Now buy rice and essentials at railway stations: Grocery shops coming soon

Kannur: After getting off the train, passengers can now buy rice and other essentials. For this, grocery shops are coming to railway stations. Tenders have been invited to open grocery shops at Mangaluru Junction, Nilambur Road, Koyilandy, Mahe, Kanhangad, Tirur and Kuttippuram stations.

This is part of an initiative to introduce a variety of enterprises at railway stations for the convenience of passengers. Except for Mangaluru Junction, the other six stations will also have photocopy (photostat) machines.

Railways are also planning to set up meeting halls on vacant land at the stations. The initiative will first be implemented at Shoranur and Pollachi. These can be used for private events by paying rent.

Massage chairs are being introduced at seven stations, including Mangaluru Junction and Thalassery. Tenders have been invited to open footwear shops at 12 stations, including Kasaragod, Tirur and Shoranur.

Stationery and gift shops will be set up at nine stations, including Kannur, Mahe and Feroke. Mobile phone stores will be opened at eight stations, including Kanhangad, Nilambur Road and Parappanangadi.

Tenders have been invited for a scheme to rent out electric two-wheelers at 17 stations, including Kannur, Payyannur, Mahe and Thalassery.

ATM machines have been installed at stations including Kannur. A total of 18 stations from Mangaluru Central to Palakkad will have ATMs installed.

Tenders have been invited for ice cream parlours at 13 stations. These have already started on the platforms at Kannur and Vadakara.