A sudden strike by loco running staff of the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union late Thursday night disrupted train services in Madurai, leading to the detention of Train No. 22668 Coimbatore–Nagercoil Express for over 30 minutes.
The protest erupted after two loco pilots operating goods trains were reportedly forced to continue duty beyond the 9-hour legal limit, working 9 hours and 30 minutes. When they refused to proceed, both were immediately suspended.
Union leaders, citing a recent agreement with divisional authorities to end extended working hours, condemned the suspension as a violation of trust. In solidarity, other loco pilots reported sick and applied for medical leave, causing a shortage of available crew.
The situation escalated when union members gathered at the crew booking office. Talks dragged on for hours before the impasse was resolved. The strike was called off only after the suspension orders were revoked.
Railway officials are expected to review crew management protocols following the incident.