Pakistan Railways has ended a 25-year-old contractor system for porters at Lahore Railway Station. The decision is being described as a major worker welfare reform.
Under the new system, porters will work directly under the station manager. Private contractors will no longer control their work or earnings.
The previous system involved contractors who managed porter services at the station. Porters also faced commission deductions from their earnings under the old arrangement.
The new system aims to provide greater financial transparency for railway porters. It is also expected to give workers more control over their income.
Under the revised arrangement, a porter can charge Rs. 70 per trip. The approved rate applies to luggage weighing up to 40 kilograms.
The change is expected to improve the financial position of porters. It could also provide greater dignity and independence to workers at the station.
Pakistan Railways said the new arrangement will bring porter services under direct station management. This removes the role of private contractors from the process.
The reform could also make payments easier to understand for both porters and passengers. Workers will receive the approved charges without contractor commission deductions.
The decision marks a change in a system that had continued for about 25 years. It reflects efforts to improve working conditions for railway employees and service workers.
The reform is part of wider measures linked to Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. His efforts focus on improving railway operations and worker welfare.
Pakistan Railways has been working to modernize different parts of its operations. Improving services and strengthening worker protections are among the areas receiving attention.
The end of the contractor system at Lahore Railway Station could set a new approach for porter services. It may also support similar reforms at other railway stations.
For passengers, the fixed rate provides clearer information about luggage handling charges. Porters can charge Rs. 70 for each trip involving luggage of up to 40 kilograms.
The new arrangement is expected to reduce financial uncertainty for porters. It also aims to ensure that workers benefit directly from the services they provide.
The reform has placed the station manager in charge of supervising the porters. This creates a direct administrative link between the workers and Pakistan Railways.
The move is being viewed as an important step toward worker-focused reforms. It combines changes in station management with efforts to improve porter earnings.
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The new system at Lahore Railway Station will now replace the long-running contractor arrangement. Authorities are expected to monitor its implementation as the reform takes effect.
