Ajay Singh, divisional secretary of Western Railway’s Mazdoor Union, listed the alleged vacancies. “Forty-one are at Dadar section, three at Andheri and 71 at Borivali,” he said. “Administration figures cite a surplus of 105 at Bhayandar section. Actually there is none; two additional lines were laid and the Railway Board created 178 additional posts.”

A gangman’s career leaves him a gangman all his life. He cannot get a promotion beyond cadre, though he may be called a keyman, mate or flagman. In rare cases, after departmental exams, they are promoted to permanent way inspectors (now called section engineers). Most never get quarters.

Then there is domestic work. “It is our destiny to wash the clothes of officials and their families , and escort their children to school and back. If we don’t obey them, they mistreat us,” said Devi Prasad (name changed). He is a graduate.

“If you want a rest, then work at the bungalow. We have to be always at hand for such service,” said Makhan Lal (name changed), who joined the railways two years ago.

“In CR, after a gangman dies, his family does not get the Rs 10,000 ex gratia it is entitled to,” said a gangman.

According to CP Sharma, Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Division, “I am not aware of gangmen doing domestic work. Their duty should be on the tracks.”