Track Maintainers protest dismissal of their colleague who had warned of the track defect, which caused derailment of an express train and death and injuries of many passengers

Report by Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC) correspondent

The North-Eastern Railway zone terminated the services of Shri Ram Aasne, a track maintainer on September 13, alleging he leaked a recording of a conversation about the defect, which they claim violated Railways’ conduct rules.

Shri Ram Aasne, a trackmaintainer had reported a track defect before the July 18 derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express near Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The derailment resulted in four deaths and 31 injuries when eight coaches derailed between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway stations. Following the derailment, Shri Aasne’s warning to his superior was shared on social media, raising significant concerns about Indian Railways’ attitude to safety.

The All India Railway Trackmaintainers’ Union (AIRTU) have expressed outrage over the dismissal of Shri Ram Aasne demanded his reinstatement reinstatement.

North Eastern Railway Men’s Congress Union (NERMC) has also condemned Shri Aasne’s dismissal as unjust and warned that such decisions demotivate frontline workers and jeopardize safe train operations.

Shri Aasne has served the Railways for 24 years.