Now, motormen push for train punctuality

Loco pilots have even formally given a representation to the divisional railway manager, asking him to ensure punctuality so that they would not face the wrath of commuters.

The representation was made by All India Loco Running Staff Association (ALRSA) after a motorman on Chennai Arakkonam section was attacked owing to the unscheduled regulation of the train at the station on June 25. Motorman Thambi Elias was injured after irate commuters who argued with him about the 45-minute detention at the station for want for signal clearance, eventually assaulted him.

ALRSA argues that this was not the first instance of commuters picking on loco pilots and confrontation with commuters have become regular due to late running of trains during peak hours. The incident at Arakkonam was the second this month. On June 12, miscreants hurled stones at Pattabiram (Military siding) EMU at Hindu College station, leaving the wind shield of the EMU shattered. Miraculously, the motorman was no injured.

In their representation, copy of which is available with DT Next, P Senthilkumar, branch secretary of ALRSA said, “Number of verbal and physical attacks are on the rise, especially in suburban trains running late during peak hours.

Motormen are becoming the soft target whenever the trains are detained due to signals, diversion and cut services due to line block. It is difficult to concentrate after answering public queries and hearing unpleasant comments from passengers.” 

Motormen have now asked the divisional manager to instructed security personnel (read as RPF) travelling in suburban trains to move to the motormen’s side whenever the trains run late. A senior ALRSA functionary said the additional divisional railway manager has agreed to send RPF assistance to motormen and consider a review of train punctuality.