Agartala, January 06, 2025: In a significant stride toward promoting local artisans and preserving cultural heritage, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully established “One Station One Product” (OSOP) outlets across 142 railway stations under its jurisdiction. This initiative, aligned with the #Vocal4Local mission, has transformed railway stations into vibrant marketplaces showcasing the rich diversity of local and indigenous crafts while empowering communities economically.
Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR Kapinjal Kishore Sharma shared, “The OSOP stalls have been instrumental in not just promoting the cultural heritage of the region but also uplifting the livelihoods of local artisans and vendors. By providing them a platform at railway stations, we are creating a sustainable ecosystem for their growth and empowerment.”
As of December 31, 2024, the OSOP outlets are operational across 142 stations in five divisions of NFR. These include 79 stalls in Assam, 43 in West Bengal, 13 in Bihar, 4 in Tripura, 2 in Arunachal Pradesh, and 1 in Nagaland. Each stall offers a unique array of handcrafted products such as Assamese pithas (rice cakes), traditional Gamosas, Jhapi hats, jute crafts, bamboo and cane artifacts, Darjeeling tea, and locally made designer jewelry, among other items.
Train passengers can now immerse themselves in the region’s cultural essence during their journey stopovers. “These stalls are more than just shops; they are a window into the rich heritage of the Northeast. Passengers can connect with the artisans’ stories through their products,” Sharma added.
The initiative has brought a ripple effect of economic upliftment for artisans. “We are seeing a transformation in the lives of many. Artisans who once struggled to find a market now have a platform to thrive,” remarked a stall owner at Guwahati station.
With its growing success, the OSOP scheme stands as a testament to NFR’s commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment, setting a benchmark for inclusive development.
