Metro drivers continue their sit-ins, agitation begins to vex passengers

The Metro train operators are yet to strike work but commuters have already started suffering.

These operators were seen staging a sit-in again on Wednesday in bigger groups of 50 to 80 at platforms of different stations.

The ongoing agitation by train operators spells trouble for passengers as they complain that during the change of shift drivers are taking “more than usual time” to relieve on-duty operators.

“Nowadays a Metro gets delayed because the relieving drivers are taking more than usual time to reach the platform from his control room. This has become a common ritual at Yamuna Bank Metro station especially during the evening hours,” said Akash Singh, a private firm employee.

On Wednesday, train operators including ground staff were seen staging a sit-in at Yamuna Bank station at around 1.15 pm. One of the agitators were taking pictures of the group having nearly 50 members.

This obstructed the movement of passengers.
“When will this strike doing to get over? Why doesn’t DMRC give what these drivers want? There is no space to walk when a Metro arrives and these people are busy taking pictures,” said Rekha Raj while deboarding a Metro at Yamuna Bank station.

The train operators have been threatening to go on strike since last week.

Their demands include pay hike for non-executive personnel and better working conditions for train operators – restricting working hours up to five-and-a-half hours or 2,000 km a day.

In all, there are over 8,000 non-executive personnel that includes train operators, station controllers, junior engineers and maintenance staff.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), however, said that it has got a system of staff council where such issues are discussed and resolved.

“The DMRC being 100 per cent government body has to work within the rules in matters of pay and perks to their staff. Therefore, it is not possible to agree to demands outside these rules and regulations,” said a DMRC spokesperson.

“We believe that majority of the employees understand this situation, however, there are some individuals who are misguiding the others.”