Kerala Railway Workers Face Hazardous Conditions, TTE Killed by Ticketless Passenger

Railway workers in Kerala, including track maintainers, gatekeepers, loco pilots, train guards, and travelling ticket examiners (TTEs), are facing hostile and dangerous working conditions that are putting their health and lives at risk. The recent death of V. Vinod, a 32-year-old TTE who was allegedly pushed off a train by a ticketless passenger in Thrissur district, has brought attention to the perils these workers face on the job.

TTEs in particular often have to deal with unruly behavior from intoxicated and ticketless passengers, who harass them and pressure them to stop at non-designated stations. Track maintainers also face hazards, having to walk long distances along the tracks and lacking access to proper restroom facilities. They are at constant risk of being hit by oncoming trains.

Loco pilots and train guards are dealing with issues like lack of toilets on trains and extended work hours. Railway unions are demanding better safety measures, such as providing walkie-talkies to track maintainers and designated staff-only toilets at stations. They are also calling for improved working conditions and leave policies.

Why this matters: The safety and well-being of railway workers is a critical issue that affects not only the workers themselves, but the millions of passengers who rely on trains for transportation. Addressing the hazardous conditions and implementing better safety measures is essential to prevent further tragedies and ensure a safe, reliable railway system.

In a separate incident, a 32-year-old man named Roji died after falling while disembarking from a train at Aluva station in Kerala on Friday evening. "Roji was attempting to get off the train at platform number three around 7:45 PM when he fell between the platform and the train," a railway official stated. "His leg got trapped between the wheels. We quickly reversed the train by about a meter to free him, but his leg was completely severed." Roji was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. These incidents underscore the urgent need to address the hazardous conditions faced by railway workers and passengers in Kerala.

Key Takeaways

• Railway workers in Kerala face hostile, dangerous conditions risking health/lives.
• TTEs harassed by unruly, ticketless passengers; track maintainers at risk of trains.
• Loco pilots, guards face issues like lack of toilets, extended work hours.
• Unions demand better safety measures, working conditions, and leave policies.
• Incidents underscore urgent need to address hazardous conditions for workers, passengers.