Keys weigh down EMU drivers

[rajoe]

Keys weigh down EMU drivers

Motormen driving EMUs in the city have been rather weighed down after the bizarre train collision at Vysarpadi Jiva railway station on
April 29. Not by fear or worry, but by all the four keys which weigh a total of 25 kg needed to operate a suburban train.

Following the accident, Southern Railway decided to hand over all four keys the reverser key, control key and two brake keys that resemble a u-shaped spanner to the motorman, as part of steps to enhance security.

Now, motormen are forced to walk almost a kilometre, that is the entire length of the train, about four times a day carrying the four heavy keys. And, at the Tambaram railway station, they have to climb the foot overbridge to cross from the first platform to the second.

"This is difficult for drivers who are in their 40s and also for those who are nearing retirement age," said a union representative.

Stating that the existing system is not completely foolproof, the motormen have requested the authorities to introduce light aluminium keys and also install a bio-metric identification system to activate traction.

"Earlier, Southern Railway was considering the implementation of a bio-metric access control system in motor cabs. But this is not feasible as it will prevent entry of maintenance and cleaning staff into the cabs. So, it was suggested that the railways introduce a bio-metric system for activating the traction system. The system is not available anywhere in the world," sources said.

"There are 300 drivers operating the various suburban trains. A bio-metric system involves storing the fingerprints of all the drivers. The traction system is activated only when an authorised driver enters the cab and places his thumb in the reader. In this system, we need not store the fingerprints of all those entering the motor cab."

A motorman said: "The keys given to the drivers are numbered to help trace a missing key. We have asked for exclusive numbers to be engraved on each key to prevent misuse. Now, we keep the keys in a line box' available at stations. But, this is not a fool-proof arrangement because the keys can be used on any EMU. So, a bio-metric traction activating system is very important."

The motormen also seek box boys' persons to carry the keys like those allotted to locomotive drivers. "Box boys are practical for suburban trains because the number of services operated in a short time span is very high

source:TOI