Jammu, Sep 14: In alignment with its two-pronged strategy of cultural integration and financial sustainability, Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway has decided to effectively monetize station space with the allotment of a contract for a “Textiles and Handicrafts” Store at Srinagar Railway Station.
The contract of Rs 11.39 lakh, through e-auction, has been awarded for three years.
Railway authorities anticipate that the store, besides showcasing diverse cultural heritage of J&K, would emerge as a model for similar initiatives, to be emulated at other stations.
Public Relations Inspector Jammu Railway Division, Raghavender Singh, while sharing specifics about the initiative, said, “Jammu (Railway) Division of Northern Railway, in a significant step towards enhancing non-fare revenue, has successfully awarded the contract for setting up a Textiles and Handicrafts Store at Srinagar Railway Station. The move reflects the Division’s continued focus on innovation and passenger-centric development.”
“The store will showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir through a wide range of local textiles and handicrafts products, providing both utility and aesthetic benefits to passengers and tourists,” he stated.
The initiative, according to Raghvender Singh, was executed through a transparent e-auction process, ensuring fairness and maximum revenue generation. “This contract will generate a total revenue of Rs 11,39,876.46 for Indian Railways over a period of three years,” he said.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, commenting on this initiative, asserted, “Enhancing non-fare revenue while promoting local crafts is in perfect sync with our twin goals of cultural integration and financial sustainability. We are confident that this store will enrich the passenger experience and become a model for similar initiatives at other stations.”
He stated that the move was part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to effectively monetize station spaces and promote regional art, culture and entrepreneurship.
