AIRF, INDIA Conducts Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop at Lonavla.

Lonavla, Maharashtra | 6–8 May 2026

The All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF), INDIA successfully organized a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop at Lonavla, Maharashtra, from 6th to 8th May 2026. The workshop brought together trade union activists, educators and representatives from various railway zones across India with the objective of strengthening trade union education and developing a new generation of skilled trainers within the railway trade union movement.

The workshop was inaugurated by Com Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, AIRF, in the presence of Com Venu P Nair, Assistant General Secretary (AGS), AIRF and Com Praveena Singh, Chairperson, AIRF Women Wing. In his inaugural address, Com Mishra emphasized that education remains one of the strongest pillars of the trade union movement, enabling workers to better understand their rights, strengthen collective bargaining and effectively confront emerging challenges arising from technological, economic and organizational changes in the railway sector. He urged participants to become ambassadors of trade union education and leadership in their respective units. Com Praveena Singh highlighted the need to strengthen women's participation in trade union activities and decision-making processes, stressing that inclusive leadership is fundamental to building a stronger, more democratic and representative labour movement.

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a comprehensive programme designed to enhance their training and facilitation skills. The workshop covered key aspects of trade union education, including:

* Designing effective trade union education programmes

* Communication and workplace mapping

* Identifying training needs

* Defining training aims and objectives

* Structuring educational content

* Session planning and facilitation techniques

* Essential qualities of a trainer and presentation skills

* Mental well-being and workplace resilience

* Women’s safety and security in the railway sector

The workshop adopted a highly participatory methodology, combining presentations, group discussions, practical exercises and participant-led training sessions. Delegates worked collaboratively on identifying training needs, preparing educational modules and designing structured session plans relevant to contemporary workplace challenges.

Interactive sessions were facilitated by experienced trainers and trade union educators including Com Praveena Singh, Com Divya Sharma, Com Kona Vishnu, Com Preeti Singh, Com Vivek Singh, Com Harsha Shelke and Com Rajendra Giri shared practical knowledge and insights drawn from their experience in worker education, mental health awareness and gender-sensitive workplace practices.

One of the key features of the workshop was the opportunity for participants to design and deliver short union training sessions. These practical exercises enabled participants to apply newly acquired skills, receive constructive feedback and build confidence as future trade union educators.

Over the three days, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions, presentations, group exercises and practical training modules designed to enhance their capacity as trade union educators. Com Preeti Singh elaborated on topics relating to communication skills, mapping and outreach strategies, identification of training needs, defining educational objectives, session planning, presentation skills, mental well-being, women's safety and security in railways, and effective methods of delivering union education programmes.

A Session on Mental Well-Being and Women Safety and Security in Railways highlighted the importance of creating inclusive, healthy and safe working environments for all railway employees was conducted by Com Divya Sharma and Com Harsha Shelke. These discussions reinforced AIRF's commitment to gender equality, workplace dignity and employee welfare.

A special session on "Leveraging AI for Operational Excellence with Zero Layoffs" was conducted by Com. Kona Vishnu, highlighting how emerging technologies can be utilized to improve workplace efficiency while safeguarding employment and workers' rights. The session generated considerable interest and discussion among participants regarding the future of work in the railway sector. The session discussed the need for Adopting AI with Hybrid working and not Competing with technology but adopting technology with Human Judgement to avoid Job losses. 

An important session on Disciplinary Action Rules (DAR) and Establishment Matters in Indian Railways was conducted by Com Vivek Singh. He provided participants with valuable insights into disciplinary procedures, service rules, employees' rights and responsibilities, and the role of trade unions in protecting members from unfair treatment. The session was highly appreciated for its practical relevance and usefulness in addressing workplace issues faced by railway employees.

Com Rajendra Giri was instrumental in conducting extensive group work, enabling participants to design, plan and deliver training sessions. These practical exercises helped participants gain confidence in conducting educational programmes within their respective unions and workplaces.

Throughout the workshop, participants actively exchanged experiences, shared best practices and developed strategies for strengthening trade union education at the grassroots level. The interactive format encouraged learning, collaboration and networking among trade union activists from different regions.

The workshop concluded on 08 May 2026 with evaluation, feedback and closing remarks. Participants expressed appreciation for the comprehensive nature of the programme and reaffirmed their commitment to applying the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop to strengthen trade union education and worker representation across Indian Railways.

AIRF continues to prioritize education and capacity building as essential tools for empowering workers, strengthening trade unions and advancing the rights and interests of railway employees throughout the country.

Through this initiative, AIRF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade union education, building leadership capacity and empowering railway workers to effectively represent and defend the interests of their members. The Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop marks an important step towards creating a stronger network of trade union educators capable of advancing workers' rights, promoting workplace justice and building resilient unions across Indian Railways.

Photo Gallery: Training of Trainers Workshop, Lonavla, Maharashtra (6–8 May 2026)