New Delhi, Aug 06: Railways is heading towards a big staff crunch at the top and middle levels, thanks to the joint ventures and the policy of staff surrender.

"While there is a demand of about 150 to 200 officers required in Group A service, only about 50 to 60 are given in a year. Then, the new joint ventures being floated by the railways with private sector firms is attracting our best engineers and managers," said a senior Railway Ministry official.

There are 12 departments in railways including traffic, electrical, civil, administration, and signaling. While the total workforce in railways is 1.4 million, the number of Group A officers is about 6,000. There are around 580 officers who are on deputation with public sector firms such as IRCON, RITES, IRCTC.

While about 90 officers retire every year, about 38 senior officers have sought vears to join proposed joint ventures to produce coach and locomotives. The railways has also decided to form 14 joint ventures with private companies to run containers. "They will also be needing staff support from railways," said the official.

Meanwhile, railways officers have sought permission from the Department of Personnel and Training to allow them to participate in projects outside the ministry.

"Our requirement of Group A officers is not met though our production and operation have increased. But as the policy of the government, we have been told to surrender one third of the vacant posts," added the official.