The All India Guards Council has announced nationwide protests against the Railway Board’s decision to replace traditional iron trunks, known as line boxes, with trolley bags. These iron trunks, weighing over 20 kg, are essential for guards and loco pilots, containing railway norms, equipment, and personal belongings. The Railway Board’s push to replace them with trolley bags has sparked safety concerns among railway workers.
Planned Demonstrations on September 11
The Guards’ union plans to hold a massive dharna on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in front of lobbies, Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) offices, and General Managers’ offices across various railway zones. D. Biswas, General Secretary of the All India Guards Council, stated that the Delhi High Court had directed the Ministry of Railways to address all representations from the Council before making any changes. However, he claims that divisions and zones are moving forward with the replacement, which he considers a violation of the court order.
The Railway Board first proposed replacing iron trunks with trolley bags in 2006, but implementation faced strong opposition from guards and loco pilots. Despite a successful trial in Northern and South Central Railways, the move was challenged in court, delaying its full adoption.
The Guards’ union argues that replacing iron trunks with trolley bags poses safety risks, particularly concerning the secure storage of detonators used during train operations. They demand that the existing line boxes remain in use or that an alternative, like in-built boxes in the guard’s cabin, be considered.