Track Work Pressure Investigated After Tragic Suicide: A Railway Crisis

The Eastern Railway zone is probing whether work pressure led to the suicide of track maintainer Mrityunjay Jha in the Asansol division. Allegations of denied medical leave and a manpower shortage have surfaced, sparking demands for investigation and safety improvements, including the implementation of Rakshak devices.

The Eastern Railway has launched an investigation to determine if excessive work pressure contributed to the suicide of Mrityunjay Jha, a track maintainer in West Bengal's Asansol division, officials confirmed.

Jha, 46, allegedly took his own life after being denied medical leave due to a manpower shortage, claims the All India Track Maintainers Union (AIRTU). The union insists that this pressure is a pervasive issue for railway workers.

AIRTU advocates for the urgent adoption of the Rakshak safety device, arguing that its efficacy in preventing accidents was proven in a 2018 pilot. They criticize the Railway Board's avoidance of the technology due to costs, seeking changes to prevent further tragedies.

(With inputs from agencies.)