India's floating supermarket is a big hit

In the sylvan backwaters of India's southern state of Kerala, a floating supermarket is making waves. Touted as the first of its kind in India, the Floating Triveni calls at various ports, stacked with some 2,000 items of groceries and provisions.

Among its cargo are rice, grains and cereals, and stationery and toiletries. More than a million people are in the path of the floating mart which is a big hit with the customers. It can accommodate 20 customers plus eight crew members at any given time.


Photos from here.

The vessel sets off every morning at 8am and replenishments are done during the night halt.

The unique service was launched on 7 June by Consumerfed (Kerala State Consumer Cooperative Federation), which manages the government-backed retail cooperative societies.



The idea of a floating barge first met with a lot of scepticism because many feared it would be commercially unviable.

Officials say the business will be expanded soon and the vessel will also deliver home appliances like washing machine or fridge to those who place an order in advance. It will also have a computer room where children can play games.