Passengers traveling by train often face issues with porters demanding extra money for their services. Indian Railways has set fixed rates for coolies, and any demand for more money is considered overcharging. The railway administration has warned that strict action will be taken against such porters to ensure a fair experience for all passengers.
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How can passengers report coolie overcharging
If a coolie asks for more than the government-fixed rate, passengers have several ways to complain. You can report the matter directly to the Station Master or the Chief Commercial Superintendent at the station. For a digital approach, the RailMadad portal and mobile app are available under the Station Complaint section. It is important to provide the coolie’s badge number for quick action.
- Call the railway helpline number 139.
- Send an SMS to 9717630982.
- Tag official railway accounts on Twitter/X.
- Use the RailMadad portal (railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in).
What are the penalties for overcharging
The railway authorities take overcharging seriously. Porters found guilty can face heavy fines or the complete cancellation of their license. In one instance at Hazrat Nizamuddin station, a coolie’s license was revoked, and 90% of the overcharged amount was refunded to a foreign passenger. To stop this, the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway is launching a digital booking system for coolies via an app and website to show fixed rates upfront.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Booking Cities | Prayagraj Junction, Kanpur Central, Mirzapur, Etawah, Aligarh |
| Primary Goal | Transparency in pricing and elimination of arbitrary rates |
| Payment Method | Digital payments encouraged for transparency |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fastest way to complain about a coolie?
The fastest way is to call the all-in-one railway helpline number 139 or use the RailMadad app by providing the coolie’s badge number.
Will there be an online system to book coolies?
Yes, the North Central Railway (Prayagraj division) is introducing a digital booking system via an app and website to show predetermined rates.