Central Railway (CR) has introduced yoga sessions as a part of the training course of motormen,who run the citys lifeline for 21 hours daily,from November. The move is seen as an attempt to bring down the stress level of the motormen. Of the 21-day refresher course,three days have been allotted for sessions on yoga and healthy living. Of the 14-week training for assistant loco pilots to become motormen,a weekly class of yoga has been made compulsory. The first batch of motormen who went for the 21-day compulsory training have recently completed the revamped course. Atul Rane,Chief Public Relations Officer,CR,said,The work of motormen requires high level of mental and physical alacrity. The yoga sessions introduced in the training module will help them hone their skills. Uma Shankar Tripathi (59),Chief Loco Inspector (CLI) of the Motormen Training Centre at Kurla carshed said the decision was taken after observing increased anxiety levels among motormen. Motormen usually suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes. Frequent altercations with passengers during disruptions and rampant trespassing are major contributors to increased stress levels, said Tripathi,who has been with the Railways for almost 40 years now. In the 90s,there were around 800 services on CR,which have doubled in 2013. According to Tripathi,who was a motorman from 1989 to 1996,the patience level of commuters has come down drastically. The motorman has to face the wrath of commuters when there is a disruption. He may not be responsible for the situation but he is the first person to bear the brunt, he added. According to an estimate given by the CLI,on a round trip,a motormen saves around five persons from being run over by honking at the right time. His reflexes have to be quick. A motorman almost suffers a minor heart attack each time a person is run over, said Tripathi. Ramswaroop R Chaurasia (42),a loco pilot who is training to become a motorman said,It is essential for us to bring down stress levels as our job requires 100 per cent attention. Trainees are being motivated to get into the habit of practising yoga daily to relax. priyal.dave@expressindia.com
