New Railway Barter Policy Will Allow Firms Ad Space On Trains, In Return For Free Products Given To Passengers

In a modern version of the barter system, the Indian Railways has devised a new policy whereby companies which provide goods and services to passengers on trains will be in return allowed to advertise on the said trains, reports Financial Express.

The new policy is the brainchild of the Railway Board’s Transformation Cell and is part of the organisation’s initiative to diversify and make provision of supplementary services for passengers.

The policy, for now, will be limited to implementation on a trial basis and a directive in this context has been issued to all general managers of the railways.

As per the new order, as and when an offer is made to a coaching depot officer (CDO), the officer will make it public on the official railways website for 21 days so that a fair and equal opportunity is given to interested parties who could bid with similar products.

Once the time limit runs out, the CDO can choose the most suitable bid and grant the request accordingly, giving that company the permission to initiate advertisements for a period of up to three months.

Right now, the policy is intended to concentrate on the provision of goods rather than services, for example, things like soap, dispensers, bedrolls, etc. Four thematic products at maximum with courtesy signage will be permitted within each coach inside the toilets or close to the exit doors.

Advertising space will be limited to a display of six inches by six inches at a maximum.