Pune, October 20, 2026: Passengers travelling through Pune Railway Station and other Central Railway stations will no longer be able to purchase cooked food, tea or coffee from grocery kiosks operating on railway premises. Central Railway has prohibited the sale of these items as part of a move to standardise kiosk operations, improve cleanliness and enhance passenger amenities.
Central Railway has awarded contracts for grocery kiosks across its divisions under the Non-Fare Revenue (NFR) initiative to provide passengers with easy access to essential daily-use products during their journeys.
As part of the Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0, the railway administration has standardised the list of items permitted and prohibited for sale at these kiosks to ensure uniformity across stations and prevent unauthorised vending.
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What Can Passengers Buy at Grocery Kiosks?
The permitted items include essential food products, packaged beverages, snacks, personal care products and household necessities.
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1. Staples: Rice, wheat, other foodgrains, flour, pulses, lentils, edible oils, sugar, jaggery, salt, spices, masalas, dry fruits and nuts.
2. Beverages: Railway-approved brands of packaged drinking water and juices, energy drinks and soft drinks.
3. Snacks and packaged foods: Biscuits, popcorn, chips, instant noodles, ready-to-eat foods, sauces, jams and pickles.
4. Dairy and bakery products: Various dairy and bakery items.
5. Frozen and refrigerated products: Ready-to-cook snacks such as parathas, cutlets and nuggets, along with ice cream stored in medium-sized deep freezers.
6. Personal care and hygiene essentials: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, detergents, tissues, napkins, toilet paper and other hygiene products.
7. Other essentials: Baby products such as diapers, baby food and wipes, pet food and pet care products, stationery and small utility items.
Cooked Food, Tea and Coffee Not Allowed
Under the revised guidelines, cooked food items, tea and coffee are strictly prohibited from being sold at grocery kiosks on railway premises. Passengers will need to purchase these items from other authorised food outlets where available.
Central Railway has also directed kiosk operators to comply with the rules and regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and maintain cleanliness in and around their stalls. Operators must provide dustbins with garbage bags within approximately one metre of their kiosks.
Focus on Cleanliness and Passenger Convenience
According to Central Railway, the initiative aims to provide passengers with easy access to quality daily essentials, branded products and household items at reasonable prices while maintaining hygiene standards across stations.
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