Railways has started taking strict action against porters who charge more than the fixed fare for carrying luggage from passengers. Northern Railway has suddenly intensified the investigation of licensed porters. Railways says that if any complaint is received from a passenger about taking more money than the fixed fare, then action will be taken against the porter. Let us tell you that the fixed fare for a porter to carry 20 kg luggage at New Delhi Railway Station is Rs 140.
Recently, in a special investigation conducted at New Delhi, Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar terminals, many porters were caught demanding and taking money more than the fixed fare. A total of 13 such cases came to light during investigation. Railways has clearly said that any complaint of arbitrarily charging more money from passengers will not be tolerated.
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Cases of demanding more money came to light
A licensed porter at Anand Vihar Terminal was caught taking more money than a passenger. He first asked for Rs 800 and later finalized the deal for Rs 500. The porter also took Rs 500, whereas the fixed fee was only Rs 230. There were cases of passengers being charged Rs 300 and Rs 250 for 20 kg luggage at New Delhi Railway Station, whereas the fixed fee was Rs 140. At Delhi Railway Station also, five porters were found charging more than the fixed amount of Rs 280 for two pieces of luggage. In these cases, Rs 300 to Rs 500 were recovered from the passengers.
Cases of many porters taking excess money were also reported at Hazrat Nizamuddin station. In some cases, porters were found bargaining with passengers for arbitrary money and taking payment through UPI or QR code. One porter did not have identity card, while another refused to identify himself.
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Badge will be confiscated, may also be removed from duty
Railways has taken these matters seriously. Action is being taken to confiscate the badges of the porters concerned and remove them from duty. Further departmental action will be taken against those who violate the rules and conditions of the license. Railways says that the purpose of this campaign is not just to punish the porters but also to stop the trend of overcharging the passengers. The surprise check has also increased the confidence among the passengers that the Railways is taking action on their complaints.
Investigation will continue in the entire Northern Railway
This testing campaign will continue in all the divisions and major railway stations of Northern Railway. Railway teams will conduct surprise inspections and also investigate passengers' complaints. Strict action will be taken against porters who violate the fixed fare or license conditions.
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Railways has appealed to the passengers to pay only the fixed fare for carrying the goods. If a porter asks for excessive money or misbehaves, a complaint can be made through Rail Aid. It will be helpful to mention the name of the station, porter's badge number and information related to the incident in the complaint.