Lalu-inspired earthen cup, plates return to railway stations after 15 years
new delhi — Having been elbowed out by the more utilitarian plastic and paper cups over the years at railway stations, kulhads — earthen cups — which were introduced by former railway minister Lalu Prasad 15 years ago are all set to make a comeback at catering units.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has instructed caterers at Varanasi and Rae Bareli stations to use terracotta-made kulhads, glasses and plates, according to a circular issued by the board to the chief commercial managers of Northern Railway and the North Eastern Railway.
The move will not only give passengers a refreshing experience but also provide a huge market for local potters who are struggling to make ends meet, officials said. “Zonal railways and the IRCTC are advised to take necessary action to ensure use of locally produced, environmentally savvy terracotta products like kulhads, glasses and plates for serving items to passengers through all static units at Varanasi and Rae Bareli railway stations with immediate effect so that local terracotta product manufacturers could easily market their products,” the circular stated.
The proposal had come in December last year from the chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) who had written a letter to Goyal, suggesting that these two stations be used to generate employment for potters around the area. “We have been giving potters electric wheels which have increased their productivity from
making 100 cups to around 600 cups a day. It was important to give them a market to sell their wares and generate income. With the railways agreeing to our proposal, hundred thousands of potters have now
got a readymade market,” KVIC chairman V K Saxena said. “It’s a win for all. The entire community is thankful to the railways and hopefully we can do this across its network eventually,” he said. —