Union Demands Action Over Track Worker Fatalities, Plans Strike

A wave of unrest is sweeping through the South Eastern Railway zone as track maintenance personnel face a grim reality of frequent fatal accidents. Nine workers have perished in the past six months without any apparent improvement in safety protocols. Recent tragic events in the Ranchi and Kharagpur divisions, resulting in the deaths of two track maintainers, have galvanized the All India Railway Track Maintainer Union into demanding immediate action. National President Chand Mohammad has directly criticized the railway authorities for their perceived insensitivity to the critical safety needs of track maintainers. He declared that unless significant protective measures are swiftly implemented, the union will resort to a major agitation, commencing with a day-long demonstration outside the zonal office of South Eastern Railway. Mohammad articulated the workers’ plight: ‘We put our lives on the line to maintain railway operations, yet our own safety is neglected.’ The latest victims were Bipptarani Mahato from the Ranchi division, who died in an accident involving train 18615 during night patrol, and Manjurul Haider from the Kharagpur division, who was tragically hit by the Hijli-Kharagpur MEMU (68048) during early morning cold weather patrolling. Union members argue that the risks are heightened during dense fog and winter months because patrolling routes remain unchanged, increasing the likelihood of accidents. They are urgently calling for enhanced safety gear, reliable communication devices, and adjustments to patrol guidelines. The alarming rate of fatalities has pushed the safety issue to the forefront, with the union resolute in its stance that further loss of life is unacceptable and that sustained protests will occur until adequate safety is assured.