Workers Concerns on Future of Integral Coach Factory - Letter to the Railway Minister by Binoy Viswam (MP)

Binoy Viswam
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)

To,
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Government of India
Respected Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji,
116, North Avenue New Delhi - 110 001

Dt. 21st November, 2023

I write this letter to bring your attention to a matter concerning the future of Integral Coach Factory (ICF) of the Indian railways located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. ICF has proven its forte and virtuosity throughout the history of the Indian Railway through its performance in terms of design, quality and cost-effective production. Its great legacy of 68 years is enshrined even in the Vande Bharat series of trains, one of the flagship programs of the Union government. Despite the impeccable credentials, this public sector unit (PSU) is facing issues that can result in its complete collapse.

ICF being a public sector enterprise caters twin duties of manufacturing train locomotive bodies, allied components and providing employment. However, the news of a contract signed between the Indian Railways and Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), a private company, has created panic among ICF employees. Outsourcing of Vande Bharat sleeper train manufacturing will weaken the ICF greatly. The nod given to the private company to use the premises of ICF for its activities and outsourcing of job opportunities will undermine the productivity of the PSU and put the future of its employees at a crossroad. There are plenty of vacancies in various sections of ICF that are to be filled, instead of outsourcing. The ICF manufacturing is cost-effective too, when compared to the private TRSL. It will be a waste of common people’s money and loss of secure employment opportunities if the private company is preferred over a PSU.

Considering the above and abiding by the real essence of Atmanirbar Bharat, I urge you to take action to repeal the contract with the private company and address the concerns of ICF employees, including filling up of vacancies and restrengthening the workforce.

Yours sincerely

(Binoy Viswam)

Leader of CPI Parliamentary Party &
Working President, AITUC

Member, Committee on Public Undertakings
Member, Standing Committee on Labor, Textiles and Skill Development Member, Consultative Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change