Memu drivers get only 4-hour rest
Running locals on the newly-introduced Dadar-Dahanu mainline electric multiple unit or Memu is proving to be an uphill task, according to the loco pilots/drivers.
The drivers said that running services for eight hours at a stretch and resuming services the following day with only a four-hour break is strenuous.
According to the operating manual, a driver has to take a break of minimum 12 hours if he runs services for eight hours before the next shift. More drivers need to be roped running operations more efficiently, said a loco-pilot. They have also urged the authorities to pay them on par with the motormen running the conventional local or EMU.
“We work for considerably long hours, but get a meagre salary. We never protest and inconvenience Mumbaikars. But, the railway management has failed to acknowledge our commitment,” said a loco-pilot. The day gets flagged off after a loco-pilot signs in at the Bandra office at around 3.45 pm to run the no. 69145 local. Then loco-pilot then goes to Dadar and leaves with the local at around 4.55 pm. He reaches Dahanu Road at around 7.15 pm. Then the same loco-pilot picks up another train (No. 69162) at around 7.45 pm from Dahanu Road and reaches Dadar at around 10.02 pm. The loco-pilot then leaves the train at the platform and goes to Mumbai Central to sign off from duty at around 11 pm.
According to an official from the operation division, the loco-pilot must get at least 12 hours of rest as he has to ply the same train the following day at around 5.15 am. After reporting at Mumbai Central at 4.05 am, the same driver takes the train (No. 69157) at Dadar an reaches Dahanu Road at 7.30 am. Again he picks up the same train from Dahanu Road at 9.35 am and reaches Virar at 10.48 am.
However, Sharat Chandrayan, chief PRO Western Railway said, “We have a schedule roster for every running staff to operate the trains.”
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