Soon, buy cosmetics and gadgets on express trains

MUMBAI: In a bid to increase its non-fare revenue, the Mumbai division of the Central Railways (CR) has mooted a plan to sell consumer durables, including cosmetics, onboard AC coaches of three premium outstation trains to enable passengers to shop. The cosmetic products, small gadgets such as earphones would be sold onboard trains. The tender would be floated in the next 15 days. A senior official of CR said that the successful bidder would pay a fixed amount to Railways.

Online shopping would be availed in the AC coaches of Konark Express, Chennai Express, and Ernakulam-Hazrat Nizamuddin Duronto. Passengers can purchase articles by paying by cash or through on-line transfer. A trolley would be used to showcase the articles. An official said, “A collapsing trolley would be used so that the passengers are not inconvenienced. We will provide a feel of flights to our AC commuters.”

An official said, “We hope that the passengers will enjoy and appreciate the initiative.”

Officials said, “The details of the project are being worked out. The company will tell the CR, which products can be sold onboard to passengers, after the CR examines, whether such articles are permitted or not. Accordingly, a list of articles would be finalised.”

If the initiative is successful and receives a good response, the CR will extend the service to other express trains too.

The Asian Age had reported on May 2 that the CR is tapping other sources of revenue to increase its earnings. The CR plans to get companies to advertise on its employee pay-slips, and bed-sheet envelops and napkins provided to its passengers on AC coaches. The Mumbai division of the CR is the first in the country to tap other sources of revenue. Through advertisements, CR is expected to earn Rs 1 crore annually.