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Introduction: Who is a Coolie?
In India, a “coolie” refers to the railway porter—a person dressed in red uniform, usually with a brass armband, who helps passengers carry their luggage in exchange for a fee. You’ve likely seen them at railway platforms, balancing bags on their heads, skillfully navigating crowds, and even guiding lost travelers.
More than just laborers, coolies are:
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Lifesavers for senior citizens and solo women travelers
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Unofficial guides who know every coach and platform
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Real-time porters for last-minute train changes
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Symbols of Indian resilience, hard work, and grassroots service
The word “coolie” may have colonial roots, but in India, it has become a title of pride for those who keep the chaotic railway system running smoothly for crores of people daily.
1. Origin of the Word “Coolie” and Historical Background
The word “coolie” has evolved from various etymological roots:
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It possibly comes from the Tamil word “kuli”, meaning wages.
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It may also originate from the Hindi/Urdu “kuli”, meaning hired laborer.
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During British rule, “coolie” was used to describe unskilled Indian and Chinese laborers.
In India, the railway system was established by the British in the 1850s. As train travel grew, the need for manual baggage handlers at stations emerged. Thus, the role of the railway coolie was institutionalized—recognizable by their red shirts, assigned armbands, and station-based licenses.
Over time, these porters formed a distinct occupational class, often working for decades in the same station, with their children eventually joining the same trade.
2. A Day in the Life of a Coolie
Despite automation and modernization, the daily routine of a coolie in 2025 is largely the same as it was decades ago:
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Wake up early, usually around 4–5 a.m.
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Report to the Station Master or coolie union leader for attendance.
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Begin work carrying luggage, guiding passengers, and helping them board trains.
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Often work 12–14 hour shifts without formal breaks.
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Earnings depend on passenger tips or fixed rates (usually ₹100–₹200 per customer).
Coolies operate in extreme weather, during holiday rushes, and often without guaranteed incomes. Yet, they are among the most visible and essential workers in the public transportation ecosystem.
3. Coolies in Indian Pop Culture
Coolies have been glorified in Indian films, most notably in the iconic 1983 Bollywood film Coolie, where Amitabh Bachchan played a porter who stood up against injustice. The film was:
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A box-office superhit
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Famous for Amitabh’s near-fatal injury on set
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A tribute to the working class
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Responsible for turning the red shirt into a symbol of heroism
In 2025, Varun Dhawan’s remake of Coolie is generating buzz for its fresh take on the character—a porter who becomes a social media sensation after exposing railway corruption.
Coolies have also been referenced in TV serials, literature, and songs as hardworking yet humorous characters, capturing the everyday Indian spirit.
4. Challenges Faced by Coolies Today
Despite their historical and cultural significance, railway porters face many modern-day challenges:
a) No Fixed Income
Coolies are not salaried workers. Their earnings are entirely based on demand and tips, making their income unpredictable and seasonal.
b) No Social Security
Until recently, most coolies had no access to insurance, pensions, or retirement plans. Even medical emergencies often went uncared for.
c) Physical Strain
The job involves heavy lifting, constant movement, and long hours, which take a toll on the back, knees, and shoulders.
d) Digital Obsolescence
As more travelers opt for trolleys or use app-based cab services, many porters face a drop in demand, especially in bigger stations.
5. Government Reforms and Welfare in 2025
Today, as part of Indian Railways’ ‘Coolie Samman Yojana 2025’, the government has initiated several relief measures:
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Health Insurance Cover of ₹5 lakh per family
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Pension schemes for senior porters above the age of 60
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Access to free physiotherapy at zonal railway hospitals
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Training sessions on basic digital skills and mobile payments
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Uniform subsidies and updated ID cards for better recognition
This is the first comprehensive welfare plan aimed at uplifting the porter community, recognizing them as frontline workers of Indian mobility.
6. Coolie Numbers and Locations in India
As of 2025:
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India has over 30,000 licensed coolies across 7,000+ railway stations.
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Major stations like New Delhi, Mumbai CST, Chennai Central, and Howrah have 300–700 porters each.
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Smaller stations typically have 15–40 porters, many of whom work part-time.
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Porters are assigned ID numbers and attached to specific platforms or zones.
States with the highest number of porters include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar.
7. Technology Meets Tradition: Smart Coolies
In 2025, efforts are being made to modernize coolies without replacing them. Some advancements include:
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QR Code Badges for digital tips via UPI
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Mobile Booking Apps, where passengers can pre-book a coolie before reaching the station
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Smart Trolleys handled by porters for extra convenience
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E-learnings on body posture and lifting techniques to reduce injury
The aim is to make the coolie experience seamless and safe, both for the customer and the worker.
8. Women in the Coolie Profession
Though rare, women coolies are making their presence felt, especially in Eastern India and parts of Kerala. These women often break social barriers, balancing motherhood and hard labor.
In 2024, Seema Sahoo from Jhansi became India’s first woman porter to receive a national honor for service excellence. Her story has inspired other women to step into this male-dominated field.
Today, there are over 200 women coolies across Indian Railways, and the numbers are steadily rising.
9. Coolies and the Indian Economy
While they might seem like individual freelancers, coolies contribute significantly to the unorganized labor economy:
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Enable faster train boarding, especially for aged and disabled passengers
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Reduce lost luggage incidents
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Offer emergency evacuation support during train delays and disasters
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Represent a low-carbon, human-powered logistic service
Their total annual economic contribution is estimated to be around ₹700 crore, if all services and indirect benefits are accounted for.
10. What the Future Holds for Coolies in India
As India moves towards smart stations and high-speed trains, coolies are expected to:
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Play roles as customer support assistants
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Work with automated baggage systems
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Undergo certification programs for formal recognition
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Be part of inclusive station redesigns, where physical labor is balanced with digital support
The goal is not to phase them out, but to redefine their role in a way that respects their legacy and adapts to modern needs.
Conclusion: Respecting the Hands That Lift Our Journeys
The next time you see a coolie at a station, remember you’re looking at someone who’s carried not just luggage but generations of Indian travel dreams—from new marriages to job interviews, from medical trips to family reunions.
These men and women have worked through floods, strikes, heatwaves, and festivals, always ready with a strong back and a helpful smile.
In 2025, as India celebrates a modern, digitized, and connected future, let’s also celebrate the coolie—a timeless symbol of dignity in labor and the human spirit’s unbreakable will.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the role of a coolie in India? A coolie is a licensed railway porter who helps passengers carry their luggage at railway stations for a fee. They are essential to the Indian rail ecosystem.
Q2. How does one become a licensed coolie? Interested applicants apply through the Station Master or the respective railway division. They must pass physical fitness tests and background checks.
Q3. Are coolies employed by the government? Coolies are not government employees. They operate on a license system under Indian Railways and earn money through passenger service.
Q4. What are the average earnings of a coolie in 2025? Earnings vary by location and footfall. On average, a coolie earns between ₹500–₹1200 per day, especially during holiday seasons or festivals.
Q5. Are there women working as coolies? Yes. As of 2025, over 200 women are working as licensed coolies in India, breaking gender stereotypes and contributing equally to the profession. | 
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