Poem from the pen of Pawan Kuman Singh (Keyman), North Eastern Railway, Lakhimpur
Spending our lives on the tracks, we fight death every day,
Danger looms at every step, our breaths fearful always.
While I have survived today, who knows whose turn it will be tomorrow?
For how long will the number of the dead simply continue to grow?
As we walk on the tracks, we look death in the eyes,
Every day under a train, another comrade lies.
If we survive today, it’s just good luck, who knows what will happen next,
Railway Administration: wake up now, take some concrete steps.
We have a brush with death daily, our days are spent in fear,
Some safety is ensured if double keymen are sent together.
Every trackman calls on you: double keymen are a must,
Two eyes are not enough, two keymen can maintain vigilance.
If you want to save our lives, do listen to our call,
Stop the deaths of keymen, ensure safety for all.
Only they know the sorrow—those who live by tracks and trains,
Those who escape death every day—only they know the pain.
Keyman Pawan calls on you, no more blood should be spilled at any rate
Rail Administration: Answer us, how many more sacrifices of keymen should we tolerate?
Composed by: a worried and concerned keyman hoping for justice from Indian Railways