28 September,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Representation pic/Satej Shinde
The Western Railway has begun putting underutilised station spaces to commercial use, with contracts for grocery stores and photocopy kiosks awarded at five stations. The five-year contracts, collectively worth Rs 1.20 crore, were awarded in the first attempt, according to the railway.
"In a first-attempt success, Mumbai Division has awarded contracts for grocery stores and/or photocopy kiosks at five stations - Andheri, Naigaon, Amalner, Nandurbar, and Virar. The five-year contracts, collectively valued at Rs 1.20 crore, will see railway spaces put to commercial use while offering passengers access to daily essentials and document services," Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek told mid-day.
Representation pic/Satej Shinde
"The initiative is part of Western Railway's efforts to improve passenger amenities while generating non-fare revenue (NFR). By converting underutilised station spaces into commercial outlets, the division aims to make stations more passenger-friendly while unlocking additional revenue from its assets," he said. The contracts mark a commercial initiative for the division, combining everyday passenger needs with efforts to diversify railway earnings beyond fares.
The move is part of a broader Indian Railways strategy to increase earnings from sources other than passenger and
freight fares.
NFR includes:
>> Advertising on trains and station premises
>> Commercial use of railway property
>> Retail outlets
>> Branding
>> Digital display networks
>> Other paid passenger services
The aim is to monetise underutilised railway assets and create additional revenue streams without increasing ticket fares.
According to the Railway Ministry, Indian Railways' NFR earnings rose from approximately Rs 290 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 777.76 crore in 2025-26, registering growth of around 168 per cent over five years. The ministry has also been encouraging railway zones and divisions to explore new commercial opportunities at stations and on trains.
Western Railway has set a target of Rs 239 crore in NFR for 2026-27, seeking to expand earnings through commercial ventures and better utilisation of existing assets. The railway has also received the Non-Fare Revenue Shield for 2025 at the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar (AVRSP) 2025, held as part of the 70th Railway Week Central Function at the India International Convention & Expo Centre in New Delhi.
Western Railway is looking to expand its commercial use of railway assets, with plans to explore:
>> Multi-storey parking
>> VIP lounges
>> Premium brand stores
>> Other passenger-amenity-related avenues
