Loco running staff of Southern Railway Mazdoor Union have demanded revocation of the railway order permitting operation of goods train without train manager which they said compromised the safety of rail operation and passengers.
Madurai divisional president of loco running staff union Ravi Shankar presided over a demonstration held here on Thursday pressing for this demand.
SRMU divisional secretary J.M. Rafi and divisional assistant secretary Ramkumar addressed the protesters.
Mr. Rafi said In the absence of train managers in goods trains, assistant loco pilots were made to carry the fog safety device while reporting for duty. He said the loco pilots and assistant loco pilots, who operated goods trains, were already burdened with carrying their luggage, including dresses meant for three days of outstation duty.
The union also demanded that Madurai Division of the Southern Railway should implement the rule of bringing back goods train crew to the headquarters within 48 hours after leaving for duty.
Published - October 22, 2026 10:31 pm IST