Lok Sabha Question No. 6022 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Revenue from Advertisements
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Benny Behanan, Km. Sudha R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6022 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## REVENUE FROM ADVERTISEMENTS

6022. KM. SUDHA R:

SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  revenue  earned  from  advertisements  displayed  inside trains, on train exteriors, and at railway stations since 2022, zone and year-wise;
- (b)  the  details  of  advertising  agencies,  vendors  empanelled  and  awarded contracts for such advertisements during such period; zone-wise;
- (c)  the  details  of  the  advertisements  displayed  and  the  duration  of  such display during such period, brand-wise;
- (d) whether any guidelines exist regarding content standards and approval mechanisms for advertisements displayed in trains and if so, the details
- thereof; and
- (e) the details of complaints received regarding objectionable advertisements during such period?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e). Indian Railways has formulated comprehensive Non-Fare Revenue (NFR) policies to earn non-fare revenue through advertisement and branding initiatives. Under the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising policy, there are  opportunities  for  advertising  in  circulating  areas  of  stations.  Rail Display Network (RDN) policy enables digital advertising through screens and display systems in stations and circulating areas. In addition, mobile assets  such  as  trains  and  coaches  (both  inside  and  outside)  have  been leveraged for branding and advertising under extant guidelines.

§

Revenue  earned  from  Advertisement  is  a  part  of  Sundry  Revenue.  The segment-wise  Revenue  details is available in the Annual Statistical Statement of Indian Railways.

All  advertisement contracts are awarded through e-auction on the Indian Railways  E-Procurement  System  (IREPS)  online  portal.  The  bidder  is selected as per the policy on Commercial Earnings and Non-Fare Revenue and the related Special Conditions of Contract which outline the eligibility criteria for advertisers.

For advertisements displayed in trains, prior approval to every Advertising Plan  is  mandatory  and  has  to  be  submitted  to  the  office  of  Divisional Authority of the concerned Railway Division. However, brand selection for display  of  advertisement  is  advertising  agency's  prerogative.  Advertising agency is required to follow Central/ State Laws for display of advertisements. Advertisements that are objectionable in the eyes of law are prohibited. The following advertisements are not permitted for display inside/outside trains:

- i. Advertisements of alcoholic drinks.
- ii. Advertisements  against  background  scenes  which  are  erotic  in character.
- iii. Competitive advertisements from other modes of transport.
- iv. Advertisement  from  Private  Insurance  companies  offering  policies against Railway Accidents.
- v. Advertisements of Cigarettes, Bidis and other Tobacco products.

However, in case of any violation, an immediate corrective action is taken.

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