Mumbai News: Central Railway Motormen Call Off Silent Protest After Assurance From Officials

Motormen of the Central Railway’s Mumbai Division have decided to withdraw their proposed silent agitation, scheduled to begin on Sunday, following a positive assurance from the railway administration. The decision came after a meeting held on Saturday at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between senior railway officials and representatives of the motormen’s union.

On Friday, motormen had issued a letter to the Divisional Railway Manager under the aegis of the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh, announcing a silent protest titled "One Motorman, One Duty", wherein they pledged not to take any overtime duty starting Sunday. The protest was in response to mounting pressure due to the installation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) in motorman cabs.

The meeting on Saturday was attended by M. L. Vishnoi, Additional Divisional Railway Manager and several others senior officers of Central Railways Mumbai division. Representing the motormen were A. K. Dubey, General Secretary of Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh; Vivek Shishodia, Divisional President, Mumbai Division; and other union leaders.

In the meeting, the administration reiterated its commitment to the welfare and stress-free working of the crew. Officials clarified that the ADAS and CVVRS systems would be used solely for constructive feedback and counseling, not for punitive purposes.

The motormen also raised concerns about the physical strain caused by mandatory hand gesturing at signals, particularly on the congested suburban network. Acknowledging the issue, the administration agreed to make hand gesturing optional, stating that no disciplinary action would be initiated for its non-use as long as the Auxiliary Warning System (AWS) remains operational, until further instructions.