Tue Nov 05 16:29:30 UTC 2024: ## Kerala CM Demands Compensation and Safety Measures for Railway Workers After Fatal Accidents

**Thiruvananthapuram, November 5, 2024:** Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called on the Union Railway Ministry to provide adequate compensation to the families of five sanitation workers who died in recent rail-related accidents in the state. The Chief Minister has also urged the Ministry to implement strict safety measures for contract workers employed by the Railways.

In the latest incident, four sanitation workers, including two women, from Tamil Nadu lost their lives when they were struck by the Thiruvananthapuram-bound Kerala Express on November 2nd while collecting garbage from the railway track near the Shoranur railway station. They were reportedly unaware of the approaching train, indicating a lack of safety training.

Earlier this year, another temporary sanitation worker employed by a railway contractor drowned while cleaning the Amayizhanjan Canal in Thiruvananthapuram.

In a letter addressed to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Chief Minister expressed his deep concern over these incidents, highlighting the need for stricter safety protocols for contract workers. “These unfortunate incidents reveal that essential safety precautions are not being adhered to by the persons who engage workers on contract,” stated Mr. Vijayan.

Following the recent accident, Southern Railways has terminated the contract of the company responsible for cleaning railway tracks and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹1 lakh to the families of the victims. However, Mr. Vijayan insists that these measures are inadequate and has demanded further action to ensure the safety of all railway workers.

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