The Central Railway (CR) has generated Rs 65.47 crore in revenue so far this financial year through non-fare initiatives, including advertising in trains and at stations, and other innovative services. The revenue marks a growth of over 2 per cent compared to last year.
Mumbai Division accounted for Rs 50.36 crore of the total Rs 65.47 crore, contributing nearly three-fourths of CR’s non-fare revenue.
Key contributors to Mumbai Division’s revenue
Advertising on app-based initiatives – Rs 8.03 crore (159 per cent increase)
Display advertising at stations – Rs 3.48 crore (86 per cent increase)
Electric vehicle (EV) charging points, sleeping pods, and other services – Rs 2.80 crore (14 per cent increase)
Interior and exterior train advertising – Rs 8.38 crore (19 per cent increase)
Promotional initiatives via platforms such as Woloo, Digi Locker – Rs 1.26 crore (7 per cent increase)
Hoardings beyond stations – Rs 26.44 crore (3 per cent increase)
During the current financial year, initiatives such as vending of consumables in electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, relaxation massage chairs at major stations (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Kalyan, Panvel, and Lonavala), battery swapping stations for EVs, Digi Locker facilities, promotion of banking and insurance services via kiosks, and development and management of air-conditioned (AC) dormitories and retiring rooms at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) on an upgrade-operate-transfer basis, helped the CR generate a good revenue.
Advertising through paintings and wall papers on railway boundary walls and light-emitting diode (LED) screen ads on Vande Bharat Express trains were also undertaken. Lifestyle magazines were distributed on premium trains such as Rajdhani, Vande Bharat, and Tejas Express.
Contribution from other divisions
Pune – Rs 7.62 crore
Bhusaval – Rs 3.61 crore Nagpur – Rs 2.74 crore
Solapur – Rs 1.14 crore.
These divisions generated non-fare revenue through electric wheelchairs, parcel scanners, mini refreshment units, integrated digital display systems, Digi Locker facilities, battery-operated cars, rail coach restaurants, and bike-packing contracts across various stations.
CR said the consistent growth in non-fare revenue reflects the dedication and innovation of its teams. These efforts not only enhance passenger experience but also support Indian Railways’ broader objectives of modernisation and digitalisation, creating a more vibrant and passenger-friendly rail ecosystem, CR added.
