* It is an effort by IR to reduce its manpower & simplify the work procedure but it need changed style of working by IR personnel. Such steps are essential to ensure financial viability of IR in future.
* The issues raised by union seems to be genuine. But it would be better if suggestions are provided to solve the probable problems, instead of opposing the move altogether. There can be innovative solutions like providing lockers in guard van where the detonators can be kept and guards do not have to carry them home.
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IR is very badly reeling under extremely high manpower cost. All IR personnel should be positive and cooperative in the genuine cost cutting measures being taken by IR. The era of having age old work procedures, having peon(s) for officer for office as well as at home, posting helpers to carry files etc is not going to last long.
* If IR is not able to reduce its manpower cost thru work simplification/ computerization/ automation etc, IR may have no option but to go for large scale privatisation of its operation and maintenance. In a decade or so, India is likely to be flooded with electric-hybrid cars/buses with very low operating costs like just 1-2 Rs per k.m. and people may not be ready to pay high IR fares, the traffic shall shift more and more to road and air.
* In that case, IR shall have no other operation but to give sections of IR track maintenance and train operations on contract to private companies who shall be entrusted to reduce the manpower cost of IR. Contract system have been successfully implemented in road, telecom, steel etc sectors and may be successful in railway sector also.