
  • Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited
  • Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited
  • Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Limited
  • Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation Limited

Ques. Can candidates with a diploma apply for Loco Pilot jobs?

Ans. Yes, candidates with a diploma in relevant engineering disciplines can apply for Loco Pilot jobs in certain cases. The eligibility criteria for Loco Pilot positions may vary depending on the specific railway board or organization conducting the recruitment. While the minimum educational qualification for Loco Pilot jobs is generally 10th or 12th grade, some railway boards may consider candidates with a diploma in engineering, such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Electronics Engineering.

Ques. What are the required skills for Loco Pilot positions?

Ans. To excel in Loco Pilot positions, candidates should possess the following skills:

  • Knowledge of railway systems and operations
  • Understanding of locomotive controls and instrumentation
  • Proficiency in interpreting and following signal systems
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination and motor skills
  • Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure
  • Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills
  • Awareness of safety protocols and emergency procedures
  • Basic technical knowledge for troubleshooting and maintenance

Ques. Are there any specific language requirements for Loco Pilot positions?

Ans. Yes, there are specific language requirements for Loco Pilot positions. The ability to understand and communicate in the official language(s) used in railway operations is essential. In India, the official language used in railways is predominantly Hindi and English. Therefore, candidates applying for Loco Pilot jobs should have proficiency in these languages to effectively communicate with colleagues, passengers, and control centre personnel.

Ques. Can candidates with a disability apply for Loco Pilot jobs?

Ans. Candidates with disabilities may be eligible to apply for Loco Pilot jobs, subject to the guidelines and provisions set by the respective railway board or organization. The eligibility criteria and specific provisions for candidates with disabilities may vary, and it is advisable to refer to the official notifications and guidelines provided by the concerned authorities for detailed information on eligibility and accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Railway authorities typically strive to provide equal employment opportunities and make necessary accommodations to ensure inclusivity.

Ques. What is the required vision acuity for Loco Pilots?

Ans. The required visual acuity for Loco Pilots may vary depending on the specific railway board or organization conducting the recruitment. Generally, candidates are required to have a satisfactory vision as per the prescribed standards set by the railway authorities. This includes visual acuity for near vision, distant vision, and colour vision. The specific visual acuity requirements are usually mentioned in the recruitment notifications and guidelines provided by the concerned authorities.

Ques. Are there any specific educational requirements for Loco Pilot jobs in metro rail systems?

Ans. The educational requirements for Loco Pilot jobs in metro rail systems may vary depending on the specific metro rail corporation or organization. Typically, candidates are required to have completed 10th or 12th grade from a recognized board or possess an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate in relevant trades. Some metro rail systems may also consider candidates with a diploma in engineering disciplines, such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Electronics Engineering. It is advisable to refer to the official notifications and guidelines provided by the respective metro rail corporations for accurate and detailed information on the educational requirements.

Ques. What are the top courses for Loco Pilot jobs?

Ans. The top courses that can enhance the skills and knowledge required for Loco Pilot jobs include:

  • Diploma in Railway Engineering
  • Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
  • Diploma in Electrical Engineering
  • Diploma in Electronics Engineering
  • Certificate Course in Railway Signaling
  • Certificate Course in Locomotive Maintenance
  • Certificate Course in Railway Safety and Operations
  • Industrial Training Institute (ITI) courses in relevant trades (e.g., Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic)

Bachelor of Technology [B.Tech] (Mechanical Engineering) : 229 answered questions

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Ques. I got CSE in VIT Vellore and will get mechanical engineering in NIT Calicut. Which one should I choose?

● Top Answer By Suchit Raghuwanshi on 27 Aug 21

Ans. NIT Calicut stands among the top NITs where you will get a lot of exposure to extracurricular activities. As it’s a government college, the fees will be relatively low as compared to private universities like VIT Vellore.  On the other hand, VIT Vellore isn’t that great institute plus being a private institute the fees is quite high for most middle-class students. If you choose Mechanical here then you can go for two different paths.  The first path is to go for mechanical core, in which you will get ample research opportunities every now and then. However, the placement scenario will not be that great and you might get some PSUs as campus recruiters for mechanical jobs. The second path is to go for IT Jobs regardless of your mechanical branch.  For this, you need to start doing regular coding and relevant skills to compete during the placement rounds. Most of the students are placed by mass recruiters, Although many reputed companies hire but very few students get placed by them. Categories Mechanical at NIT Calicut CSE at VIT Vellore Course Fee 5.48 lakhs 7.83 lakhs Highest CTC 20 LPA 20 LPA Average CTC 9 LPA 6-8 LPA Recruiting Companies L&T, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Tata Motors, etc. Flipkart, Oracle, HP, Dell, etc. At last, it all depends on your interest and caliber to do well on various career paths. However, if you are inclined towards CSE only then VIT is quite a good option because placements are pretty good there for CSE. Some of the major recruiters include PayPal, Microsoft, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, etc.Read more
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Ques. Should I opt for DTU mechanical or IIIT Delhi CSE?

● Top Answer By Sanjana Kapoor on 27 Sept 23

Ans. The choice depends on what matters the most to you.  If placements, faculty and research opportunities are your top most priority, choose IIIT Delhi CSE. In this respect, IIITD CSE beats DTU Mechanical by a large margin. But if you want the best of campus, college environment, cultural fests and brand name, DTU Mechanical is a much better choice.  I would personally recommend IIIT Delhi, as it offers top notch placements. But if you’re truly passionate about Mechanical, choose that branch. Do not take your interest for granted while choosing your branch/degree.Read more
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Ques. What is the average package and placement for mechanical at BIT Sindri?

● Top Answer By Ankur Mishra on 26 Sept 23

Ans. The placement rate at BIT Sindri for mechanical engineering is high, on average, all students receive offers each year that range from 7 to 8 lakhs in annual compensation. The 2023 BIT Sindri placements received visits from more than 51 firms. The most recent report is presented in tabular form below. Particulars BIT Sindri Statistics 2023 Highest package INR 50 LPA Average package INR 7 LPA Top recruiters Adani Group, Air India, KPMG, DE Shaw Group, TCS - Digital, etc. Finally, when it comes to placements, BIT Sindri has a remarkable history. The institute has continuously helped its students find employment throughout the years in a variety of reputable businesses and organizations. The success of BIT Sindri alumni in gaining employment possibilities has been largely attributed to the strong emphasis on technical education and practical skills, as well as a specialized placement cell.Read more
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Ques. How is mechanical engineering at IIT (BHU)?

● Top Answer By Udit Ghose on 17 Nov 22

Ans. My cousin was a student at IIT BHU in Varanasi. She shared her experience as to why she thinks it’s not a good branch for Mechanical Engineering. The professors are under qualified here. They have little knowledge about their own subjects and teach only bookish concepts. The classes are boring. Students attend classes merely for attendance. This is because even if you score good marks, you might fail if your attendance is less than 75% in that particular subject. The numerical answers are not checked through the stepwise method. That is your method to solve has no value if your answer is wrong. Professors here are not well versed with the relative grading system. This affects the CGPA of many students. Placements are mediocre here. Only non core sectors like coding and analytics get placement opportunities. The salaries offered are also very low. Labs are not equipped with modern tools. The students get no practical exposure. The conclusion from her experience was that the professors in Mechanical Engineering at Varanasi IIT are bringing down the results of students terribly.Read more
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Ques. Which one is better: taking mechanical engineering at IIT BHU or civil engineering in IIT Roorkee?

● Top Answer By Harsh on 03 Jul 24

Ans. I am a B.Tech Civil student at IIT Roorkee. Here’s a comparison between the two options- Parameters IIT Roorkee Civil IIT BHU Mechanical Average Package INR 18 LPA INR 21.95 LPA (around 80% students get placed) Top Recruiters on campus Larsen, Turbo, Tata, Sprinklr, Jio, L&T, Godrej, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Zepto, Google, Jaguar Land Rover. Amazon, American Express, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Google, ITC Ltd., Microsoft, Oracle, Paytm, etc. Research Facilities One of the best research facilities at the Civil Engineering Department of IIT Roorkee. Ample research opportunities and well-equipped laboratories. One important thing that my friends told me is that the Mechanical Engineering Department at IIT BHU is one of the strictest departments in India. It makes the students question their own potential. The department professors are very strict and the coursework is extremely rigorous. The students are given assignments and projects which they have to complete within a day. I would suggest you choose IIT Roorkee Civil as it offers the same facilities and placements as IIT BHU Mechanical. Moreover, the Civil department at IITR is not as strict as the Mechanical department at IIT BHU.Read more
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Ques. CSE (with AI & ML) in Manipal University Jaipur or Mechatronics / Mechanical in Thapar University? Which to choose?

● Top Answer By Aditi Banerjee on 22 Mar 23

Ans. Honestly speaking, both Thapar University and Manipal University are reputable institutions for a B.Tech in computer science. So the decision on which one is better for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. is  Thapar University is a highly esteemed, private engineering and technology university located in Patiala, India. Known for its strong academic programs and rich research culture in computer science, this university has it all. Additionally, it offers a range of student services, including career counseling and internships. Manipal University, on the other hand, is a private university located in Manipal, India. It is one of the oldest and most established universities in the country and is known for its iRobot programs in CSE. The university has a number of student-driven bodies that promote extracurricular activities. Some factors to consider while choosing between the two include  Proximity to hometown campus life Fees and other expenses  CSE Program offered Both the colleges are almost similar in all aspects. So what actually matters is that if you live in the North, choose Thapar but if you are from the south choose Manipal. Both universities have the same fee and both are equally reputed private colleges after BITS. So I would suggest that whichever college is near your hometown go for it. Ultimately, both universities are highly esteemed institutions and either one would be a decent choice for a B.Tech in computer science.Read more
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Ques. Which is a better choice at NIT Silchar, Mechanical or CSE?

● Top Answer By Lipika Chakraborty on 25 Aug 23

Ans. Most students, freshly out of school, try to choose an Engineering branch for themselves. You might be someone who has a deep passion for either Mechanical or CSE. In that case, I would advise you to follow your heart.  But if you think not opting for CSE is a bad decision, just ask yourself why you would consider CSE. Is it because you did some coding in your school days and wish to enter into that field, or simply because CSE is popular. Don’t be in the illusion of liking a branch just because everyone is recommending it. Also, don’t go for any branch solely because it has better placements than the other. As long as you enjoy a particular field, you will get good offers. Mechanical is a good branch at NIT Silchar. Moreover, as research has become increasingly interdisciplinary in nature, various departments collaborate with one another these days. Even Mechanical has a good involvement of CSE- Robotics, CFD, etc. all involve high level coding and the knowledge of Data Structures. Because today most campuses witness IT placements more than core profiles, I would highly recommend you consult the alumni of Mechanical to figure out what placements are like in ground reality. These are the 2022 placement stats for both the branches at NIT Silchar- Also, NIT Silchar offers a branch change after the 2nd semester. This is based on your performance in the first two semesters. In case you feel dissatisfied with your choice, you can opt for branch change as well.  For your first year (whichever branch you choose) maintain good grades, talk to your seniors and explore your stream. Read more
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Ques. Which one's better between IIT Bhubaneswar and IIT Patna for electrical or mechanical engineering?

● Top Answer By Rashmi Sahoo on 05 Jul 24

Ans. IIt Bhubaneswar is a better option than IIT Patna for electrical or mechanical engineering. IIT Bhubaneswar is famous for its course structure, which helps the students get exposure theoretically and practically, which helps them in their career. The placement record for IIT Bhubaneswar for the year 2023 was excellent. Below is the table for the same: Branch Placement Percentage  Highest CTC Lowest CTC Average CTC Median CTC EE 92.86% INR 44.62 LPA INR 6.5 LPA INR 19.05 LPA INR 15 LPA Mech 87% INR 21.28 LPA INR 8 LPA INR 12.57 LPA INR 12 LPARead more
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Ques. How are mechanical placements at thapar university?

● Top Answer By Drishanu Roy on 11 Aug 21

Ans. Thapar University of Engineering and Technology is an old and reputed institute. Since it is an older and renowned institute, its students definitely benefit from it. The core courses have a tremendous placement record for years. Placements opportunities for the mechanical branch are no exception. Many reputed companies visit the campus for placements among other colleges in this league. Companies such as Tata Motors, Royal Enfield, Maruti Suzuki, etc. visit the campus for placements. The average package for the branch varies from 10-12 LPA. The college even has team Fateh, the finest formula racing team in the country. You can get the detailed placement records on the official website.Read more
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Ques. Which would be better for a B.Tech in mechanical engineering: IIT Hyderabad or IIT Guwahati? Why?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 03 May 23

Ans. Although both IIT Hyderabad and IIT Guwahati are excellent engineering institutes, my knowledge is limited to the BTech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Hyderabad as my sister is a recent pass out of the same. Research: IIT Hyderabad in general and its Mechanical branch specifically focuses on invention and innovation. You will be astonished to know that currently there are more than 100 ongoing research and consultancy projects under the faculty and students. The research culture at IIT Hyderabad is stronger than many older IITs even. IIT Hyderabad is known globally for MS and Ph. Ds placements. The new IIT tag: Being one of the new IITs, it lacks the credibility of the IIT tag. However, it’s the contrary. Being new, it guarantees better facilities and well-equipped labs. The mechanical department has been upgraded with equipment worth 70 crores over the last few years. The Institute has one of the best research environments in the country. Culture: At IIT Hyderabad you have to learn to master balancing your extracurriculars alongside your academics. You cannot afford to lose on any kind of experience that IIT Hyderabad has to offer. Exploring everything will help you hone your talents to the fullest and identify your passions. Placements : Here’s an amazing fact, Mechanical Engineering is the first department to have its own Training and Placement Cell at IIT Hyderabad. Moreover, the extensive contacts of the professors (under which you work or study) with industry experts, help you secure off-campus placements easily.Read more
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