Salem: In an initiative aimed at elevating the welfare and safety standards of Indian Railways crew, two officers S Manikandan and T V Mathusudanan the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), 2013 batch have developed and introduced an innovative Crew Efficiency Management Software. This cutting-edge solution not only tackles the enduring challenge of optimising human resource utilisation but also places a paramount focus on enhancing the well-being of railway personnel and passengers alike. The software is currently deployed in the Salem division. 

Manikandan is Senior Divisional Finance Manager while Mathusudanan is posted as Dy Chief Accounts Officer (General).

Recognising the critical importance of crew welfare in ensuring safe and efficient railway operations, the officers harnessed their unique blend of skills, combining the acumen of a data scientist with the dedication of a civil servant. The result is a sophisticated data analysis software that gives a new dimension to crew management within the Indian Railways framework.

With the mammoth scale of operations in mind - 13,500 passenger trains and 8,470 goods trains traversing the Indian Railways network daily - manual data analysis becomes an insurmountable task. “Herein lies the significance of the Crew Efficiency Analysis Software, which seamlessly crunches vast amounts of data to optimise crew deployment and mitigate the risk of overutilisation thus reducing the stress given to the crew,” said Manikandan, in an exclusive conversation with Bureaucrats India.

The software has been built in-house by the officers using python scripting and data mining technique with statistical analysis, and its core functionality extends beyond mere data analysis. “It incorporates advanced algorithms to identify peak utilization periods and promptly issue alerts to prevent undue stress on crew members. By prioritising rest intervals and ensuring optimal utilisation, the software creates a safer operating environment for both crew and passengers,” adds Mathusudanan.

In this noteworthy initiative aimed at nurturing a culture of accountability and ongoing enhancement, the software establishes benchmarks for rest across various segments of the Indian Railways network. 

Through meticulous tracking of crew schedules and interventions related to rest periods, it equips the Operating department with the tools to proactively manage resources. “This ensures that every member of the crew receives the necessary rest, ensuring their well-being and performance. Such proactive measures not only elevate the individual welfare of crew members but also bolster the overarching safety standards throughout the railway network,” the officers further assert.

/BI