In line with the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) directive to significantly enhance non-ticket revenue streams for Indian Railways, Western Railway (WR) has set an ambitious target to double its Non-Fare Revenue (NFR) in the coming financial year.
The decision was discussed during a high-level brainstorming meeting chaired by Western Railway`s Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM) Tarun Jain, who held discussions with Senior Divisional Commercial Managers (Sr. DCMs) from across the zone to chart out strategies for achieving the goal.
PMO push to double Indian Railways` non-fare revenue
The initiative follows a national mandate to increase Indian Railways` Non-Fare Revenue from Rs 750 crore to Rs 1,500 crore through innovative commercial strategies and better utilisation of railway assets.
Western Railway has already reported strong performance in this segment, earning Rs 117 crore in NFR as of February 2026 in the current financial year. Building on this momentum, the zone has set a target of Rs 239.24 crore for FY 2026–27.
Officials said the focus will be on leveraging innovative commercial models and expanding revenue streams beyond traditional advertising formats.
Successful station innovation models highlighted
During the meeting, Tarun Jain highlighted several successful initiatives across WR stations that have gained public appreciation and demonstrated the potential of commercial innovation within railway premises.
These include the Digital Lounge at Mumbai Central, which has upgraded the passenger waiting experience with modern amenities and digital facilities, and Ratlam’s Mini Mall, which provides organised retail outlets and daily essentials within the station premises.
Another notable example is the AC-cum-Digital Lounge at Ahmedabad, which combines premium comfort with technology-driven services for passengers.
According to railway officials, these projects showcase how stations can evolve from simple transit points into modern service hubs for travellers.
Focus on asset monetisation and digital advertising
To achieve the ambitious revenue target, Western Railway plans to adopt a multi-pronged strategy that goes beyond conventional advertising models.
The railway zone will focus on identifying underutilised spaces within station premises for branded kiosks, experience zones, and retail outlets, enabling better asset monetisation.
Additionally, WR plans to expand Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising at high-footfall stations to attract advertisers and generate additional revenue streams.
Officials also emphasised the transformation of railway stations into lifestyle and commercial hubs, offering passengers modern services and improved facilities.
Aim to provide modern services to passengers
Speaking during the meeting, Tarun Jain said the goal is not just to increase revenue but also to improve passenger experience through value-added services.
“We want to give value services to our users. The success of our Digital Lounges and Mini Malls proves that passengers want modern, tech-driven and quality services,” he said.
He added that by doubling non-fare revenue earnings, Western Railway aims to transform how commercial assets across the zone are utilised and unlock new revenue potential within the railway ecosystem.
