Western Railway ends AH Wheeler contract for Mumbai's 55 stalls
India
Mumbai's famous AH Wheeler bookstalls at railway stations are set to close by March 2026.
Western Railway is shutting down all 55 stalls after revenue-related losses, even after turning them into kiosks for snacks and drinks.
The move marks the end of a five-year contract that started in 2021.
AH Wheeler forced to diversify
AH Wheeler has been part of Indian train journeys since 1877, making books easy to grab on the go.
After a policy change in 2017, these stalls had to sell more than just books, but it wasn't enough to keep them going.
Many commuters feel nostalgic about losing a spot that made reading affordable and accessible during daily travel.