There’s no denying the fact that our’s is not a perfect country. And no, I am not complaining as it takes time for people, things, and mindsets to evolve and change. But what about some basic needs that should be provided to ensure that people of the country are safe and secure?
Something as basic as a roof that doesn’t leak?
For example, here’s a video of a train driver running the train with umbrella in one hand. Why? Because the train roof is leaking. More than being worried about him getting drenched, he is scared that the water doesn’t destroy his control panel.
Railway safety? @sureshpprabhu and @RailMinIndia need to take a serious look without victimising whistleblower pic.twitter.com/Ue7rv0LwTP
— Sucheta Dalal (@suchetadalal) August 9, 2017
In the video, you can clearly see him wiping the water that falls anywhere near the controls.
The speaker of the video also seems very disappointed. He says that it’s been going on for years. Roof is leaky and there’s no place for them to keep their bags. The whole compartment is lined with papers. He said,
“We have kept our bags on the driver desk. Now if you have to see outside the train, you’ll have to stand. You’ve to stay super-alert all the time”
He also adds that there’s no problem with being alert but there’s a lot of discomfort. There’s no help from the Government.
The video is reportedly from Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
The driver is managing the train and its entire control system with only one hand. Only because, if he lets go off the umbrella, his train would probably become dysfunctional. By being extra careful, he brings all his passengers to safety, everyday. But to err is to human. If something happens and we lose people, who is to blamed?
The Government needs to realise this and should take action as soon as possible.