‘Happy Nari’: Indian Railways Sets Up Vending Machines For Sanitary Napkins At Bhubaneswar Railway Station

In order to ensure easy access to sanitary napkins for women passengers, Indian Railways installed its second ‘Happy Nari’ vending machine at the Bhubaneswar railway station in Odisha, reports Zee Business. The vending machine was installed by the East Coast Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation (ECoRWWO) in the second class ladies waiting room. Passengers can now purchase a sanitary napkin for Rs 5 by inserting a coin into the machine.

The first ‘Happy Nari’ vending machine was installed at Bhopal Junction in January this year.

The cost of installation – Rs 16,000 – would be borne entirely by the ECoRWWO.

ECorWWO President Madhulika Singh told reporters that the aim was to provide a comfortable and dignified commute to women passengers.

The previous machine at Bhopal was set up and made available for passengers on 1 January this year by the Railway Women Welfare Association and a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Aarushi. Due to the favourable response received, the machine – which can hold 75 napkins at a time – is usually refilled eight to nine times, dispensing close to 600 napkins a day.