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.

Shimla Railway Station (2018-03-24)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.

RamacharyaKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Ramacharya and Mr. Shubhash Chand - Trackmen

Mr. Ramacharya and Mr. Shubhash Chand are colleagues and work as trackmen in Shimla. A trackman maintains the tracks and other items of the railroad. 

RamacharyaKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Ramacharya talks in brief about what his job is as a trackman.

RamacharyaKalka Shimla Railway

Here he explains how they do the maintenance of rail tracks.

RamacharyaKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Ramacharya reveals that 'through-packing' of the railway track is his favourite part of the job.

Shubhash ChandKalka Shimla Railway

After Mr. Ramacharya, his colleague Mr. Shubhash Chand introduces himself and explains his job as a trackman.

Subhash ChandKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Shubhash has come to like and respect his job, despite all the challenges he faces.

Shubhash ChandKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Subhash Chand takes a break from his work to sit on the rail track and relax for a bit.

Shubhash ChandKalka 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.

RamacharyaKalka Shimla Railway

As a trackman, working hard to deliver the results on time is of utmost importance for Mr. Ramacharya.

Gita RamKalka Shimla Railway

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 RamKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Gita Ram introduces himself in this video and explains what his job is as a keyman.

Gita RamKalka Shimla Railway

Keymen ensure the safety of the railway and its passengers.

Gita RamKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Gita Ram goes on about his day by checking the tracks.

Gita RamKalka 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 RamKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Gita Ram, a keyman, poses for a photograph near the Shimla Railway Station.

Gita RamKalka Shimla Railway

Mr. Ram takes a pause from his work to admire the beauty of Shimla.

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