A Station Master (SM) is responsible for the operation of trains at a station. This includes operating the signals and ensuring that all activities comply with the rules. The SM also oversees passenger services, such as boarding and deboarding trains. Station Masters have various shifts they must adhere to.
Workforce Statistics
In the Mumbai division, there are 997 station masters, with only nine being women.
Indian Railway Services Classification
The Indian railway services are divided into two cadres: technical and non-technical, which are then further subdivided into four groups: A, B, C, and D.
Group C Positions
Group ‘C’ posts include:
- Clerk
- Station Master
- Ticket Collector
- Commercial Apprentice
- Traffic Apprentice
- Engineering posts (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Signal & Telecommunication) etc.
A Station Master falls under Group ‘C’. During training, the grade pay is Rs. 2800/-, and after completing training, the grade pay increases to Rs. 4200/-. The average annual salary for a Station Manager in India is 4.2 Lakhs.
Responsibilities and History
The primary role of a Station Master involves managing other station employees and maintaining safety and the efficient operation of the station. SMs have historically been employed at stations of all sizes, leading to variations in their roles and responsibilities.