For speedy promo of local products, CR lays track for ‘One Station, One Product’

No doubt, the railway journeys are nostalgic and now they will become more so, as you might carry along a souvenir bought from a station where you got down to have a cup of tea. In a push for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local initiatives, the Central Railway (CR) has launched ‘One Station, One Product’ at five railway stations, including CSMT, Kolhapur, Burhanpur, Solapur and Nagpur.

"To provide enhanced livelihood and welfare for local artisans, potters, handloom weavers and tribals, ‘One Station, One Product’ policy was announced during this year’s union budget. The policy aims to promote a local product from each stop of the Indian Railway by making the railway station of that area a promotional and sales hub for the product,” explained the CR officials.

Under the initiative, launched as a pilot project, a stall selling leather products made in Dharavi was launched on Saturday at the CSMT which comes under the Mumbai division.

"'Hamlog sansthan from Dharavi has been allotted the stall for 15 days from April 9," said the stall operator, adding, “we are producing leather products like purses and handbags under the brand of Khadi Gramodyog. The products’ quality control is being done by Khadi and Villages industry commision."

Similarly, Kolhapuri chappals are at sale at the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus of Pune Division, local handicrafts are being sold at the Burhanpur station in Bhusaval Division, while Solapuri textiles are up for grab at the Solapur Station. And, bamboo products are being promoted at Nagpur station where the project got a head start as it began on March 25.

"Interestingly, the Nagpur station was one of the first among 16 stations to launch this pilot project,” mentioned CR chief PRO Shivaji Sutar.

"Initially, the scheme of promoting local products under ‘One Station, One Product’ will be underway for 15 days. The railways would provide infrastructure and other assistance for the sale of the products at the station to encourage local artisans to promote indigenous products and crafts" said a CR official who is monitoring the scheme.