Central Railway Bans Cooked Food at Station Grocery Kiosks
Central Railway has officially introduced new guidelines for grocery (Kirana) kiosks operating at railway stations under its jurisdiction. These updated regulations, announced as part of the 'Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0,' explicitly prohibit the sale of cooked food, tea, and coffee at these specific outlets.
New Guidelines to Enhance Hygiene and Standardize Vending
The policy change aims to standardize how vending is conducted across the network while significantly improving hygiene and passenger convenience. According to Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, the move is also intended to curb unauthorized sales on railway premises.
What Can Be Sold at Grocery Kiosks?
While hot meals and beverages like tea and coffee are now restricted, kiosk operators are permitted to sell a wide range of packaged and essential goods. The approved inventory includes:
- Staples and Pantry Essentials: Rice, wheat, pulses, flour, edible oils, sugar, salt, spices, and dry fruits.
- Packaged Beverages: Railway-approved packaged drinking water, juices, energy drinks, and soft drinks.
- Packaged Snacks: Biscuits, popcorn, chips, instant noodles, ready-to-eat products, sauces, jams, and pickles.
- Dairy and Bakery: Various dairy products and bakery items.
- Frozen Items: Ready-to-cook frozen goods such as parathas, cutlets, and nuggets, as well as ice cream stored in medium-sized deep freezers.
- Non-Food Essentials: Personal care and hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, detergent, tissues, etc.), baby care items, pet food, stationery, and small utility goods.
Strict Compliance and Cleanliness Standards
To maintain the standards set by the Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0, operators must follow rigorous cleanliness protocols. All kiosks are required to provide dustbins equipped with garbage bags within approximately one meter of their stall. Additionally, all operators must remain in full compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations.
These grocery kiosks were established under Central Railway’s Non-Fare Revenue (NFR) initiative, which was designed to provide passengers with essential daily-use items at reasonable rates.