In, out, in... Sorry tale of ‘fatigued’ EMU crew
The time-in-time-out stats speak volumes on roster preparation, especially since the Railway Board mandates 16 hours of rest.
Visual from the spot
CHENNAI: Irregular work shifts and erratic sleep schedule; another derailment follows. The probably fatigue-induced incident involving the EMU rake at Avadi station early Tuesday must be another eye-opener to masters of rosters who deny train crew adequate rest in violation of the Railway Board (RB) rules.
The motorman of the derailed EMU, G Ravi, suspended henceforth, is said to have reported for duty without the mandatory rest period. Railway sources with access to the roster disclosed to DT Next that Ravi, on Oct 22, signed in at MMC (Moore Market Complex) at 7 pm and signed out at Arakkonam at 10.05 pm. After 5 hours, he signed in at 3:40 am (Oct 23) and signed out at 6:40 am at MMC. The same night, he signed in again at 8.10 pm and signed out at 11.45 pm, only to report for duty around four hours later at 4.45 am on Oct 24. An hour later, the EMU he was piloting from Avadi Car Shed to Avadi station derailed.
The time-in-time-out stats speak volumes on roster preparation, especially since the Railway Board mandates 16 hours of rest. “Our work hours are scattered; so are our rest hours. Our erratic sleep pattern is never factored in,” rued a motorman on condition of anonymity.
