Indian Railways: A Journey

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The noise of local train passing over points and crossings at full speed may disturb the passengers and public residing in the vicinity of the railway, but ensures sound sleep to the railway man living in quarters situated along the railway track.

The absence of such noise disturbs a railway man's sleep. A commemorative book was published by Indian Railways on 16th April, 1953, completing 100 years of development and working. In April 2005, the Publications Division Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued another book titled "Glorious 150 years" written by R.R.Bhandari.

Likewise innumerable books were produced throughout the ages of Steam, Disel and Electric Locos for the benefits of man, who worked on the Railways. "Lal Bahadur Shastri as Railway Minister resigned on moral grounds taking full responsibility of a serious accident involving many casualties. The later, MRs proudly gave statements that the General Managers and the DRMS will be held personally responsible for such accidents thereby demoralizing the entire railway fraternity. Railwaymen are subject to public wrath on minor accidents like late running of trains or fans not working.

As absorbing introduction by a dedicated ex-railwayman Q.L.Gautame contextualizes the indeapth practical and meaningful advice to inculcate the strong family feeling which gives a unique insight into the life of railwayman that will appeal to all permantway enthusiast.

Qanauji Lal Gautama was born on November 11, 1925 and attended Government School of Engineering, Rasul, now in Pakistan, before serving as an apprentice Civil Engineering in the Ex-Great Peninsula Railway, which was later on known as Central Railway, between 1947 and 1950. Here he obtained extensive experience in all branches of the railway engineering including singling, Permanent way, fabrication of major girder bridges in Manmad workshop, design of marshalling yards in the Chief Engineer's design office at Bombay Victoria Terminus, now known as Chhattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.

After working on various double lane constructions, he also worked for five years at Mumbai's Metropolitan Transport Project.

Before retirement he worked as Senior Workstudy Officer and was responsible for achieving considerable savings in the Central Railway.

Why this book?

Railways are the major suppliers of transportation service. Railway employees, directly or indirectly involved in this business, continue to get step-motherly treatment not only by the higher-ups but also by the public at large. Can it be imagined that a school was funded after collecting 'fine money' from the railway employees. In an inquiry, a gangman vented his anger and said "Horses have gone and now donkeys are ruling".

I think there is a need to compromise also. While many are envious of the benefits given out to railway employees (like free passes for travel) it should not be forgotten that work in all sections of infrastructure industry has its own perquisites.

It is important to take full advantage after retirement. Pension is a tonic for a long life and enjoyment. Having slogged in his youth, the railway man, after retirement, should now relax.