A life in the day of a loco pilot of suburban train

A life in the day of a loco pilot of suburban train

1 of 2 Tough task: Senthilkumar sleeps overnight at the station

to avoid any delays in operations. M. SRINATHprevnext

K.T. Senthilkumar is deputed at the bustling Moore Market complex railway station to operate

a suburban EMU train. Loco pilots operate the EMU trains in a challenging atmosphere, he says

The Hindu Bureau 23.08.2024 

CHENNAI

Even during odd hours, say at 3.30 a.m., the Moore Market complex (MMC) railway station bustles with activity, registering the footfall of night shift workers and commuters waiting for the electrical multiple unit (EMU) train (3.55 a.m.) bound for Arakkonam.

Loco pilot K.T. Senthilkumar, who is deputed to operate the suburban train, sleeps overnight at the loco restroom at the station to avoid any delays in the operation of the train.

He is a resident of Ambattur and a native of Arakkonam.

As the clock at the station ticks past midnight, Mr. Senthilkumar, having undergone the mandatory breathalyser test, gets ready for his early morning shift.

After receiving the schedule sheet for the day from his supervisor and checking the loco cabin, he waits for the train manager or the guard to give him the green signal so that he could start the first journey for the day.

More than 200 loco pilots are employed at the railway station for the operation of EMU trains round-the-clock.

The railway station sees a passenger footfall of nearly one lakh every day.

The first suburban train service begins at 1.05 a.m.

It is from the Chennai Beach to Tiruvallur.

The suburban trains, which record an operational punctuality of more than 97%, are operated on four sections of the city.

These trains have become one of the most economical and dependable public transport facility for the residents of far-flung localities, including Arakkonam, Thiruttani, Chengalpattu, Gummidipoondi, and Velachery.

Mr. Senthilkumar, who started his service as an assistant shunting pilot [temporary posting] in 1997, has served for 24 years by operating goods and loco trains.

He operates the suburban train for more than two hours every day, operating the ‘Deadman’s Handle’ (DMH), which weighs more than five kg.

His shift goes on for more than seven hours.

The Deadman’s handle is a safety handle that would automatically halt the train when the loco pilot faces any health emergency.

Mr. Senthilkumar says the loco pilots operate the EMU trains in a challenging atmosphere, wherein the safety of the commuters are of utmost importance. The loco pilots are allowed to take breaks only on completion of the entire journey.

Welfare measures

Mr. Senthilkumar said the Chennai division of the Southern Railway has taken up several welfare measures to support loco pilots, who are responsible for the safety of thousands of commuters.

These welfare measures include the provision for a 16-hour rest period between shifts.