Indian Railways has policies in place to generate non-fare revenue through advertisements and branding initiatives. However, advertisements promoting substances like alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and smoking, which are deemed objectionable by the law, are not allowed on display within the Railways, as stated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Prior approval for all advertising plans displayed on trains is mandatory and must be submitted to the Divisional Authority office of the relevant Railway Division.
The selection of brands for advertisement display is at the discretion of the advertising agency, but they must adhere to Central/State Laws regarding advertisements. The minister emphasized that any advertisements considered objectionable by the law are strictly prohibited. The Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising policy provides opportunities for advertising in station circulating areas, while the Rail Display Network (RDN) policy facilitates digital advertising through screens and display systems at stations and circulating areas.
Moreover, Indian Railways leverages mobile assets such as trains and coaches for branding and advertising within the existing guidelines. All advertisement contracts are awarded through e-auction on the Indian Railways E-Procurement System (IREPS) online portal. Advertisers are selected based on the policy on Commercial Earnings and Non-Fare Revenue, along with the related Special Conditions of Contract that define the eligibility criteria.
Certain advertisements are strictly prohibited inside and outside trains, including those for alcoholic drinks, scenes with erotic content, competitive advertisements from other transport modes, private insurance policies against Railway Accidents, and advertisements for tobacco products. The minister highlighted that immediate corrective action is taken in case of any violations.
