Soon buy cosmetics/ fashion jewellery onboard popular trains

Kochi: Forget standard pantry cars and mundane train journeys. Commuters in Kerala will soon be able to browse the latest cosmetics, shop for fashion jewellery or pick up a last-minute gift right from their train seats.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Thiruvananthapuram railway division is set to introduce premium on-board retail opportunities, breaking its food-only vending tradition.

Passengers travelling on popular services, including Venad Express, both Janshatabdi Express (via Alappuzha and Kottayam) and the flagship Vande Bharat trains, will soon see sleek branded trolleys rolling down the aisles. However, instead of just tea and snacks, these mobile showcases will feature a curated mix of fashion jewellery, cosmetics, mobile and laptop accessories, stationery, gift and curio items, and travel essentials like neck pillows.

“The e-auction for the commercial rights will be held on June 23 via the Indian Railway Electronic. Procurement System (IREPS) portal. However, the successful vendors could sell the products only in the Thiruvananthapuram- Thrissur section,” a senior railway official said.

The shopping spree isn’t restricted to trains. Major railway stations are simultaneously being transformed into vibrant commercial hubs. A wave of new station outlets, including dedicated mobile shops, stationery stores, perfume/attar boutiques and personal care outlets are also set to come.

Cosmetics and personal care shops will come up at Aluva, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Nagercoil Jn stations.

“The items permitted for sale include skin care products, hair care products, makeup products, bath and body care products, men’s grooming products, beauty accessories, imitation/ fashion jewellery, fragrances and perfume,” the official added.

Mobile outlets too will be set up in the platforms at Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur and Nagercoil Junction, while the stationery stores will come up at Ernakulam Junction, Thrissur, Changanassery, Chalakudy and Nagercoil Junction. Two mobile-cum stationery outlets are being planned in Wadakkanchery and Chengannur.

To complement the retail blitz, Southern Railway is also planning to set up premium, prepaid air-conditioned waiting lounges on island platforms, apart from the main platforms of stations.

The cool glass cubicles will debut on the island platforms of Ernakulam Town and Aluva alongside Thiruvananthapuram Central. Commuters will have to pay Rs 30 to avail the service. If they are ready to pay an additional nominal fee, then they sink into premium recliners and watch upcoming film trailers in cool comfort while listening to their boarding announcements.