The North Central Railway's Prayagraj division is exploring a new initiative to enhance passenger convenience by introducing an online booking system for porters, commonly known as coolies, at railway stations. This proposal aims to resolve persistent issues such as the difficulty in locating porters and haggling over fares, especially during busy travel seasons.
How the Proposed System Would Work
Under the plan, passengers would be able to pre-book a porter through the official railway mobile app or website, aligning with their train's schedule. Upon arrival at the station, the assigned porter would be waiting at a predetermined spot to assist with luggage. A transparent digital payment mechanism is also being developed, ensuring passengers know the fixed charges upfront and are protected from overcharging, according to a senior division officer.
Expected Benefits
The initiative is anticipated to bring greater discipline, accountability, and transparency to porter services, significantly improving the overall travel experience. It would eliminate the need for cash transactions and reduce disputes over pricing.
Initial Rollout Stations
Sources in the commercial department indicate that the proposal includes a pilot launch at key stations: Prayagraj Junction, Chheoki Railway Station, Kanpur Central, Mirzapur Railway Station, Etawah Railway Station, and Aligarh Junction. Based on feasibility and passenger response, the system could later be expanded to other stations across the division.
Current Status
Preparatory work and feasibility assessments are currently underway before a final decision is made on implementation. The railway authorities are evaluating technical requirements, porter registration, and digital payment integration to ensure a smooth rollout.
