The ministry of railways has decided to give the green flag to the opening of Janaushadhi outlets across the country which will provide cheap generic drugs to the Travellers.

The step has been taken under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana which was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers, to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through special outlets.

"Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers has, in view of Railways' pan-India reach, approached ministry of railways for proliferation of such kendras over railway network. The two ministries have, in principle, agreed to set up such kendras at railway premises. Deliberations to work out the modalities between the two ministries are going on," said Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

As per current estimates , only 22 exclusive chemist stalls and 15 chemist corners are operational on the Indian Railways network.

Medicines will now be the latest to join a host of other services which are already offered by railways including books, travel items, non-prescription drugs, food etc.