Indian Railways has introduced a significant facility for women travelers to make their journey more comfortable and dignified. Under the Nari Samman initiative, free sanitary napkins are now being provided at 175 railway stations. This project is a result of a partnership between Northern Railway and Indus Towers.
Which stations have these machines and how many are installed?
The facility has been rolled out across the Delhi, Firozpur, Ambala, Moradabad, and Lucknow divisions. A total of 500 IoT-enabled vending machines have been installed across 175 stations. These machines operate 24/7 to ensure that women passengers have access to hygiene products at any time of the day or night.
What is the impact and scale of the Nari Samman project?
This initiative is part of the Pragati CSR program by Indus Towers and aligns with the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme of the National Health Mission. The scale of the project is significant, with data showing the distribution of approximately 3 crore (30 million) sanitary napkins so far. The use of IoT technology helps in managing the supply and maintenance of the machines efficiently.
What do the officials say about this facility?
General Manager of Northern Railway, Shri Rajesh Kumar Pandey, stated that ensuring the safety and dignity of the millions of women and girls who travel daily is a priority for the railways. Similarly, Tejinder Kalra, COO of Indus Towers Limited, mentioned that providing easy access to these essentials in busy railway areas makes dignity a part of daily life for women.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many sanitary napkins have been distributed through these machines?
As of June 23, 2026, approximately 3 crore (30 million) sanitary napkins have been distributed to women passengers through the installed machines.
Which railway divisions are covered under this initiative?
The facility is currently available across the Delhi, Firozpur, Ambala, Moradabad, and Lucknow divisions of Northern Railway.