Tirupati to be first station for “One Station One Product”

March 15, 2022 Rail News

The Concept of “One station o­ne Product” has been announced by Union Government while presenting the recent budget (2022-23) in the Parliament.

  • The main objective of the concept is to make each railway station a promotional hub and showcase destination for a local product, thereby giving a major boost to local industries by providing enhanced livelihood and welfare of local artisans, potters, weavers/handloom weavers, Tribals, etc. 
  • The stations will act as a marketing channel in the form of an earmarked stall through which the local product distinct to the particular area will be sold.
  • The Railway Stations by their very nature of having huge footfalls are mass contact areas offering huge potential for marketing any product. 
  • Under this concept, earmarked space will be provided at the station platforms for setting up of stalls for marketing and promotion of local food items, handicrafts, artifacts, handlooms, local toys, leather products, garments, traditional appliances, instruments, processed / semi-processed food items etc, which are distinct to a particular area.
  • Accordingly, Railway Board has advised to identify o­ne station o­n each Zonal Railway for implementation of this novel concept, initially as a pilot project for a period of 15 days. 
  • As such, Tirupati Railway station o­n South Central Railways has been identified as the first station o­n the Zone for implementation of this “One station o­ne Product” concept o­n pilot basis for a period of 15 days, starting from 25th of March 2022.
  • Tirupati Railway station is the nearest alighting point to reach the world-famous Lord Balaji Temple and witnesses regular flow of rail passengers across all parts of the nation. 
  • The surrounding areas of the Tirupati station are famous for Kalamkari art and textiles. Accordingly, the station has been identified for promoting “Kalamkari Sarees and Textiles”. 
  • In addition, multiple products can also be showcased / sold at the station, if the products are indigenous to that area, such as Wood Crafting products, etc.

Important points with regard to setting up of stall are:

  • Stalls will be allotted o­n payment of nominal registration fee of Rs.500/- approximately per day.
  • Temporary stall structures would be erected by the Railways and sufficient water and electricity connection will be provided for the pilot project free of cost.
  • Stall / kiosk will be set up in the areas, which are easily accessible to boarding/alighting at the station.
  • Significantly, sale to transit passengers while in train will also be allowed in identified trains/ routes.
  • Station entry authority (Identity Card to the vendors) will be given by Station Superintendent clearly indicating name of the authorized vendor, product name and duration in order to ensure no unauthorized entry.
  • A badge will be given to the authorized vendors of these stalls clearly indicating “One Station o­ne Product” scheme.
  • The sellers to whom the stalls are allotted may carry out platform vending and also be allowed to sell o­n trains till the next stopping station o­n proper travel authority.
  • Digital Payments: As part of Digital India Concept, payments in digital mode will be encouraged.
  • Allotment of stalls: The Identification of artisans/Potters/craftsmen /craftswomen / weavers would be done through local Self-Help Groups (SHG), NGOs, Co-operatives dealing with the identified products. In addition, interested parties may submit their applications to Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager, Guntakal with their product details.
  • In case large number of applications are received, allotment will be done through Open lottery/ Public draw system o­nly.
  • On this occasion, Shri Sanjeev Kishore, General Manager, SCR appealed to the artisans/ Craftsmen especially those who are expertise in Kalamkari Sarees, Local textiles, Wood Crafting, etc and hailing from in-and-around Tirupati area to utilize this unique opportunity provided by Indian Railways for promoting and spreading their Art & Skills throughout the nation, besides marketing their product by exploring to new areas at the new avenues.

Source: South Central Railway- Press Release