The apple juice retailers run by the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Marketing Processing Corporation Limited (HPMC) at railway stations are set to turn into the factor of the previous.
Though 11 HPMC retailers have been functioning in railway stations within the Southern Railway’s Chennai division final yr, they’re down to 3 now they usually too are dealing with closure. “The licence has not been renewed and we have sent representations and are keeping our fingers crossed,” says HPMC (a Himachal Pradesh govt. enterprise) salesman A. Achan Kunju, who manages the retailers in Chennai Beach and Tambaram stations. The outlet in Egmore might shut in August.
When contacted, B. Guganesan, Chief Public Relations Officer, Southern Railway, stated: “Contract for HPMC stalls were awarded by Chennai division. They were given the benefit of dies non during the pandemic. They are not eligible for renewal now as HPMC is a corporation, not co-operative society. Now fruit and fruit juice stalls will be set up in the place of HPMC stalls with the aim of providing more choice to passengers, especially in the light of growing awareness about healthy eating habits.”
R. Kasthuri, who frequently makes use of the Chennai Fort and Nungambakkam stations, remembers the chilled cups of juices she would have at these retailers. Another common commuter on the Chennai Beach–Tambaram route K. Thirumalai says, “The apple juice here was known for their quality and affordability, which cost ₹10 a cup. Many people have so many sentimental memories of the juice.”
Former HPMC’s Regional Manager (Southern Region) V.C. Jaya Kumar says, “HPMC has been part of commuters’ lives. We hope the Railways considers this request and extend the HPMC presence on railway stations across the country.”
Source: www.thehindu.com
