Controllers working in closed chambers are the “nerve centre of train operations”
They are the first to ascertain problems as well as find solutions. Whether it a derailment, a bomb threat, passing information on the progress of trains or alerting authorities of the compartment where the chain was pulled, train controllers take decisions on the spot and are also accountable for them.
Railways consider them the “nerve centre of train operations”.
Train controllers work round the clock, the only difference is they sit in a closed chamber far away from where the train chugs to work around a different cacophony of sounds - organising, instructing and planning for the safe passage of trains.
Around 145 express mail trains, 437 suburban, 128 MRTS, 147 passenger and goods trains for the Chennai division are controlled by personnel sitting in Chennai. Their most important role is to ensure movement of goods train without compromising on passage and punctuality of other trains.
“A section controller even has to know the station well, the number of lines running through, what is the main and loop line,” says R. Bhoopathy, chief controller, in-charge.
R. Rajendran, chief controller, punctuality, offers solution to any eventuality on the rails.
“Information on all train movements is on my finger tips. In case of any derailment, we prepare the minutes of the incident. Our report is taken as the gospel truth in case of a charge sheet.”
While technology has replaced many laborious tasks such as drawing the train movement on chart, today they face new challenges. The manifold increase in rail traffic is stress on the controller. The Train Controllers' Association also wants vacancies filled and a stress allowance brought.
“Decision to regulate traffic or give way to a passenger train or to stop a goods train is all made within a fraction of seconds. For every decision we need to justify ourselves,” says V. Mani, section controller.
Employees say that over the years very few are keen on joining the department. Only after 14 working days, is the section controller entitled to a day's holiday.
The control office for the first time has a woman amidst them. After taking up roles as assistant station master and traffic apprentice, P. Vahini, now a section controller, says “Night duties are stressful but I am in a closed environment and every day is a different challenge.”
Getting the pulse of people and taking their suggestions is another role.
S. Lakshmanan, chief controller, timetable, for instance, says work on preparing the time-table goes on for a year, where feedback is taken from people on field, public and newspaper articles too.
Every day is a new day and no task is complete without the cooperation of other departments, they add.
Keywords: controllers, trains, track, Southern Railway, money and careers
In Roadways while we travel in vehicle, we can overtake the slower running vehicles at our own accord, but in Railways this is not feasible because we have only one line i.e.,separate down line and separate up line, and in some divisions of the Railways we have only one line for the movement of trains on either directions irrespective of the speed, class of the trains. Now it is here where the Controller's presence plays a very vital role in moving the trains by judiciously and meticulously planning. The HINDU has brought to light the pitiable conditions and strenuous arduous working of the Controllers is highly commendable.
I believe this is more than Air traffic control where the ATC is responsible for all that happens on the air space.
Section controller jobs and functions and tasks need to enlisted and validated for automation. Automate and build security systems in place with checks and balances to make people accountable for errors rather than blaming at a later stage.
Automation will help reduce the stress on human beings.
Noisy work environment need to be improved by giving them enough space to operate and may be instead of voice chatting text based chatting with stations would be a viable options, this will serve a record and also reduce stress created by the noisy phones and speakers etc.
I have closely seen the work environment of controllers in the past and I am sure that the conditions are the same even after a lapse of 20 years back from now.
Thanks
Venkat
well indeed the job of a section controller is hectic and much stress full ness. as a spectator i have personnaly felt the hardship of my fellow collegues under going at times when any derailmment or any natural callamities like floods etc. while taking of aditinal burden of ruunnning the diverted trains on their routes.on completion of the work hour they come fully drained out .The multivarious duties at that time bring out good controllers . hats off . Of late the challenges are being met by the young and new aspirants no matter the gender. My wishes to all my friend controllers.
Fabulous job. Such articles should be published in all the nationa dailies. This may attract the responses from the government and Railway Administration as well as Indian public.
This is yet another good attempt to explain the work of Controllers and the responsibilities they shoulder. The simultaneous nature of multifarious duties devolving on Controllers is well brought out. Kudos!!
very good . now only duty of controller is being highlighted . stress and mike allowance is must for them .And hike in pay should also be consider .as they are being cheated by last three pay commisson .
Please Email the Editor