A day in the life of a Pointsman

“Pointsman” belongs to Traffic branch of the Indian Railways. Pointsmen are posted in all the Railway stations, except Halt Stations, of the Indian Railway network and works under the lawful orders of a Station Master on duty. Pointsmen and Pointswomen play a crucial role in safe running of trains and contributes to overall efficiency of operations.

Pointsman in a station, clad in neat and clean Grey uniform, performs varieties of functions in his/her duty hours. The word Pointsman majorly indicates one of the important duties assigned to him. ‘Point’ in Railway parlance refers to the arrangements provided in the track to divert a train from one line to another and they help in guiding trains to the assigned platforms at stations and guide trains out of platform to assigned lines for further journey towards its route. The primary role of a pointsman is to ensure proper cleaning of such points in the station yard with the help of lubricants for its smooth operations.

Wherever there are points which are non-interlocked, i.e., where points are not controlled by Station Master and where points have to be physically set, the role of pointsman is even more significant.

When a train passes through a station, the Station master and pointsman keenly watch for any abnormalities in the running of the train. The station Master remains on one side of the train and the pointsman moves to other side so that both can watch over either side of the train that is passing through the station. The pointsman without blinking his eyes keenly observes the passing of the train with green flag on left hand and red flag on right hand, being the dominant hand.
As the train passes, an alert Pointsman vigilantly observes and registers abnormalities like hot axle (fire/smoke/abnormal sound), whether the wheels are rotating properly, couplings are intact, hanging parts or open doors, if any, etc. The Pointsman also ensures that the Loco Pilot and Guard are alert, if anyone travels over rooftop or clings to footboard precariously. On noticing of any abnormality in running and where the train need to be stopped immediately the pointsman raises the red flag. Where no such abnormalities is noticed the pointsman remains in his position and exchange signal called ‘All right’ signals with the crew of the passing train.

Pointsman remains focused, agile and alert throughout his duty hours. They acquire the requisite technical skills through proper on-the-job training. Many Pointsmen have nurtured their skills and become Shunting masters, Guards and Station Masters through departmental selections. Indian Railways takes pride in Pointsmen for their commendable dedication to duty in making the wheels of the Nation move relentlessly.