In a move to further expand its retail footprint, Northeast Indias largest dairy cooperative, Purabi Dairy, inaugurated a new Milk Booth at the ASTCs Mini-ISBT in Khanapara, Guwahati on August 4. The booth was inaugurated by Shri Jogen Mohan, Honble Minister of Cooperation and Transport, Government of Assam, in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries.

Purabi products are manufactured by West Assam Milk Producers Cooperative Union Ltd (WAMUL) and marketed by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL) which is a joint venture between the Government of Assam and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). NEDFL has significantly strengthened its distribution network in the region, and the launch of this new booth at ASTCs transport hub is a step forward in improving public access to fresh and nutritious dairy products.

The prefabricated booths, procured by WAMUL under the World Bank-funded APART Project, offer the complete range of Purabi products, including toned, standard, and full cream pouch milk, Purabi Smart UHT milk (tetrapak), Purabi Flavoured Milk, lassi, curd, paneer, ghee, fresh cream, and the wide range of much-loved Purabi ice-creams.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jogen Mohan praised the collaboration between Purabi Dairy and ASTC, highlighting the potential synergy in promoting both nutrition and convenience for daily commuters. “This partnership between Purabi Dairy and ASTC brings together two essential aspects of public welfare  mobility and nutrition  making it easier for people to commute and access safe, healthy food in one place. While ASTC ensures last-mile connectivity across Assam, Purabi Dairy is delivering quality nutrition to the people. Initiatives like this not only enhance commuter convenience but also promote healthier lifestyles across the state, he said.

Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) Managing Director, Shri Chinmoy Prakash Phookan, ACS, who played a key role in initiating and driving this collaboration, highlighted the importance of value addition for commuters and said: Dairy is an essential part of a healthy diet, and we are glad to offer our commuters easy access to nutritious, value-added products through this partnership with Purabi Dairy. This initiative enhances the overall commuting experience. We also plan to set up similar Milk Booths at other major ASTC centres across Assam in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Shri Satya Brata Bose, Managing Director of NEDFL, reiterated Purabis mission, stating: At Purabi Dairy, we are committed to building a healthier Assam by ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and high-quality food. With our expanding network of Milk Booths at key urban hubs, we are making our products more accessible, especially to daily commuters and busy households. The booth at Mini-ISBT, Khanapara, is another step in our journey to bring Asomor Swad closer to every home, while also empowering local entrepreneurs through our innovative franchise model.
The Khanapara outlet adds to Purabis growing chain of milk booths across Guwahati, located at key points including Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) at Bhangagarh, near Janata Bhawan, near Assam State Zoo, opposite AIIMS in Changsari, and near Ganesh Mandir at Ganeshguri, among others.
These innovative, pre-fabricated booths are a first-of-their-kind in the North East for dairy distribution. Prefabricated as independent kiosks, they cater to evolving urban consumer preferences. Equipped with visi coolers, chest coolers, and deep freezers, the booths are insulated and built to maintain the cold chain effectively, even during high temperatures, ensuring optimal product quality and safety.
The booths follow a Company Owned, Franchisee Operated (COFO) model, offering a promising business opportunity for local entrepreneurs. A major advantage of this model is its quick setup process — a booth can be made operational within two days of completing formalities, greatly reducing the turnaround time compared to conventional outlets.