Everyday Heroes: The on-ground staff that keep the Indian Railways running
Meet Mr. Ramacharya, Mr. Subhash Chand and Mr. Gita Ram from the Kalka-Shimla Railway.
The Kalka-Shimla Railway
It has been more than 160 years since the start of the railway in India and yet the romance of railways still remains intact, more so, with the undying charm of the railways in the hilly regions of India. Shimla is one such example. There are four premium services for travellers on the Kalka-Shimla Railway that promise a luxurious ride across the scenic route of Kalka-Shimla.
Shimla, the former 'summer capital' of the British Raj, is an important holiday destination for the Indians. Shimla is a popular tourist place to beat the heat or to catch snow flakes.
Ramacharya Kalka Shimla Railway
Mr. Ramacharya talks in brief about what his job is as a trackman.
Ramacharya Kalka Shimla Railway
Here he explains how they do the maintenance of rail tracks.
Ramacharya Kalka Shimla Railway
Mr. Ramacharya reveals that 'through-packing' of the railway track is his favourite part of the job.
Shubhash Chand Kalka Shimla Railway
After Mr. Ramacharya, his colleague Mr. Shubhash Chand introduces himself and explains his job as a trackman.
Subhash Chand Kalka Shimla Railway
Mr. Shubhash has come to like and respect his job, despite all the challenges he faces.
Shubhash Chand Kalka Shimla Railway
Mr. Subhash Chand takes a break from his work to sit on the rail track and relax for a bit.
Shubhash Chand Kalka Shimla Railway
A trackman's task includes everything from laying, repairing and maintaining the tracks, cleaning and checking on the track ballast, inspection and maintenance of the safety equipments.
Ramacharya Kalka Shimla Railway
As a trackman, working hard to deliver the results on time is of utmost importance for Mr. Ramacharya.
Mr. Gita Ram - Keyman
Mr. Gita Ram works as a keyman in Shimla. A keyman's job is to regularly check sections of tracks for faults, to prevent any kind of accidents.
Gita Ram Kalka Shimla Railway
Mr. Gita Ram introduces himself in this video and explains what his job is as a keyman.
Gita Ram Kalka Shimla Railway
Keymen ensure the safety of the railway and its passengers.
Gita Ram Kalka Shimla Railway
Mr. Gita Ram goes on about his day by checking the tracks.
Gita Ram Kalka Shimla Railway
He inspects the tracks near the Shimla Railway Station.
These are the tracks of the Shimla Railway Station that Mr. Gita Ram work on.
Gita Ram Kalka Shimla Railway
Mr. Gita Ram, a keyman, poses for a photograph near the Shimla Railway Station.
Gita Ram Kalka Shimla Railway
Mr. Ram takes a pause from his work to admire the beauty of Shimla.
