Reported By:
| Edited By: Shashank Rao,Ornella D'Souza |Source: DNA |Updated: Oct 28, 2018, 08:45 AM IST
What if you are given a lever in hand to manoeuvre a multi-tonne train that can accelerate upto 100kmph within seconds on metal rails? Such is the nature of job of a train's driver also called motorman or loco pilot. Though one of the problems is that people cross tracks at anytime. Chances are they get hit by these speeding trains. If we look at the recent Amritsar tragedy, where 61 people were mowed down and several others injured; the driver brought the speed down to 60-65kmph from 90kmph, although it was futile. The railways called those who came under the train as 'trespassers'.
With technological advancement, the speed of trains too has increased. If a train is running at 90-100kmph, it covers at least 350-400 meters after brakes are applied. Railway officials believe that people crossing tracks do not realise the velocity of an approaching train and get run-over by it. As of September 2018, 1,212 people were reported to have died in Mumbai while crossing the tracks.
Meet M Patkar (45), a motorman for over 23 years now with the Western Railway (WR), has seen around 18-20 people die under under the wheels of his train. Most are suicide cases. "I remember every accident, it still gives me the chills. Initially, I could not eat, sleep and remained glum even when around my family," recalls Patkar. Over the years, he feels that he has become habituated to these cases of trespassing accidents. "I try to slow down the train's speed and blow the horn continuously every time I see someone crossing tracks..."
Another motorman S Bapat (47) echos with the trauma that he undergoes every time he can't prevent his train from hitting a 'trespasser'. "At times, mobile phones and earplugs are a bane. People have become careless with their lives. They cross the tracks with earphones plugged on, without caring to check left or right. They don't even acknowledge the horn and meet a tragic end," laments Bapat. He adds, "During our seven-hour work-shifts, on an average, we see at least one dead body by the tracks. Our stress levels are high, but then show must go on."
On the condition of anonymity, another motorman, remembers how the first accident of his career happened during Diwali, almost 20 years ago. The victim jumped from the platform, but did not notice the incoming train and died on the spot. There are also cases where victims were lucky enough to survive. In one case, a two-year-old – from a neighbouring illegal settlement along tracks – slid on the side barely meters away from an oncoming train. All these instances are enough to put tremendous distress on their health that needs dire attention.
(Gajanan Nirphale)
When an accident takes place, the motorman has to immediately notify the control room and the station master, check the condition of the victim, and inform the railway police about the nearest overhead pole number where the incident has occurred. If the victim is injured, then the motorman, with the help of commuters, has to carry the victim using a stretcher to board him inside the coach, and drop him at the nearest station.
He is then expected to give a written statement about the accident to the administration. In case of claims made by the victim's family, whether it was an accident or suicide, they are required to go to Railway Claims Tribunal, where the motorman is made a witness to determine the truth.
High blood pressure, heartbeat going into overdrive and depression. These are common ailments that motormen and loco pilots face. These health issues are coupled with disturbed sleep, anxiety and constant guilt of 'killing someone'. "There have been times when I have not had food or could not sleep in peace for 2-3 days. The picture of a stranger coming under the wheels of my train, would keep popping up," added Patkar.
In the infancy of their careers, these motormen used to shudder at the thought of maneuvering the train. They claim, at times, they've simply sat on the floor, shivering inside the motorcab after the accident, while unknown to the situation, thousands of commuters sitting inside the coaches curse the railways for derailing their schedule. Nevertheless, they continue to work till the last destination – all along thinking about the accident, at times even skipping their lunch – go to their lobby and prepare for the next trip.
"I get my blood pressure checked with my family doctor every time there is an accident involving my train. For at least couple of minutes before and after the trespassing accident, my blood pressure shoots up and I can feel the anxiety, at the same time, constantly hoping that the victim survives," says another motorman, on condition of anonymity.
Despite the condition, there is no immediate counselling undertaken. As per the set procedure, the motorman undergoes psycho-analysis test before he is inducted into the system. In this, his mental strength, eyesight, technical knowledge to operate trains and other mandatory tests are taken. However, during the course of their work, there is no facility provided by the Indian Railways, apart from the routine medical checks.
If they feel the need to see a doctor for mental trauma, the motormen need to inform the administration about it. "There is already a vacancy in our cadre. Everyday 8-9 people die on the tracks, including those who trespass. If we go for counselling, and are given rest for 3-4 days, it will put unnecessary pressure on others who will be forced to do overtime," said a motorman. "So we keep our emotions aside and then perform duties."
A motorman carries a briefcase, which has a torch, fire stick, and train schedule. Most importantly it has his medical records that mention his illness, whether or not he's short-sighted, has high/low BP, heart ailments, etc. As per procedure, motorman and loco pilots undergo medical tests every four years till they turn 45 years old. For the next 10 years after, they undergo medical tests every two years, and after 55 years, it is mandatory to undergo a test every year.
"It would be great that there is some provision wherein we get an avenue for mental rest," says another motorman. It can be through listening music, watching movies, taking a break; depending on an individual's coping mechanism."
At present, the railway administration conducts yoga sessions at their rest houses, housing colonies and common halls, which the motormen find is a good way to gain mental peace. Yet it is too little, too less, looking at their high-pressure job.
No matter how senior or seasoned the driver is, anyone can experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if they were behind the wheel of the vehicle that crushed the victim/s, says Suchismita Bose, clinical psychologist and co-founder of Mind & Me – Mental Health Services, Mumbai.
Such people, society unwittingly terms as 'perpetrators', despite them having no control over the 'crime'. This blame and shame can lead to PTSD, which is why counselling even the driver should be made mandatory. In PTSD cases, Bose explains, it is the amygdala, the part of the brain that detects danger and responds in the fight/flight/freeze mode, that gets most affected by overwhelming guilt of having taken a life or lives. It gets stuck in a loop of reliving the accident in its entirety, right from the intensity of fear to the jerks the person may have felt behind the wheel, over and over again. "The brain is unable to process the fact that the accident is long over, and you or whoever could be safe is now safe."
Patients with PTSD may suddenly cry, tremble, become super fearful, isolate themselves, have mini or full blown panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares, experience mood and anxiety disorders, and disturbed sleep patterns.
"PTSD affects interpersonal relationships because it is felt that the person is just 'pretending or dramatising' the episode after its long over," says Bose, adding that survivors of war, natural disasters and sexual abuse experience a similar replay of emotions.
Some experience these symptoms immediately, while others have a delayed response as the shock initially numbs them. "There's already so much guilt attached and everyone, including yourself, blames you. Even to seek counselling feels selfish."
Bose recalls how it took one of her clients almost a year to recover from PSTD, as those with this condition can develop irrational traits to 'control safety' when memory of the trauma resurfaces. "He developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where he'd touch certain walls or count a number of floor tiles to feel safe whenever he had to sit in a car. He didn't want to drive, let alone sit in the front seat." Bose helped him develop self awareness towards his emotions, and gradually desensitised him to sit, and finally, drive again.
To heal from this negativity, a combination of medication and therapy, and/or spiritual discourses like yoga, with support from close ones is needed to re-train the brain in overcoming this trauma. "The person needs to hear positive external voices that repeatedly say, 'it's okay it's over, you can't change things'. In time, these external voices become his internal voice."
Also look within for a coping mechanism that may've helped you in the past. "It could be engaging in positive self-talk and constantly challenging the negative, finding solace in spirituality, nature and mindfulness, and understanding that some things are not in your control," advises.
Male - 1,467
Female - 184
Total: 1, 651
Male - 1,064
Female - 148
Total: 1, 212
To help motormen process the trauma of an accident, Merseyrail – a train operating company and a commuter network in Liverpool City Region, England, runs a Chain of Care and Support programme. They also organise Suicidal Contacts, a course that helps train staff spot people at risk of losing their lives. The company lets motormen take leave and pays them a little below their standard earnings during this phase. They can alternatively work in other roles in the railways therapy.
