Central Railway to Launch Grocery Kiosks Across Five Divisions
Passengers on Central Railway will soon access grocery items at stations with new kiosks, enhancing convenience and revenue.
Grocery kiosks will be introduced at all five divisions of Central Railway.
Cooked food and beverages like tea and coffee will not be sold at these kiosks.
The initiative aims to improve passenger convenience and generate additional revenue.
In a significant move to enhance passenger convenience, Central Railway is set to introduce grocery kiosks at railway stations across its five divisions: Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Bhusawal, and Nagpur. This initiative will allow travelers to purchase daily-use grocery items, personal care products, and packaged food directly at the stations, streamlining access to essential goods.
The introduction of these kiosks follows a successful pilot program in the Nagpur division, where similar facilities were launched at Chandrapur and Pandhurna stations approximately a year ago. The rollout aims to standardize the offerings across all divisions, with a clear list of permitted items to prevent unauthorized vending. Notably, cooked food, tea, and coffee will not be available for sale at these kiosks, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Central Railway has now awarded contracts for the establishment of these kiosks as part of its Non-Fare Revenue scheme. The kiosks will stock a variety of essential items, including rice, wheat, flour, pulses, edible oils, sugar, and spices, as well as packaged drinks, snacks, and personal care products. This diverse range is designed to meet the everyday needs of passengers, allowing them to shop conveniently without leaving the station premises.
The initiative is also aligned with the Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0, emphasizing cleanliness and hygiene at the kiosks. Vendors will be required to adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and maintain cleanliness around their stalls. Officials have mandated that dustbins with garbage bags be placed within one meter of each kiosk to promote a clean environment.
Looking ahead, the Nagpur railway station is expected to receive similar facilities once its redevelopment is completed. Central Railway officials have indicated that they may also consider auctioning kiosks at Ajni station. This initiative not only aims to improve passenger convenience but also seeks to generate additional revenue for the Railways through commercial facilities that cater to everyday needs.
