Gangmen are workers clad in orange shirts and khaki trousers, who are on the tracks round the clock only to ensure that rail network runs smoothly as far as possible.
The gangmen who are responsible for keeping our tracks safe are worried about their own safety. On August 30, the gangmen working on Western Railway (WR) complained about the poor facilities provided to them and the atrocities they face during duty hours, from local train commuters. They spoke their hearts out at Rail Safety seminar organised by the Western Railway Employees Union (WREU) at Grant Road, on Thursday.
Gangmen are workers clad in orange shirts and khaki trousers, who are on the tracks round the clock only to ensure that rail network runs smoothly as far as possible. A gangman S Sanap (45), died at Mahalaxmi station in July, after an unidentified commuter kicked him from a moving train.
"There are commuters who chew pan and gutka and spit at us while we are standing. Some, even kick us from a moving train. It is really sad that we are treated like this," said P Gangaram, a trackman who attended the seminar.
They spoke about instances where people have thrown bottles on them and so they are forced to sit on the little gap between two rail lines. The situation at railways stations is more dangerous as there is barely a space of two metre between two rail lines touching the platforms. The administration has put up dividers to prevent people from trespassing.
Commuters kick, abuse and slap us from a moving train. If we board the first class compartment meant for divyang commuters; we are shooed away. It becomes very difficult to carry heavy tools and instruments inside the general compartment," said Abdul Hamid, senior railwayman from Andheri, at the seminar.
The administration attending the seminar was seen listening to trackmen with rapt attention. The union leaders said that these trackmen are the ones who take care of the rail infrastructure and their issues need to be addressed. There are other problems faced by them which includes poor toilet facilities, heavy tools, need for good uniform and sturdy boots. "We have asked the administration for improving the tool room. In fact porta cabins shall be kept with toilet facilities; the first one shall be at Goregaon station," said P Kanade, leader of WREU.
"The commuters should respect the trackmen who keep the rail infrastructure safe and in running condition," said Ravindra Bhakar, Chief PRO, Western Railway.
THE INCIDENT
- On July 25, gangman Shravan Sanap (45) and his colleagues were standing in middle of two rail lines at Mahalxmi station in order to avoid incoming trains.
- This is when an unidentified miscreant kicked Sanap from a train that was entering the platform at a good speed.
- He tumbled and his head hit a fast train heading in other direction and suffered grievous injuries
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Rail Safety")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}