WR motormen allege harassment by guards

The city’s Western Railway network, that carries more than 35 lakh commuters everyday, could face delays and disruption of services.

The city’s Western Railway network, that carries more than 35 lakh commuters everyday, could face delays and disruption of services. The dispute between motormen and guards on the Western Railway escalated this week with motormen alleging that they are being harassed by guards and are under immense stress and pressure while driving trains.

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A press note by WR motormen seeking intervention has warned that the guards’ actions are detrimental to safe running of trains.

“On Friday, a guard refused to ring the indicator bell to resume normal speed of the train, leaving the motorman in the lurch that led to a delay at Mira Road station. A similar incident on February 17 also led to problems,” said a motorman.

Guards and motormen operate trains on bell-codes and any non-cooperation from either side leads to delays and detention of trains. “The guard is supposed to give two bells to start the train. However, he is allowed to give two bells even when the signal is red, which could be risky.

Motormen are always alert but if after hearing the bell, he starts the train by mistake, it may lead to a major disaster,” he added.

A guards’ representative from the Western Railway, on condition of anonymity, said: “Motormen are spreading lies about guards as we are supposed to report mistakes committed by the motormen to the management.”