Motormen’s Mental Health in Focus

Motormen operating on the Western suburban railway network participated in an emotional and mental well-being workshop organised by NGO Project Mumbai in collaboration with the Divisional Railway Manager, Western Railway.

The session, titled ‘Manaswin,’ aimed at addressing stress reduction and coping mechanisms for motormen facing various challenges in their line of work. During the workshop, which saw the participation of 60 motormen, key concerns were raised regarding coping mechanisms to combat drowsiness while on duty, maintaining proper sleep hygiene, and dealing with the emotional trauma associated with witnessing fatalities on the tracks. Motormen shared their experiences of grappling with feelings of guilt when encountering incidents of suicide and frustration arising from last-minute leave cancellations.

The initiative underscores the significance of prioritising the mental and emotional well-being of railway personnel, particularly those operating in high-stress environments. By providing a platform for motormen to openly discuss their challenges and seek support, the workshop contributes to fostering a culture of empathy and support within the railway community. Efforts such as these not only acknowledge the unique psychological challenges faced by frontline workers but also emphasise the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to address mental health concerns in the workplace. As railway networks continue to play a vital role in urban transportation, initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of railway personnel are essential for ensuring safe and efficient operations. Project Mumbai’s CEO and founder Shishir Joshi said: “Mumbai region of WR has close to 600 motormen whose principal role is to drive the local trains, and stress-prone job being the face of ensuring timely movement every day.”