Kolkata, Aug 17 (IANS) The Howrah Division of Eastern Railway (ER) organised a special event at Howrah station to recognise the role of the registered porters, also called sahayaks, who help in carrying passengers’ luggage to and from trains.
Shoes, food packets and bottles of soft drinks were distributed among the Sahayaks as a gesture of appreciation for their dedicated service to passengers.
The programme recognised their important role in assisting elderly, differently-abled and other passengers, particularly with luggage, at one of the busiest railway stations in the country.
The Lions Club also partnered in the event.
Umesh Rai, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development of West Bengal, was present at the occasion along with Vishal Kapoor, Divisional Railway Manager of Howrah Division, and other officials.
“The initiative was proposed by the commercial department of Howrah Division with the objective of extending welfare support and recognition to Sahayaks, who are an important part of the passenger assistance ecosystem at Howrah railway station. The Division appreciated the association with the Lions Club of India, whose support helped translate the welfare initiative into a meaningful gesture for the frontline workers,” a senior official said.
Those present at the occasion appreciated the dedicated services rendered by the sahayaks and acknowledged their continuous efforts to facilitate passengers.
The Sahayaks also expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful initiative and support extended to them.
“This token of appreciation will inspire these men to work harder to help passengers. The programme reflects Howrah Division’s continued commitment towards passenger welfare, social responsibility and the well-being of frontline service personnel,” the official added.
The sahayaks are not railway employees but there is a system of registration to ensure the safety of passengers’ luggage.
Many of the sahayaks are from states like Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and some of them have been doing this work for generations.
In the past, the Railways has taken some welfare measures for them. They now have a dedicated rest area in Howrah station.
–IANS
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