Central Railway services are likely to be affected on Friday as 558 motormen affiliated to the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS) have handed over a letter to the authorities that they would not do any overtime from August 10. As per the preliminary information sent by the trade union, 149 train trips are currently running without drivers. The protest is being organized against the compulsory retirement of motormen who pass a red signal. Railway officials said they are discussing the issue with the motormen and negotiations have been on and that the problem would be resolved by late night.

"There is a vacancy of 229 motormen on the Central Railway and an existing lot of motormen are working under immense stress. It would be unfair to make them work extra and hence a decision has been taken that the motormen will not put in extra hours since it may compromise safety," Amit Bhatnagar, CRMS Vice-President Amit Bhatnagar said.