Tea and coffee will continue to be available at existing stalls at Pune railway station despite Central Railway’s decision to prohibit grocery kiosks from selling fresh tea, coffee and cooked food. The restriction applies specifically to grocery kiosks operating at railway stations and premises under the railway’s non-fare revenue model.
The revised rules were announced on October 19 as part of Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0. Central Railway said the standardised list of permitted and prohibited products is intended to prevent unauthorised vending, improve hygiene and create uniformity across its divisions.
Hemant Kumar Behera, Divisional Commercial Manager and Public Relations Officer of the Pune Railway Division, said existing tea and coffee stalls would continue to operate. “The existing stalls that cater to tea and coffee have been running as usual to serve passengers, while the restriction is particularly for grocery kiosks,” he told The Indian Express.
Behera added that no new grocery kiosks had so far been introduced at Pune railway station, although planning for them was underway. The clarification separates the proposed or existing grocery-kiosk category from dedicated food and beverage stalls, which are governed through different commercial arrangements.
Under the revised list, grocery kiosks may sell staples such as rice, wheat, flour, pulses, edible oil, sugar, salt, spices and dry fruits. Packaged items such as biscuits, chips, popcorn, instant noodles, ready-to-eat food, sauces, jams and pickles are also permitted.
The permitted list includes packaged drinking water and railway-approved beverages, including juices, energy drinks, soft drinks and dairy products. Bakery products, ice cream and ready-to-cook frozen items such as parathas, cutlets and nuggets may also be sold.
Central Railway has additionally allowed grocery kiosks to stock personal-care and hygiene products, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, detergents, tissues, napkins and toilet paper. Baby products such as diapers, baby food and wipes, along with pet food, stationery and small utility items, are also included.
The railway has directed kiosk operators to follow Food Safety and Standards Authority of India regulations and maintain cleanliness inside and around their stalls. Operators must also place dustbins with garbage bags near each kiosk.
Central Railway said the standardisation is intended to give passengers access to daily essentials and household products at reasonable rates while maintaining consistent hygiene standards. The commercial facilities are also part of the railway’s effort to strengthen non-fare revenue from station premises. At Pune station, the next development will depend on the railway’s ongoing planning for the introduction of grocery kiosks.
