On-board announcements go silent as Railway departments play passing game

PAS on most EMUs (Electrical Multiple Units) have gone silent of late, not because they are not in working condition, but a difference of opinion between mechanical and operation departments. 

On-board PAS, which also includes the electronic display of destination at both ends of the trains, work only if a gadget is turned on during travel. The gadget used to be activated largely by maintenance staff of the mechanical department and occasionally by guards thus far. The system went into disuse after authorities entrusted the task of turning on the PAS gadget strictly on guards, which relieved the maintenance staff on platforms off a crucial duty. 

“As soon as it was made mandatory, guards refused to do it by claiming that they are unaware of the technical know-how. Guards now insist that they ought to be given extensive technical training before being assigned the task,” a senior officer at Southern Railway (SR) headquarters with the knowledge of the faceoff between two departments revealed to DT Next. “Guards are adamant not to do it. Maintenance staff of mechanical department no longer consider it their job. 

Together, they have left passengers suffering as PAS has gone silent in many suburban routes of the city,” a senior SR officer conceded wondering why did the mechanical department, which has been keeping the PAS working thus far, shunned its responsibility. 

Another senior SR officer, requesting anonymity, admitted to the PAS taking a beating because of lack of coordination between the two departments and said, 

“Technically, a guard must turn on the gadget as he/she is the captain of the train. 

It is their duty to interact with passengers. PAS is nothing but interaction with travelers.”

When asked, a highly placed officer of Chennai Railway Division said, “We are aware of the problem. If training ought to be given, the department concerned would be asked to organise it and keep PAS working.”