Amid Modernisation in Indian Railways, Traditional Porters Face Shrinking Incomes and a Bleak Future

The Hindu•Published: Oct 12, 2026 09:30 AM IST

Railway porters across Uttar Pradesh are experiencing drastically reduced daily earnings as modernization and shifting passenger habits eliminate the traditional demand for manual luggage handling. Porters report that daily bookings have plummeted to nearly zero, forcing many to abandon the profession and seek alternative livelihoods like driving electric autos or setting up tea stalls.

Modern Infrastructure Impact: Escalators, elevators, ramps, and battery-powered station vehicles have streamlined station transit, bypassing the need for manual assistance.
Wheeled Luggage Shift: The widespread adoption of wheeled suitcases and trolley bags since the early 2000s enables passengers to easily carry their own luggage.
Stalled Demands: Porters and union representatives continue calling for permanent Group-D railway absorption and basic social security benefits, citing neglected residential quarters.

The Context & Background

Since the 19th century, porters—historically known as coolies—have been an integral backbone of Indian railway operations, assisting generations of travelers with heavy luggage and parcels. However, rapid technological upgrades and station refurbishments have left these workers grappling with severe financial distress and a lack of institutional support.

Why it matters:The decline of railway porters highlights the stark human cost of rapid infrastructure modernization and consumer convenience. As traditional manual labor jobs vanish under automation and shifting technology, it raises urgent questions regarding the economic survival of informal workers and the responsibility of public institutions to provide safety nets.

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