Title - Now, Konkan rly passengers can shop during their journey

Passengers travelling on Konkan Railway (KR) will be able to shop on trains from February 14. To begin with, this facility has been introduced on two trains.
    This unique service was enjoyed up till now only by air travellers or through e-shopping. Now, Konkan Railway passengers can also enjoy the pleasure of shopping right from their train seat during the journey.
    KR’s chief public relations officer Siddheshwar Telugu said, “We want to provide better customer services with shopping facilties on board Konkankanya and Mandovi Express.”
    KR said products sold on the trains will be attractive and of utility to the passengers. Ava Merchandising Solutions Pvt Ltd has been authorized to sell various products at discounted and competitive rates to the passengers.
    The merchandiser has been allowed to sell products like watches, portable music system, neck band MP3 player, designer jewellery sets, handbags, multimedia speakers, spy pen with video recorder, portable battery pack, car inverter, sunglasses and trendy toys.
    KR said the items would be on sale during the journey between Mangaon and Madgaon stations.
    However, Shailesh Goyal, member, National Rail User’s Consultative Committee, criticized the move. “It is a wrong decision as this could cause inconvenience to many passengers, who want to travel peacefully. The railways’ job is to run the train on time. Dispute will arise if the products bought are found to be defective. The authorities will then have to spend time to attend to this dispute, which would be a waste of resources.”
    Roy Jacob, another passenger, said, “This should not be allowed as this is not what passengers want. We want better services like clean toilets, better linen and good quality catering.”
    Shalini Singh, another passenger, said, “It is a good initiative as many people forget to make important purchases before boarding a train. I don’t mind if the products like battery or mobile chargers, which are of use, are sold. In fact, the railway should also allow sale of over-the-counter drugs or medical products as many people fall ill during a train journey and may require medication.”