US Commerce Secretary meets Mumbai Dabbawallas

Mumbai, Feb 11 (PTI) The Dabbawallas, who had oncecaught the fancy of Prince Charles for their super-efficienttiffin-delivery system, today shared their tricks of thetrade with the US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

Locke met the city''s famous Dabbawallas near Churchgatestation (where they gather daily before delivering tiffinboxes to their clients)and had a chat with them about how theyfunction.

"We explained to him our modes of delivering tiffins:by trains, bicycles or carts, because we do not believe inusing modern methods or technology. We also explained ourunique colour code system which ensures tiffin boxes reach thecorrect destinations, without confusion or delay," saidSopan Mare, President of Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers.

Around 5,000 dabbawallas deliver tiffins to overtwo lakh clients across Mumbai every day.

Mare presented Locke with a shawl and a bouquet. The USCommerce Secretary also posed for photographers holding twodabbas, and wearing a white topi which Dabbawallas wear.

Locke, along with a delegation of representatives of 24US companies, is currently on a visit to India.