Fatigued drivers seek role change

Driven by stress, suburban train drivers have started applying for alternative jobs, with “less stress and pressure”, in the railways.

Motormen on both of the city’s railways have been complaining of high stress levels for long. They have also been asking the railway administration to at least provide assistant drivers. Some of them are seeking transfers to less stressful posts.

“After yesterday’s incident, motormen who are under stress or are facing medical problems have individually started applying for less stressful jobs,” a senior motorman said. Motormen have already approached the National Human Rights’ Commission, the labour commissioner and courts with their grievances.

It may be recalled that motormen on both the Central and Western Railway had gone on a strike on May 3 last year, paralysing the city’s transport system. Commuters had blamed the railway administration for their failure to gauge the seriousness of the situation and inability to ensure the smooth running of services.

At Churchgate, angry commuters broke a ticket-booking window and threatened a stationmaster. The strike was called off only after home minister RR Patil intervened. The railways had then formed a fast-track committee to solve the problems.