Amid modernisation in railways, porters face shrinking income, bleak future

Since the inception of railways in India in the 19th century, porters have assisted passengers with luggage and parcels, forming an integral part of station operations. | Photo Credit: PTI

Railway porters at stations across Uttar Pradesh say their daily earnings have declined substantially as passengers increasingly utilise wheeled suitcases, elevators, escalators, and battery-powered vehicles to move their luggage, forcing them to explore alternative employment opportunities.

“I have worked as coolie for over 12 years, and my father was also in the same profession for over 40-years. But now, I am planning to purchase an electric auto to make ends meet, as porter work no longer provides enough income to sustain a family of four. Demand has fallen sharply as younger generations of passengers increasingly use wheeled luggage, escalators, elevators, ramps, and battery-powered vehicles. When I started working, 3-4 passengers used to avail my service everyday, helping me to earn over ₹600 daily. After 12 years, however, it has become difficult to find even one passenger a day. My income reduced by 50% amid rising inflation,” said Umesh Maurya, a porter at Lucknow’s Charbagh Railway Station, one of the largest railway stations in U.P.