In a bid to promote local and indigenous products, the Ministry of Railway has launched the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme. The scheme is in line with the Government of India’s ‘Vocal for Local’ vision. It aims to create additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of the society. The pilot of the scheme was started on March 25, 2022 and as on November 21, more than 1000 railway stations are covered.
In this context, the Central Railway (CR) zone deserves special mention. Till November 21, a total of 79 OSOP outlets were operational at 74 railway stations across the zone which include five divisions – Mumbai, Bhusawal, Nagpur, Solapur and Pune Division. These OSOP stalls have been designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad for uniformity throughout Indian Railways.
Revenue earnings through OSOP scheme:-
The revenue of Rs 2.46 crore has been earned by various registered OSOP beneficiaries till now in the Central Railway zone from where 61 diverse locally popular products are being sold.
Significance of OSOP scheme:-
‘One Station One Product’ scheme is specific to that place and includes artefacts made by indigenous tribes, handlooms by local weavers, handicrafts like world-famous wood carving, Chikankari and Zari-Zardozi work on clothes. It also includes spices, tea, coffee and other processed and semi-processed food items or products indigenously grown in that particular area.
List of few stations with products at OSOP outlets:-
Under the OSOP scheme, the outlets are selling various products at railway stations which include Banana, Grapes, papad, pickles at Ahmednagar; Sambarvadi at Badnera; leather products at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai; homemade agarbatti, Dhoop, soap, phenyl at Chinchwad; leather products at Churchgate; and Khadi products at Goregaon.
It also include seasonal fruits and food products like Papaya, Grapes, Apples, pickles, papad etc. at Igatpuri; handmade Kolhapuri Chappal at Kolhapur; Wooden Toys at Kankavli and Kudal; Chikki and fudge products at Lonavala; and Paithani sarees at Nashik Road.
The OSOP products includes Lord Vitthal idols, Kumkum, Agarbatti and other Puja items at Pandharpur; bamboo products at Nagpur; textiles and handlooms at Parel; handmade purse bags (made from paper and cloth) at Pimpri; and Kandi Pedha at Satara. In addition, the other products which are being sold are – Papad at Shegaon; Solapuri Chaddar, bedsheets and towels at Solapur; Warli art and craft at Vapi and Borivali; soft toys at Vasai Road and Nalasopara etc.