Chennai: Southern Railway loco pilots and engine guards on Saturday demanded bio-security door and air-conditioned cabin, in engine fixed coaches. Drivers are working under stress and laborious conditions, risking their lives and this is also a threat to passenger safety and there is a need for a new ergonomics in electric and long distance trains, engine drivers echoed while interacting with railway board chairman Ashwani Lohani during his visit to Chennai Central on Saturday.
Regular spraying of anti-mosquito repellant and canteen facility were also demanded by the running staff. Scratch free lookout glasses, headlight focusing 600 metres of railway track for better vision and accident-free journey, were other demands put forth by motormen.
In a memorandum submitted to Lohani, employees, affiliated to Southern Railway Employee Sangh also demanded income tax exemption for railway staff, particularly the engine drivers and guards who overwork due to the increased train traffic. A feather touch mechanism for horn and a bio metric lock for all motor coach in view of safety were other popular demands raised by the SRES.
“Intercommunication phone system and the adjustable sunscreen were also demanded. Further mosquitoes are a big menace while driving trains. We have explained the ordeal in running trains and are hoping for solutions from the railway,”said S. Gopalakrishnan, zonal secretary, SRES.
