Workers of PLW are feeling harassed, ignored, and unsafe—Production effected

Admin

At Patiala Locomotive Works (#PLW), the condition of workers is becoming worse every day. The officer in charge, Principal Chief Administrative Officer (#PCAO) Rajesh Mohan, is being called the “Nawab of Patiala” by many staff members—not because of respect, but because he seems more interested in showing power than solving real problems.

Workers of PLW are feeling harassed, ignored, and unsafe. #Production is not improving, #Safety rules are not being followed properly, and the lives of workers are being put at risk.

Recently, a very sad incident happened. A re-engaged Group-D worker named #RajKumarTripathi died after falling from a #locomotive. He died on the spot.

According to one employee who spoke without revealing his name, the #accident happened because proper safety measures were not in place. If safety had been taken seriously, this life could have been saved.

Just 15-20 days before this, another #worker—Painter—from the #paint shop met with an accident and became permanently disabled. This also happened due to poor safety standards.

In another heartbreaking case, in near about 15th June 2025, a worker who was forced to retire from PLW committed suicide in the railway quarters. People say he was under extreme stress, likely because of how unfairly he was treated. This shows how deeply some employees are suffering, both physically and mentally.

To make things worse, a staff member who was elected without opposition in the #StaffCouncil election was removed unfairly based on a so-called false complaint. This has shocked many workers, as it shows that even the staff’s democratic rights are not being respected.

Because of all these incidents, there is a lot of #anger and #frustration among the workers. They feel unsafe, unheard, and helpless. All these activities are effecting production of the PLW. Instead of listening and solving worker’s problems, the top leadership of PLW is busy suppressing voices and protecting its own image.

The employees of PLW want answers from the PCAO:

  • Why are safety rules being ignored?
  • Why are workers being forced into mental stress and unsafe conditions?
  • Why are honest staff representatives being thrown out unfairly?

In addition, PCAO is using around 6 private contract labourers at their bungalow, while they have not taken the two bungalow peons permitted to them. The 16 PLW workers they were using at their bungalow earlier were returned after #Railwhispers exposed them.

It’s time for the #RailwayBoard and the #Vigilance Department to take strong and urgent action. Workers deserve respect, safety, and fair treatment. If things do not improve, more lives may be lost, and the reputation of PLW will suffer greatly.