Nagpur: Passengers travelling by Central Railway will soon be able to buy daily-use grocery items, personal care products and packaged food at railway stations, with grocery kiosks set to be introduced across all five divisions — Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Bhusawal and Nagpur.




However, cooked food, tea and coffee will not be allowed at these kiosks. The railway has standardised the list of permitted and prohibited items to ensure uniformity and prevent unauthorised vending. The initiative is also part of the Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0 .




The initiative was first introduced on an experimental basis in the Nagpur division , with kiosks set up at Chandrapur and Pandhurna stations around a year ago.




Nagpur railway station is expected to get a similar facility after its ongoing redevelopment work is completed. “We will also have an auction for Nagpur station and may contemplate such a facility for Ajni too,” said senior divisional commercial manager, Central Railway, Nagpur division, Aman Mittal.




Following the initial rollout, Central Railway has now awarded contracts for grocery kiosks at stations and railway premises under its Non-Fare Revenue scheme .




The kiosks will offer a range of daily necessities, including rice, wheat, flour, pulses, edible oils, sugar, salt, spices and dry fruits, said sources. Packaged drinking water, juices, soft drinks, biscuits, chips, instant noodles, ready-to-eat food, sauces, jams and pickles will also be available. Dairy products, bakery items and selected frozen snacks will also be permitted.




Passengers will also be able to buy personal care and hygiene products like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, detergent, tissues and sanitary napkins. Baby care products, pet food, stationery and small utility items will be among the other permitted goods.




Vendors will have to comply with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ( FSSAI ) rules wherever applicable and maintain cleanliness inside and around their stalls.




“Dustbins with garbage bags must be placed within one metre of each kiosk,” said an official.




The facility is expected to help passengers buy branded products and household essentials without leaving station premises. “Besides improving convenience, the move is aimed at generating additional revenue for the Railways through commercial facilities that cater to passengers’ everyday needs,” said Central Railway officials.