Railway Modernisation Leaves Porters Jobless: 'Lifts and Suitcases Wiped Out Our Livelihood'

Indian Railways' extensive modernisation over the past 15 years, which has introduced lifts, escalators, and other passenger amenities at stations across the country, has led to a severe decline in demand for traditional porters, according to a porter in Uttar Pradesh. The porter told The Hindu that the new infrastructure, combined with the widespread use of wheeled suitcases, has 'practically wiped out' their job, leaving them with shrinking incomes and a bleak future.

The modernisation drive, aimed at improving passenger convenience and station efficiency, has seen the installation of thousands of lifts and escalators, and the proliferation of wheeled luggage has reduced the need for manual carrying services. Porters, who have long been a fixture at Indian railway stations, now face a stark choice: adapt to new roles or exit the profession. Official data on the number of licensed porters and their current earnings was not immediately available, but the porter's account underscores a broader trend of technological displacement in the informal sector.

The plight of porters raises questions about the social impact of infrastructure development and whether adequate retraining or alternative livelihood programmes are in place. As Indian Railways continues its modernisation, the government and railway authorities may face growing pressure to address the human cost of progress. The next steps could include policy interventions to support displaced workers, but no official response has been issued yet.