Railway employees based in Bhagalpur are expressing strong dissatisfaction over being sent to Godda station to manage operations. The Eastern Railway Men’s Union (ERMU) recently organized a large demonstration at the Bhagalpur Coaching Depot to protest this arrangement. Currently, workers from the Carriage and Wagon (C&W) and Electrical departments are being deployed to Godda because the station does not have its own sanctioned staff strength. This has led to protests under the banner ‘Save Railways – Save Country’ as workers demand a permanent solution.
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Why Are Bhagalpur Staff Being Sent to Godda?
The main issue is the lack of dedicated personnel at Godda station. Although the station is operational, it relies heavily on borrowed staff from Bhagalpur for day-to-day functions. Major trains like the Godda-New Delhi Humsafar Express and the Godda-Tatanagar Express are currently brought to the Bhagalpur Coaching Depot for their primary maintenance. This arrangement puts extra pressure on the existing workforce in Bhagalpur.
There is a significant infrastructure update regarding this situation. The General Manager of Eastern Railway has set a strict deadline of April 2026 for the completion and operationalization of a new pit line at Godda. Once this pit line is ready, maintenance work can happen locally, but until then, the reliance on Bhagalpur remains high.
Union Demands and Worker Concerns
During the protest, union members formed a human chain to voice their concerns. Branch Secretary Chandan Kumar stated that the current method of working is affecting the rights of employees. The union has submitted a formal demand to the Malda Division to create new permanent posts specifically for Godda station. They argue that recruiting dedicated staff is the only sustainable way to run the station without overburdening Bhagalpur employees.
The protesters also highlighted broader labor issues. They are calling for the withdrawal of four new labor codes, which they claim promote a contract system and limit the right to strike. The union also criticized the new rule requiring 51% of votes for trade union recognition, viewing it as an attempt to weaken organized labor.
New Railway Projects in the Region
While the staff shortage is a pressing issue, the railway infrastructure in the region continues to grow. Recent updates show significant investment in new rail lines.
- New Line Project: Tenders valued at approximately ₹531.23 crore have been issued for the Godda-Mahagama rail line.
- Project Scope: This work is part of the larger Pirpainti-Jasidih project which aims to improve connectivity.
- Maintenance Goals: Administration is focusing on meeting the April 2026 deadline for the Godda pit line to ensure quality maintenance without compromise.