Vendors At Indian Railway Platforms : Now An Extinct Species - Thanks To Railway's New Policy Initiatives

Remember your childhood days.

During sixties and seventies, we used to eagerly wait for our summer vacation and Christmas-New Year holidays, these were the only two occasions when family could plan an outing. The vacation or holiday in those days meant spending quality time at Nana-Nani's or Dada Dadi's place or a short trip to a pilgrim place. Journey to a tourist destination was a  sheer luxury.  Most of these journeys were performed  by train. Believe me, train journeys of those days were great fun. Almost each next stop used to be a foodie destination and  known for the distinct flavor and taste. People still love to rub shoulder to shoulder at Hapur station for Papad, Mathura for Peda, Agra for Petha, Sandeela for Motichoor Ladoo packed in Handiya, Gajrola for Kheer, Nagina for Chai, Ambala for Kulcha Chola, the list is endless. 

But this time,  when I traveled from Bombay to Ludhiana it was a shocking experience for me. At most of the stations, the traditional Khomchewalas, the traditional vendors were missing. They were replaced by famous food chains serving Continental, South Indian, Mughlai food. The items served at different stations were no different. I do not know precisely whose idea is behind replacing traditional  food vendor with multi cuisine chains but it will gradually kill the city or region based food flavor and also deprive job opportunities to hundred thousand  individuals.

When asked, one railway official gave me these arguments in favor of food courts replacing the vendors :

1. There is no control over the quality of vendors.
2. They do not follow basic hygiene
3. They occupy the walk way area on the platform thus obstruct the movement of passengers.
4. Indian passenger's taste has changed drastically over the years , the food courts will cater that need. 
5. Food Chains are capable to maintain consistency in taste, flavor across the length and breadth of country.    

We will examine these issues in detail.

Indian Railway is  more than a  century old organisation, where checks and control system for each segment were painstakingly designed and is in place. As my Dad was also in railways, I know that there is a food safety department  to keep an eye  and  control over the vendors, in my childhood days we lived in the periphery of railway station, the vendors were even subjected to regular health check-ups. If it is felt that required food quality is not maintained, the Railway authorities are equally to be blamed. Instead of  tightening the checks and  controls,  removing the vendors from the system is the bad idea. 

You blame that vendors occupy the walkway space of platforms thus inconvenience to passengers, again who is to be blamed ? They are the licensed  and authorized vendors, ear-mark suitable space, who stops you to do that.

Yes, the taste of passengers has definitely changed, who stops you to add high end food courts, but it should not be at the cost of vendors  selling the local flavors.

 I agree that food court culture has helped  to improve the quality of hygiene and also created certain service standard. Perfect. Educate the vendors to gradually follow those standards instead of removing them from the scene.

But if you closely read the menu cards of the food courts, you will immediately understand reason of removing individual vendors, if they will be allowed to sell the stuff, which is obviously at a much lower tariff than who will go any buy from the food courts ?