Porter charges NRI Rs 10,000 for free wheelchair service at Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, license revoked permanently

A porter’s license at Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station has been revoked after he charged an outrageous Rs 10,000 from a non-resident Indian (NRI) passenger for providing wheelchair assistance and baggage handling. The incident, which took place on December 28, came to public attention when the passenger’s daughter, Payel, lodged a formal complaint with the Railways. He discovered that wheelchair assistance at railway stations is a complex service, prompting the authorities to take swift action.

After an inquiry, the Railways took prompt action, ensuring that the porter returned ₹9,000 to the affected family and permanently revoked his badge. Northern Railways reiterated its commitment to passenger welfare, emphasizing a “zero tolerance policy” towards such misconduct.

Payel, a native of Gujarat currently residing in London, was traveling with her parents, Ritesh and Sandhya, and her husband, Samuel. The family arrived in Delhi on December 21 and planned to visit Agra on December 28. At Hazrat Nizamuddin station, the porter asked for Rs 10,000 to help Payel’s elderly father, Ritesh, with a wheelchair and to carry his luggage to the platform.

During his tour of Agra, which included a visit to the Taj Mahal, Payel discussed the incident with Anil Sharma, secretary of the Prepaid Auto Taxi Drivers Union. Sharma informed him that wheelchair assistance at railway stations is a complex service and the porters are only allowed to charge nominal fees for additional activities.

Worried by this revelation, Payel and her husband reported the incident to the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Agra Cantt station. Acting swiftly, the GRP coordinated with their counterparts at Hazrat Nizamuddin station to investigate the matter. CCTV footage helped identify the porter, who was later ordered to refund ₹9,000 to the family.

Northern Railways promptly addressed the issue by permanently revoking the porter’s teaching as a disciplinary action. In a statement, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Delhi expressed regret over the matter, reaffirming the Railways’ dedication to the safety and convenience of passengers.

“This incident tarnishes the image of the Railways and erodes the confidence of passengers. We have a zero tolerance policy for such misconduct and will take strict action against those found guilty,” the DRM said.

The Railways have also encouraged passengers to report complaints immediately by contacting the helpline number 139, ensuring speedy resolution of such issues.

The railway administration reiterated its commitment to the welfare of passengers and urged travelers to remain vigilant against such incidents. “We urge all passengers to immediately report any problem, which allows us to solve it immediately and maintain the trust they place in us,” emphasized the DRM.