One Stn, One Product: CR to give ‘platform’ to local artisans

In a push to Centre’s initiatives like vocal for local and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Central Railway (CR) has identified 15 stations on the Mumbai Division for chugging the concept of ‘One Station, One Product’. The idea is to give a speedy push to the local artisans and engage them with large potential buyers so as to financially-empower local talent. Designated places for promotion and sale at these stations will be allotted on a first come, first serve basis which shall be decided by the first week of May.

The 15 stations chosen for ‘One Station, One Product’ include CSMT, Byculla, Parel, Dadar Sion, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Bhandup, Mulund, Thane, Kalyan, Ambernath, Badlapur, Lonavala, Igatpuri and Panvel, informed senior rail officials. The initiative revolves around opening up the railway premises for artisans, people with specialized skills, craftsmen, handloom weavers, potters and tribals who hold valid government issued ID cards, registered with selfhelp groups and micro enterprises.

“The whole idea is that these artisans having skillsets can sell their products and produce at railway stations that will be provided space to setup business,” said a senior rail official.

Some of the products that will be available for sale are leather products, craft jewellery, textile goods, handloom items, bamboo and decorative items, jute bags, stone and paper art products, chikki, fudge, seasonal fruits and processed food. Each station has been allotted with individual products that will be sold. The CR authorities have also extended the project’s ambit till the railway stations of Kolhapur, Burhanpur, Solapur and Nagpur.