Railways launch wearable tea vending gadget

The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has launched an innovative wearable vending system to replace the tea served from kettles on moving trains. The system is set to improve hygiene and passenger service.

Each 5 litre insulated can can serve about 35 passengers at a time. Once refilled, the vendor can serve an entire coach in one round.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra launched the pilot initiative on the AP Express, coinciding with the Bhogi-Sankranti festival.

Mr. Bohra said: “This is the first-of-its kind gadget, and aims to deliver tastier, hotter and hygienic beverages to passengers while ensuring ease of operation for vendors. We will monitor passenger feedback on the AP Express and based on responses further improvements will be made before extending the system to more trains.”

Traditionally, tea and coffee were carried in cans held by hand, which is unappealing and raises hygiene concerns. The wearable gadget features an insulated thermos container. Tea and coffee packets are neatly stored in one pocket, while disposable cups are kept in another, leaving both hands of the vendor free for smooth movement and safe service.

The gadget also includes a dedicated pocket for the safe disposal of used sachets and waste generated during vending, making the process cleaner and more environment-friendly. To further enhance passenger convenience, a QR code has been integrated into the gadget, enabling digital payments and ensuring a completely hassle-free experience.

The new system not only looks appealing but is also hygienic, as the equipment cannot be placed on the floor, seats or other unhygienic surfaces, which was common in earlier practices. The insulated container helps in maintaining higher temperature for longer duration, thereby preserving the taste and quality of tea, coffee, soup, milk and noodles being served.