South Eastern Railway zone is facing escalating anger over the continuous deaths of track maintenance staff. In the last six months, nine employees have lost their lives, yet safety measures remain stagnant. Following two separate incidents in the Ranchi and Kharagpur divisions recently, which claimed the lives of two track maintainers, the All India Railway Track Maintainer Union has voiced strong condemnation. National President of the union, Chand Mohammad, accused railway administration of severe negligence, highlighting a lack of sensitivity towards track maintainer safety. He issued a stern warning: if the railways do not take immediate and effective steps, the union will be compelled to organize a large-scale protest, beginning with a one-day sit-in at the South Eastern Railway’s zonal office. Mohammad emphasized the sacrifice of these workers, stating, ‘We ensure railway safety by risking our lives, but there are no concrete arrangements for our own protection.’ The recent fatalities include Bipptarani Mahato, a track maintainer in the Ranchi division, who was hit by train 18615 near Ilo station during night call water patrolling, and Manjurul Haider in the Kharagpur division, who was struck by the Hijli-Kharagpur MEMU (68048) while on cold weather patrol. Employees point to the increased risk during foggy and cold conditions due to unchanged patrolling distances, demanding improved safety kits, better communication tools, and revised patrolling standards. The recurring tragedies have intensified the safety concerns, with the union vowing no more lives will be lost and that protests will continue until safety is guaranteed.
