Mumbai: Railways to sell masks on local trains

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Commuters on Mumbai's suburban rail network will soon be able to buy masks while on the move, with authorities clearing a plan to sell the facial shields on local trains. The railways has hired 20 salesmen for the first-of-its-kind initiative.

The disposable masks will cost between Rs 5 and Rs 7 apiece. "The selling of masks will be allowed from 11 am to 5 pm only so as to avoid inconvenience to passengers. The sales staff will have proper ID cards and might also sport a uniform. They will be on contract for a year," said a railway official.

One of the contract clauses strictly bars the salesmen from haranguing or misbehaving with commuters.

In its January 14 edition, mid-day had reported that commuters had wanted easy availability of masks and sanitisers on station premises. Travellers had suggested that masks and sanitisers be made available at stalls and food kiosks at stations.

The railways had initially mulled health ATMs, which are essentially automatic vending machines to dispense sanitisers and masks. Officials said the salesman concept on moving trains will now catch up as it can be easily implemented.