Passengers traveling through some smaller railway stations in the Mumbai Division of Western Railways will now have an easier time handling heavy luggage, thanks to a new service called “Porter on Call.” The service, introduced recently, is now available at Vasai Road, Vapi, and Valsad stations.

The idea is simple: travelers can now book a porter online or by phone, rather than searching for one on the spot at the station. The service is aimed especially at those traveling with elderly family members, patients, persons with disabilities, or simply lots of bags.

Let’s take a closer look at what this service is all about, how it works, and why it might make your next train journey a little smoother.

What Is ‘Porter on Call’?

Traditionally, passengers have depended on licensed sahayaks (railway porters) available at major stations to carry luggage. But smaller stations often don’t have any licensed porters, and travelers can find it hard to get help when they need it most.

This is where ‘Porter on Call’ steps in. Introduced by Mumbai Division of Western Railways, the service lets passengers book porters in advance, just like booking a cab. The porters are supplied by a private agency, trained and verified, and the cost is regulated by the Indian Railways to match existing porter charges.

“Passengers often struggle with luggage at smaller stations where no licensed sahayaks are present,” said Vineet Abhishek, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railways. “To address this gap, we’ve collaborated with a private service provider to make porters available on demand.”

Where Is It Available?

As of now, the service is live at Valsad and is in the process of being extended to Vapi and Vasai Road. These stations, while not as large as Mumbai Central or Bandra Terminus, are still major halts for long-distance trains. Yet, they lack licensed porters, making this service highly relevant for their passengers.

Notably, ‘Porter on Call’ will not be available at larger stations like Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Surat, or Udhna, where licensed porters already operate.

How Does It Work?

Booking a porter is fairly simple. There are three main ways to do it:

  1. Online Booking:
    Visit www.gofoodieonline.com/online-coolie-booking and follow the steps to book a porter for your train and station.
  2. Phone Booking:
    Call either 7229931116 or 9119222762 to reserve a porter.
  3. QR Code:
    Scan the QR code displayed at the station to access the booking portal quickly.

Once the booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a WhatsApp message with the name and contact number of the assigned porter, along with booking details.

What Does It Cost?

One of the best features of the ‘Porter on Call’ service is its transparent pricing. The cost has been capped at a maximum of ₹180, which is the same as what licensed sahayaks would charge. This helps keep pricing fair and avoids overcharging, which can sometimes happen in unregulated environments.

The fixed rate also means passengers know exactly what they’re paying upfront, removing the hassle of bargaining or confusion at the platform.

Who Can Use This Service?

This service is for anyone who needs help carrying luggage, but it’s particularly useful for:

  • Senior citizens
  • Persons with disabilities (Divyangjan)
  • Families with children
  • Patients or those with medical conditions
  • Passengers with multiple or heavy bags

The porters assigned are trained not just in luggage handling but also in offering patient and polite service to those who may need extra help.

Safety and Feedback

The porters provided under this service are trained, verified, and professional. Their contact details are shared with the passenger during booking, which adds a layer of safety and accountability.

What’s more, once the service is completed, passengers can send feedback via WhatsApp, which will help the authorities improve the quality and efficiency of the service.

Why This Matters

In today’s world, where so much is available with a click or a tap—food, cabs, tickets—it’s only logical that something as basic as luggage assistance should also be made easily accessible. Many passengers, especially at smaller railway stations, find it tough to manage bags while also navigating crowded platforms, escalators, and waiting areas.

This small but thoughtful step by the Mumbai Division of Western Railways shows how even simple improvements can go a long way in making public transport more comfortable and accessible.

Looking Ahead

While currently available at just three stations, there is potential for this service to expand to other smaller stations across the country. It could greatly benefit passengers in remote or semi-urban areas who often travel long distances and lack access to station services seen in bigger cities.

As the ‘Porter on Call’ service gains momentum, the railways may also consider more digital upgrades, such as app-based bookings, live porter tracking, or integration with train ticket booking platforms.

Conclusion

The launch of ‘Porter on Call’ is a practical, passenger-friendly initiative that adds genuine value to the Indian train travel experience. It shows how public-private partnerships can step in to fill important gaps in service, especially in areas that are often overlooked.

For passengers traveling through Vasai, Vapi, and Valsad, it’s now possible to start their journey with a little less stress—and a lot less weight to carry.

So the next time you find yourself traveling with heavy bags from one of these stations, don’t worry. Help is just a call or click away.