04 May,2025 12:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
After getting the assurance, the motormen union decided to call off their protest. Representational Pic/File
Mumbai local train services will not be affected on Monday after the motormen union on Saturday late evening decided to call off their plan to protest following the assurance on their demands from a top Central Railway official, the officials said.
The motormen union had earlier planned to protest against "increased duty pressure" and the installation of cameras under a new system called the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in local trains' driving cabs.
On Saturday late evening, a mediation meeting between Additional Divisional Railway Manager, CR, Mumbai, and the motormen's union led to assurances that all the demands of motormen would be looked into and the motormen have decided to withdraw the agitation.
The Central Railway administration clarified said the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) systems would be used solely for constructive feedback and counseling, not for punitive purposes.
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After getting the assurance, the motormen union decided to call off their protest.
ADAS is a technology that assists drivers with various aspects of driving, enhancing safety, reducing workload, and improving the overall driving experience by using sensors, cameras, and other technologies to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and detect potential hazards, then provide warnings or even take corrective actions.
Earlier, notice boards had been put up by the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS) at Mumbai CSMT stating that train motormen will "work to rule" starting Sunday morning.
A warning letter was sent by Anil Dube of the CRMS Loco Running Staff to the Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai CR, a copy of which is with mid-day.
The letter objects to the fact that cameras have been installed in the driver's cab to ensure that the motorman is pointing and calling out signals.
Pointing and calling is a globally recognised occupational safety practice in train driving. It is aimed at avoiding mistakes by pointing at important indicators and verbally calling out their status.
CRMS Loco Running Staff Branch had also demanded that the administration should either seriously consider the hazardous working conditions of motormen or provide an assistant loco pilot to support them.
Following this, the Central Railway officials had said that they were negotiating with the union.
