Bengaluru: Railway employees make masks, provide free food to the needy

Christin Mathew Philip | TNN | Updated: Apr 8, 2020, 10:04 IST

I Jayaramesh and his children

BENGALURU: Deepa T, a 33-year-old employee of the Bengaluru division of South Western Railway (SWR), has stitched more than 450 masks in nine days while working from home. Contributing her mite to the mitigation of Covid-19 crisis, she also maintains data on the health of 740 coaches at her depot, given that railway freight services have been kept operational to ensure there’s no disruption in supply of essentials.
“I read in the newspapers about the severe shortage of masks our healthcare professionals are facing,” said Deepa, who works as carriage and wagon assistant at Yeshwantpur coaching depot. She added: “When senior officers asked on our WhatsApp group if anyone wanted to volunteer for mask-making, I was more than happy to.”
“I’m not an expert but I have a sewing machine at home so I thought of using it for this purpose,” the MSc holder said. Deepa, who joined Indian Railways in 2013, said she’s ready to keep going till April 14 and as long as she has sufficient material. “This is the time we all should be united and help healthcare workers fight this pandemic,” she said.
Deepa’s work schedule involves updating Coach Maintenance History Card (MHC) of 740 coaches in the Yeshwantpur coaching depot. The card contains records of maintenance schedules, history of the coach since it was placed in service and gives details of all major repairs, including changes in wheels and bogies.
She’s among several employees involved in making masks besides attending official duties. I Jayaramesh, chief loco inspector, Bengaluru division, and his family members have made 500 masks so far. He joined the railways in 1999.
“I am what I am because of the railways. It’s my responsibility to serve the nation as well as its people during this time of crisis. My family decided to pitch in with masks. I have also distributed several food kits to the needy,” he said.
Jayant Ramachandran, senior divisional mechanical engineer, Bengaluru division, said employees of both KSR Bengaluru City and Yeshwantpur coaching depots have made around 2,000 masks so far. “Many of them are working from home and contributing to this cause,” he said.