India, Feb. 28 -- In a first, the Central Railway (CR) has appointed licenced vendors who can sell goods in local trains - in both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches -- on its Harbour line. The initiative took effect a week ago. Vendors however are not allowed to sell food articles on the CSMT-Panvel route, and the most common items on sale are trinkets and hair accessories.

The move comes as commuters have raised concerns about the recent spate of accidents leading to deaths from overcrowding in local trains. Miffed rail passenger associations are now seeking an audience with CR's Divisional Railway Manager (Mumbai) Hiresh Mina for clarification about the latest initiative.

"We have called the DRM and sought information on...