PUNE: The Indian Railways is playing a critical role in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19) by ensuring timely transportation of essential goods and commodities.
During this challenging environment, technicians of Signal and Telecom (S&T) Department and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are performing their duties with zeal and dedication.
“They are carrying out day to day maintenance to keeping S&T assets in good fettle for the safe and smooth running of goods trains,” said Shivaji Sutar, Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO).
The signalling staff were associated on a day-to-day basis with the maintenance of signal posts, relay rooms and track machines working to keep the track in good condition for the safe running of freight trains. Several improvements are also being carried out.
“During the lockdown period, the requirement of telecom and IT has increased manifold due to constant webinars through regular video conferencing at various levels. The same is being maintained tirelessly by the hardworking and devoted telecom staff, to ensure the uninterrupted flow of information,” Sutar added.
S&T officers in Pune division are closely monitoring the signalling and telecom maintenance work with constant support and guidance of Zonal Headquarters Office of Central Railway.
“Senior Divisional signal and telecommunications engineers and other officers are personally interacting and motivating the staff regularly to boost their morale and keep them in high spirits in the crisis time,” said Manoj Jhawar, Pune Railway Division PRO.
On the other side, the RPF personnel are leading from the front against the coronavirus by standing with railway authorities, medical departments, State police and civic administration.
RPF’S HELPING HAND
“The RPF has been contributing immensely to the much-needed work of awareness campaign, food distribution, production of sanitisers and masks to combat COVID-19. During the lockdown, assets like coaches, locomotives, stabled rakes, yards, signalling infrastructure, stations, relay rooms, goods sheds, wagon stock, etc., are being guarded,” Shivaji Sutar said.
