MenstrualHygiene – Expanded Railway Initiative Improves Women’s Travel Facilities

MenstrualHygiene – Indus Towers, a leading telecom infrastructure company, has expanded access to menstrual hygiene facilities across Northern Railway stations through its corporate social responsibility initiative, Nari Samman. The program has resulted in the installation of 500 sanitary napkin vending machines at railway stations, helping women passengers access essential hygiene products during their journeys.

Large-Scale Deployment Across Key Railway Divisions

According to information released by the company, the vending machines have been installed at 175 railway stations spread across the Delhi, Firozpur, Ambala, Moradabad and Lucknow railway divisions. Designed with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the machines can be monitored remotely to ensure smooth operation and regular availability of sanitary napkins.

The initiative has already achieved significant outreach, with nearly three crore sanitary napkins distributed through the machines. The facilities provide women travellers with free and uninterrupted access to menstrual hygiene products throughout the day and night.

Part of a Wider Social Development Program

The Nari Samman initiative operates under Pragati, the flagship corporate social responsibility platform of Indus Towers. The broader program aims to improve awareness, accessibility and community engagement around important social issues while creating long-term and sustainable support systems.

By focusing on menstrual hygiene management, the project seeks to address a practical need often overlooked in public spaces while contributing to improved health awareness among women.

Supporting National Health Priorities

The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s efforts to improve menstrual health and hygiene awareness through the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme under the National Health Mission. The collaboration reinforces ongoing efforts to expand access to sanitary products and create public infrastructure that responds to the needs of women.

Officials believe such measures can play a meaningful role in improving convenience and dignity for female passengers who depend on rail services for education, employment, healthcare and daily travel.

Railway Officials Highlight Importance of Inclusive Infrastructure

Rajesh Kumar Pandey, General Manager of Northern Railways, said that Indian Railways serves millions of passengers every day, including a substantial number of women and girls. He noted that ensuring comfort, safety and dignity for female travellers remains a key priority.

He stated that the partnership with Indus Towers contributes to making railway stations more inclusive and supportive spaces for women while demonstrating how public infrastructure can deliver positive social outcomes.

Technology and Social Impact Working Together

Tejinder Kalra, Chief Operating Officer of Indus Towers Ltd., said the project demonstrates the company’s capability to deploy and manage technology-driven solutions on a large scale. He explained that the same operational standards used in telecom infrastructure are being applied to social initiatives that benefit communities.

Kalra added that integrating essential facilities into everyday public spaces helps make access easier and promotes dignity in daily life. He described the partnership with Northern Railways as an opportunity to extend these benefits across one of the country’s largest public transport networks.

Strengthening Women-Centric Facilities

The sanitary napkin vending machine project complements Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to create a safer and more comfortable travel environment for women. Alongside women-reserved coaches and improvements in station sanitation and passenger amenities, the initiative adds another important layer of support for female travellers.

The program also forms part of Indus Towers’ larger social responsibility vision, under which the company aims to positively impact more than 150 million lives by the year 2030.