Srinagar, Sept 1: In a fresh push to boost non-fare revenue, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway has allotted LED screens in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Amritsar Vande Bharat Express for commercial advertisements, generating an assured income of ₹1.3 crore over the next five years.
Officials stated that the contract was finalized through an e-auction at a rate of ₹24.5 lakh per year. This follows earlier allotments of LED advertising rights in all other Vande Bharat trains of the division in June 2025, which fetched revenue of about ₹6.5 crore.
Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal have been steering the non-fare revenue strategy, under which private companies and traders are being offered advertising opportunities across trains and stations.
Sr. DCM Uchit Singhal told Rising Kashmir that non-fare revenue is not only a source of financial gain but also a tool for social and economic development.
“It improves passenger experience, promotes local partnerships, and contributes to the modernization of railways. The income generated would be used for infrastructure upgrades and enhancing passenger amenities,” he said.
The Indian Railways has been focusing on diversifying revenue streams through innovative measures such as advertising rights, digital screens, and public–private partnerships, aiming to create a more sustainable and passenger-friendly transport network.
Meanwhile Jammu Division of Northern Railway realized revenue of about ₹35 lakh in August 2025 through intensive ticket checking campaigns aimed at curbing ticketless and irregular travel, officials said on Monday.
Under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar and the leadership of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr. DCM) Uchit Singhal, ticket checking staff and Chief Ticket Inspectors carried out special drives across trains and stations in the division.
A senior official at Jammu division said that during these campaigns, 6,537 cases of irregular travel were detected, and fines amounting to ₹35.10 lakh were recovered from violators.
“Surprise checks were also conducted to prevent unauthorized travel and ensure smooth services for genuine passengers,” he said.
Additionally, the Railways imposed penalties on passengers found littering on station premises. In August, ₹7,000 was collected as a fine from 33 passengers for spreading dirt at stations,” he said.
Sr. DCM Uchit Singhal said such campaigns will continue in the division. “The Railway administration encourages all passengers to travel with valid tickets, as this ensures better services and comfort for genuine rail users,” he added.
