Kochi: A senior section engineer at the Ernakulam South station has been placed under suspension for not being present to monitor “rolling in examination” of train – a crucial safety exercise. However, sources say the real issue is acute staff shortage in the category which is preventing the security inspection upon multiple trains arriving at the station simultaneously.
“Here the situation is such that upon multiple trains are received; often detailed inspection is not possible. The rolling in examination is crucial as defects such as whistling sound from bearing (if unattended can lead to hot box), hanging part or loose fitting of vehicle and broken springs among others. All these can affect safety of the trains,” sources said. The said incident happened on Wednesday when senior divisional mechanical engineer C.C. Joy conducted a surprise inspection at South.
He suspended Senior Section Engineer (South) K. Sukumaran for not being available while the inspection was done on Train No 22816 Ernakulam-Bilaspur Express. However, the official concerned argued that there was another train Ernakulam-Bangalore and he was busy with rolling in examination of the same. The suspension was finally cancelled on Friday following the protest against the action by a section of employees who demanded filling up the vacancies on a war-footing.
