The South Eastern Railway zone is confronting intense backlash from its track maintenance workforce due to a disturbing pattern of fatal accidents. The loss of nine employees in the span of just six months, with no tangible improvements in safety, has reached a breaking point. Following two recent deaths of track maintainers in separate incidents within the Ranchi and Kharagpur divisions, the All India Railway Track Maintainer Union has expressed its profound dissatisfaction and anger. National President Chand Mohammad has leveled serious accusations of negligence against the railway administration, decrying the lack of care for track maintainer well-being. He has unequivocally warned that the union will organize a significant protest, including a one-day hunger strike at the South Eastern Railway’s zonal headquarters, if decisive safety actions are not taken promptly. Mohammad highlighted the disparity: ‘Our lives are dedicated to ensuring the smooth functioning of railways, but our own safety measures are woefully inadequate.’ The unfortunate incidents include the death of Bipptarani Mahato in the Ranchi division, who was tragically struck by train 18615 while on night duty, and Manjurul Haider in the Kharagpur division, who met his end near Hijli station during a cold weather patrol, hit by the local MEMU train. Workers contend that reduced visibility and hazardous conditions during winter, coupled with unchanged patrol distances, drastically increase accident risks. They are demanding essential safety equipment, improved communication systems, and a review of patrolling procedures. The escalating number of deaths underscores the urgency of the situation, and the union is committed to ongoing industrial action until robust safety guarantees are in place.
