Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced the abolition of the contractor system for porters (coolies) at Lahore Railway Station, ending a 25-year-old arrangement that required them to pay a share of their daily earnings to private contractors.
According to Pakistan Railways Headquarters Lahore, the decision will allow porters to work directly under the supervision of the Station Manager instead of contractors. A formal notification in this regard has been issued by the Lahore Railway Division.
Under the previous system, coolies were forced to give a portion of their earnings to contractors in exchange for being allowed to work at the station. The move aims to eliminate financial exploitation and ensure fair wages for workers.
Officials said the new system is expected to increase the income of porters and improve their working conditions. The Railway administration will now be responsible for maintaining discipline, issuing work permits, and ensuring uniform service standards.
The decision has been widely welcomed by porter unions, who described it as a long-awaited step towards restoring the dignity and rights of railway labor.
Government sources stated that similar reforms may soon be introduced in other major railway stations across the country as part of broader labor welfare initiatives under the Railways Ministry.
