Vande Bharat Pilot Shows Life Threatening Alcohol Reading

Article by Kumar Published on: 10:36 pm, 8 September 2026

A Vande Bharat loco pilot in Delhi was left shocked after a post duty breathalyser test reportedly showed an extremely high alcohol level of 550 mg per 100 ml.

The pilot had operated the Agra Kanpur Vande Bharat service before undergoing the test. The reading was described as potentially life threatening. However, a subsequent blood test reportedly found no trace of alcohol in his body. This raised serious questions over the accuracy of the breathalyser result.

The pilot has reportedly questioned the reliability of the testing system used by the Railways. Senior loco pilots have also raised concerns over similar issues.

Interestingly, the Railways has mandatory breathalyser tests for loco pilots, with the procedure closely monitored across different zones.

The incident has once again brought attention to the need for accurate alcohol testing among railway staff. Any wrong reading could have serious consequences for a loco pilot’s career.