'He saved lives, but I lost my son'

Motorman's family in shock; blame rescue process. Say Rs 5 lakh and a job can't compensate for loss

Motorman's family in shock; blame rescue process. Say Rs 5 lakh and a job can't compensate for loss

A day after the train mishap, the deceased motorman R Ramchandran's father supported his son's bravery in saving the lives of hundreds, but was unable to control his tears. "He saved many lives, but I lost my son," said Ramchandran, mourning his son's sudden death.

Motorman R Ramchandran with his father, daughter, wife, mother and younger brother

It has been a day since five-year-old Nityashri saw her father Ramchandran, fondly called Ramu. Nityashri is unaware of her father's death. After hearing about the accident from railway officials at around 11 am on Friday, Ramu's younger brother Ashok left Nityashri with their close friend and went to receive his dead brother's body along with other members of the family.

"Ramu's death has been a shock to our entire family. We have already faced the media on Friday at Thane civil hospital. Now we wish to cremate my brother in peace," said Ashok.

Ramu's 80-year-old diabetic father was shaken when senior officials from Kalyan railway station came to console him. "They have promised me Rs 5 lakh and a place for my daughter-inu2013law Varadalakshmi in the railways. But is all this enough? My son died because of lack of management at the accident spot to rescue him." Ramu's mother has not left her grief-stricken daughter-in-law's side since the news.

An experienced motorman running Mumbai locals for the past eight years, Ramu was well known for his quick wit. Many society friends recall his jokes. Sachin Khojurvekar, one of his colony friends, said, "We used to celebrate New Year's Eve in our colony and he used to head our group. Ramu always had some humorous ideas to entertain us. He was one of the first residents, so everyone knew him well."

Ramu lived along with his parents and younger brother in a ground floor flat. One of his colleagues described him as an experienced motorman. "He had completed 23 years of railway service and for last eight years, he was posted at Kalyan. He had the perfect presence of mind. That is why he tried his best to reduce the effects of the collision," said fellow motorman K Chavan.

The motorman's funeral was crowded, with many colleagues, family and friends who came to bid him goodbye.