Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) Indian Railways is planning to introduce trolleys at railway stations to reduce the physical stress of porters, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said Thursday.
‘I am considering introducing the scheme where the porters will be given trolleys so that they don’t have to carry huge luggage on their head.’
‘If the porters are provided with the trolleys like those found in airports, they will be able to carry more luggage with less effort and so they will be able to earn more at one go. If I can provide such trolleys to even 10,000 porters, then the family members of 10,000 porters will benefit,’ she said.
‘I have named the scheme Railsevak. But I am yet to finalise two-three issues regarding the scheme. I think the scheme will be finalised soon,’ Banerjee said while laying the foundation stone of a double line between Princeep Ghat and Tala station of the Eastern Railway.
Once the Rs.150-crore track doubling project is complete, the passenger carrying capacity on the route will be increased four-fold.
Banerjee also said that she has cleared the ‘Sukhi Grihokan’ scheme, a health scheme for porters and vendors and guaranteed voluntary retirement scheme for the employees of the safety departments like gateman, gangman etc.
Under the guaranteed voluntary retirement scheme, the security staff can take voluntary retirement on grounds of ill-health five to ten years before their scheduled retirement and their next of kin will be hired.
Later, Banerjee also laid the foundation stone of a nursing school at Garden Reach.
