West Midlands Railway Worker honoured for 50 Years of Service

A West Midlands railway worker has received a long-service award to mark 50 years of service at Birmingham New Street railway station, with the 70-year-old saying he has no plans to stop yet.

Harjinder Dhami, also known as Paul, marked the milestone after half a century working across the railway network in roles spanning cleaning, operations and train dispatch.

He started his career on June 14, 1976, as a carriage cleaner at Tyseley, later working as a shunter driver in Nuneaton and on routes between Lichfield and Redditch, and Kidderminster and Stratford-upon-Avon.

In 1990, he joined Birmingham New Street as a chargeman, taking responsibility for preparing trains.

He was later promoted to platform supervisor.

Commenting on his career, Mr Dhami said:

“It’s the best decision I have ever made; it’s given me and my family a life we couldn’t have envisaged.

“I came over from India and I needed and wanted to get a job. The railway was advertising and I applied.

“My wife and I are so proud of our three daughters who all got to university.

“The railway has given us all that, and I have always been grateful by working hard by ensuring I do my job to the best of my ability every minute of every shift.”

Mr Dhami now works part-time as a train dispatcher.

He meets trains arriving at the station and makes sure they leave safely and on time, sending passengers on their journeys from the busiest station outside of London.

Over the years, Mr Dhami has safely sent hundreds of thousands of trains on their way to destinations all over Great Britain.

Fraser Pithie, station operations manager at Birmingham New Street, praised his contribution over five decades.

He said:

“Paul is a hugely respected member of the team and is known for his professionalism and strong presence on the platform.”

“He makes sure trains are dispatched safely and on time, and has always been a strong advocate for safety and high standards.

“His dedication to the railway, to passengers and to his colleagues over 50 years is a fantastic achievement.

“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with him.”