THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Railways retracted their controversial order asking loco pilots to avoid coconut water and homoeopathic medicines before getting to work. The decision to withdraw the order came after the All India Loco Running Staff Association raised a strong protest against the move.

The controversial order was issued by the Senior Electrical Engineer of Thiruvananthapuram Division.

In the order, the loco pilots were asked to avoid cough syrups, certain types of bananas, soft drinks, and mouthwash before going to work. It was reasoned that consuming any of these before work would result in the breath analyzer showing the presence of alcohol. Before starting work, loco pilots must go through certain procedures in the crew lobby which includes testing the presence of alcohol in the body.