Srinagar, Aug 04: In a major boost aimed at expanding passenger amenities to underserved and remote areas, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway has successfully concluded the e-auction process for catering stalls at six railway stations across three states, including a key station in the Kashmir Valley.
The auction, conducted on August 4, 2025, resulted in a total five-year contract value of Rs 24,72,255.
The process, held under the supervision of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, marked a strategic effort to bring basic services such as food and refreshments to both high-potential and long-overlooked stations in the division.
DCM Uchit Singhal said this auction cycle has resulted in the first-ever successful allotment of a catering stall at Mazhom Railway station in Kashmir, as it witnessed increased commercial engagement in the Valley’s railway infrastructure.
The catering unit at Mazhom, located in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, was allotted at an annual rate of Rs 90,555.
He said that the five-year contract is valued at Rs 5,34,274.5. The development is being seen as a small yet concrete step towards enhancing commuter convenience in the Kashmir Valley, where rail services have expanded steadily over the past decade but continue to lag behind in terms of auxiliary facilities.
Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal further said that in total, six catering units were auctioned across the Jammu Division:
Mukerian Railway Station (Punjab): Rs 1,32,555 for the first year, total Rs 7,82,047.5 over five years, Mazhoma Railway Station (Kashmir): Rs 90,555 for the first year, total Rs 5,34,274.5 over five years.
Bari Brahmana Railway Station (Jammu): Rs 49,600 for the first year, total Rs 2,92,640 over five years. Guler Railway Station (Himachal Pradesh): Rs 49,980 for the first year, total Rs 2,94,882 over five years. Nagrota Surian Railway Station (Himachal Pradesh): Rs 47,786 for the first year, total Rs 2,81,937 over five years and Nurpur Railway Station (Himachal Pradesh): Rs 48,555 for the first year, total Rs 2,94,882 over five years.
He said that the inclusion of Mazhom in the list marks a critical shift in the operational vision of Northern Railway in Kashmir, where many stations, though functional, lack basic facilities such as refreshments, waiting areas, and ticketing counters.
Meanwhile, railway officials say the expansion of catering services in Kashmir is part of a broader plan to integrate the Valley more effectively into the Northern Railway’s commercial ecosystem.
With increasing passenger traffic post-2019, demand for amenities has steadily risen at stations like Awantipora, Sadura, and Budgam. However, the presence of catering stalls remains sparse.
“The allotment at Mazhama railway station could serve as a pilot for future efforts in the Valley. It’s a positive indicator that commercial operations can now be sustained in Kashmir’s semi-urban railway zones,” he said.
The official said that apart from Mazhama, Bari Brahmana in the Jammu region also witnessed a breakthrough. The station, despite its proximity to industrial hubs, had seen multiple failed attempts at vendor engagement.
“The current allotment at Rs 49,600 for the first year is the first successful bid for the location in several auction rounds, indicating improving investor confidence in smaller stations within Jammu,” he said.
The official said that the e-auction process was completed smoothly and with full transparency. He stated that expanding facilities at small and underdeveloped stations remains a key objective for the division.
While the total revenue from the allotments may appear nominal, railway officials underline that the focus is not just commercial gain but enhancing the passenger experience and making stations more service-oriented.
The presence of even a single catering unit can improve perceptions of railway stations, especially in areas like Kashmir and Himachal, where infrastructural gaps persist, he said.
Officials also hinted that future auction rounds may include more stations from Kashmir Valley, such as Budgam, Anantnag, and Sopore, which continue to see higher footfall but lack organised catering services.
