Central Railway partners with NGO to boost mental wellbeing of frontline workers

The sessions, held approximately every fortnight, last about two hours and cover a range of topics, including recognising symptoms of stress, understanding the mind-body connection, and taking proactive measures to prevent stress.

Shahana Siddique, who leads the mental health initiative, emphasised the importance of encouraging participants to seek professional help when necessary. She noted that the initial hesitation among participants quickly dissipates, leading to more engagement and open discussions.

The NGO also provides a safe space for participants to reach out for private sessions, with the service being offered free of charge to railway employees. On an average, about 50 participants attend each session, with many reporting a positive change in their outlook.

One senior motorman, speaking anonymously, shared his initial scepticism about the sessions but ultimately found them beneficial. “It made me aware of not just my own challenges but also the concerns my colleagues are facing,” he said.

Motormen and other frontline staff frequently face challenges such as commuter anger, incidents on the tracks, and other stressful situations. The wellbeing sessions aim to equip them with the tools to manage these pressures effectively.

Project Mumbai plans to extend these sessions to ticket collectors and railway police as part of a broader initiative to support the mental health of all Central Railway employees.

Central Railway’s Mumbai division is one of the busiest railway networks, operating 1,810 local services daily, including 66 AC services. The trains, running at intervals as short as three minutes, transport millions of passengers each day.