Long time coming: Railway porters to get trolleys

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Railways (PR) has finally decided to provide small and big trolleys to porters in order to aid them carry load at railway stations, said officials in the Ministry of Railways.

The porters would get Rs50 for carrying a load of up to 40kg for each round and the trolleys would also feature a built-in lock system. Pakistan Railways has been considering changing the century-old culture; now they would not have to carry the luggage over their heads, added the officials.

Moreover, Pakistan Railways would allow 10 holidays per year for porters, without any deduction from the salary.  They will now wear green shalwar kameez along with a cap, displaying the logo of Pakistan Railways. The contractor providing the uniform will get 30% money from the porter’s salary.

Porters carry heavy loads and guide people about the departure and arrival timings of trains but have been forced to carry luggage without the aid of trolleys, unlike the system at airports. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2016.

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