Soon, There’ll Be Vending Machines And The Option To Pay For Food With Cards At Mumbai Stations

Back in late 2016, we told you about the IRCTC’s plans to install ‘pizza ATMs’ at Mumbai’s railway stations. While we’re still waiting for those to make their station-wide appearance, we have another bit of news; the Indian Railways are looking to install automatic vending machines (AVMs) at all suburban stations in Mumbai. Additionally, you’ll soon be able to pay for food from street stalls using a credit or debit card.

The Vending Machine Plan

Vending machines are already popular across the world as they allow customers to feed in a certain amount of money and receive packaged food in return. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation is looking at installing these machines at B-D grade stations in Mumbai to both offer convenience and more hygienic fare to travellers.

“We will call for tenders soon,” said a railway official to the Mid-Day.

The machines will stock chips, bottled drinks and biscuits.

Going Digital

Additionally, railway officials recently announced a plan to allow travellers to pay for food at stalls using debit or credit cards.

The railways have issued a Catering Policy 2017, where all food purchases at stations will have to billed. Food sellers will have to offer both card swiping options and computerised billing.