Mumbai: Central Railway (CR) recorded a robust 17% growth in non-fare revenue, earning over Rs 20 crore up to May compared to Rs 17 crore in the corresponding period last year.The growth underlines CR’s sustained push towards asset monetisation and revenue diversification beyond passenger fares, said CR chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila on Sunday.In May alone, CR awarded 29 contracts through e-auction, generating an annual licence fee (ALF) of Rs 4 crore. A significant share came from mobile asset advertising. Mumbai Division leased full external vinyl wraps and interior media rights on premium trains, including Mahanagari Express (Rs 13.2 lakh per annum), Deccan Express and Janshatabdi Express (Rs 12.50 lakh), and services on the CSMT-Latur and CSMT-Bidar routes (Rs 6.5 lakh each), all for five-year periods. Advertising rights on headrests in the Vande Bharat Express (CSMT-Madgaon) fetched Rs 17 lakh annually.Out-of-home advertising also contributed strongly. Three hoardings on Navi Mumbai Airport Road secured Rs 1.32 crore per annum, while a Mulund-Goregaon Link Road site earned Rs 17.10 lakh annually.CR expanded its non-fare initiatives with station-based commercial activities. Mumbai Division awarded a rail coach restaurant at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus for Rs 48.1 lakh annually, besides canteens, kiosks and a battery swapping station at Thane. Nila said CR continues to leverage its assets innovatively to boost revenue while enhancing passenger amenities without impacting core train operations.
