Contractual appointment of ex-servicemen as gatemen at level crossings irks many

The Indian Railways’ policy of recruiting ex-servicemen as level crossing gatemen on a contractual basis without conducting competitive examinations has irked railway job aspirants as well as permanent railway employees. In its latest move, the Railway Board has approved the appointment of around 7,220 ex-servicemen on a contractual basis for the post of gateman in the Engineering department.The appointments will be made by the zonal railways directly through the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Boards under the Central and State governments. In Southern Railway alone, around 918 posts will be filled through contractual appointments.Less arduousAlthough gatemen technically belong to the category of ‘track maintainers’, the role is considered relatively less arduous than that of track maintainers, who are required to walk 10 to 14 kilometres along railway tracks every day to inspect rails and other engineering infrastructure, ensure the safe movement of trains, and prevent accidents.As a result, majority of the gatemen at level crossings are women employees recruited as track maintainers. As per the new policy, these women employees, along with other permanent staff in the category, will be shifted to track maintenance duties. The ex-servicemen appointed on contract will instead man the level crossings.Fewer vacanciesAccording to railway employees, the policy will not only reduce employment opportunities for aspiring candidates but may also adversely affect ex-servicemen, as the number of permanent vacancies available under the ex-servicemen quota could decline because of these contractual appointments.S. Gopikrishnan, general secretary of the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU), Thiruvananthapuram Division, said the union has strongly opposed the move and submitted a representation to the Railway Board urging it to withdraw the decision. “This is part of a broader move by the Railways to promote contractual appointments in key sectors. It will deny young job aspirants their rightful share of employment opportunities in the Railways,” Mr. Gopikrishnan said.Under the policy, ex-servicemen who have been discharged after completing 15 years of military service and possess a valid discharge certificate are eligible to apply. Retired personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces, including the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, who have completed at least 15 years of service are also eligible.Selected candidates will be engaged as gatemen at traffic level crossings on a contractual basis at a pay ranging from ₹30,537 to ₹34,963, for a maximum period of three years. Technically called keymen, the track maintainers constitute a considerable share of the 13 lakh-odd Group C employees of the Indian Railways. Published - July 14, 2026 06:03 pm IST