IRCTC launches tab-operated automatic vending machines

In a first of its kind, tab-operated automatic vending machines (AVMs) have been installed by IRCTC in Coimbatore – Bengaluru Uday Express which was flagged off on June 8, from Coimbatore Junction by Minister of State for Railways – Rajen Gohain.

The AVM’s current inventory includes tea/coffee, aerated drinks, canned juices, and chips packets.

According to the release, the functioning of the AVM includes choosing an item from the list, which is then added to the cart and once the payment is done it automatically drops off the dispenser. Hot beverages like tea/coffee pour out of the spout of the machine.

At present only the AVM only accepts cash payments which in days-to-come will include cashless transactions too.

Last week, the IRCTC launched its trial run of environment-friendly, bagasse-based food packaging on eight select Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains originating from New Delhi. The IRCTC will now use bagasse — the fibrous remains after extracting sugarcane juice — to make disposable cutlery and containers, in which meals will be served. The railways aims to introduce the bagasse-based packaging on all the Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duranto trains in the coming months.