Vending

Indian state plans sanitary pad vending machines at public sites

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October 7, 2026

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The Indian state of Keralam is introducing sanitary pad vending machines at public locations to improve access to menstrual hygiene products for women and girls traveling through the state, according to a Deccan Herald report.

The Women and Child Development Department's WOMN initiative, short for Women on the Move & Menstrual Needs, is scheduled to launch Oct. 6 as part of the government's 100-day action program.

The pilot will place vending machines and incinerators at 14 Kerala State Road Transport Corp. terminals and depots. Each package will contain three pads and cost approximately 10 cents. The incinerators will provide facilities for disposing of used products.

The department has allocated approximately $16,600, or 1.6 million rupees, for the project, which is being implemented with Hindustan Latex Limited. Plans call for expanding the initiative to major tourist destinations and other public spaces.