The Untold Stories and Pain Points of Coolies (Kulis, Kooleys, and Kooli) in Indian Railways

India's railway network links millions everyday across the country. But besides the much talked about travel by train, there are also wonderful yet underrated journeys made by hauling luggage. For the common passengers, those journeys have been facilitated more easily by one of the hardest working individuals ever - coolies or Kulis, Kooleys or Kooli. To most of the people, these guys go unnoticed. Here in this blog, we would really try to unravel their lives in a yet discovered segment, the pain points of their lives, and how their contribution to Indian Railways is underlying and immensely critical.

Who Are Coolies (Kulis, Kooleys, and Kooli)?

A coolie generally refer to those porters who ply their trade in the train stations carrying and wheeling heavy loads for passengers. Though the farthest reality often manifests the term, it does find place in nearly all vernaculars alike - Kuli, Kooley, Kooli. These are the often-agitated spirits at the hot venue around a railway station, but with the great social indifference to all their sufferings.

The Struggles of Coolies in Indian Railways

Coolies are often perceived as simple helpers in a railway station but economic life does not close itself. Life is not even one among them. They meet hard life every day, most of them are result of their job- demanding duty. Let's explore the painful aspects of these hard-working lives and what they feel.

1. Unpredictable Income

One of the major hurdles that Coolies face is the unpredictability of their income. They are paid per bag or trip, based on the number of passengers that require their services. This creates income fluctuation and makes it impossible for them to plan well financially. This, in turn, means tension and lack of choices for themselves and their families.

2. Lack of Job Security

Unlike salaried workers, Coolies (Kulis, Kooleys, Kooli) often lacks any kind of formal employment assurance. Many work under the railway system as independent contractors with no social benefits, pension schemes, or health insurance. In the absence of stable, guaranteed incomes, it becomes difficult to foresee one's future or think about providing for family in case of illness or misfortune.

3. Physical Strain and Health Risks

Engaging in this act of working daily really means heaves heavy running with it. To this encourage tolls on the human body like Coolies. They often suffer from long, arduous pulling and lifting, causing muscle and joint pains that can become chronic and lifelong. To make the suffering complete, safety measures are hardly available. Thus Coolies are exposed to all possible accidents occurring due to either moving or falling trains.

4. Long Working Hours and Exhaustion

Coolies often have to work for a long stretch of hours, starting very early in the morning and going on till very late at night. There is hardly any time to rest, which results in many of them becoming completely worn out and fatigued. This impact is also negative on their work and on their health in general.

5. Prejudice and Social Stigma

Most of these Coolies face all sorts of social stigma and discrimination. They are often treated because low-wage workers; sometimes, they even get misbehaved by passengers, station staff, and sometimes even their colleagues. The social stigma mentally degrade the dignity of the person and leaves them feeling marginalized.

Coolies - Role in Enhancing Passenger Experience

Despite these challenges, Coolies (Kulis, Kooleys, Kooli) have their part to play in improving the passenger experience. These people are largely ignored when they take the whole burden of carrying heavy bags from the platforms up to the trains and vice versa. They are very handy for the elderly passengers, women traveling alone, and people with large or heavy luggage. Without their presence, the entire experience of traveling by train would be a complete hassle and increase stress.

How Coolies Are Being Affected by Modernization

This has had an adverse effect on the employment of Coolies as Indian Railways soon is going to modernize its services. Some areas would be now serviced by automated systems, luggage trolleys, technology, etc., reducing manual labor demand drastically. However, this could have some possible impact for Coolies because it might not be possible for them to earn "bread and butter"- this progress made towards improvement, it is being envisioned, may lead to significantly reduced opportunities for Coolies in earning a living. Instead, it just leaves threats of job loss and displacement to add to existing adversities.

Improving the Situation for Coolies: What Needs to Change?

The call for change regarding the condition of Coolies (Kulis, Kooleys, Kooli) is urgent. Here are a few of the pointers for improving the situation:

• 1. Enhanced Wages and Benefits: Coolies deserve greater wages to compensate for the hard work they do. Giving them income more stable and predictable together with access to health care and insurance benefits would go a long way in improving the quality of life.
• 2. Job Security: Formal contracts and job security would give the Coolis some sense of stability and safeguard them from exploitation.
• 3. Health and Safety Measures: Providing them safety equipment and health insurance along ''with proper rest intervals will help prevent injuries, and improve their well-being.
• 4. Social Recognition and Respect: Awareness needs to be made of the significant role that Coolies play within the railway ecosystem. The respect for their work and appreciation for their efforts would uplift their social status.

Conclusion- The Silent Workers of Indian Railways:

Coolies Kulis Kooleys Kooli are mostly untold stories and cannot ignore their contribution in Indian Railways. They have various pain points but do an invaluable service to passengers. The time has come to acknowledge them and work toward the betterment of working conditions for coolies. Wages could improve with a little social recognition, health improvement, and safety measures, and these coolies could continue to carry passengers, dignified.