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Railways Bans Alcohol, Tobacco Ads; Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Details Policy

Indian Railways has established a policy prohibiting advertisements deemed objectionable by law, including those for alcoholic drinks and tobacco products. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that while advertising agencies select brands, they must comply with all central and state laws. All advertising contracts are awarded through an e-auction system on the railways' procurement portal. In case of any policy violations, immediate corrective action is taken.

Key Points: Railways Prohibits Alcohol, Tobacco Ads: Ashwini Vaishnaw

  • Alcohol & tobacco ads banned
  • Ads require divisional approval
  • Contracts awarded via e-auction
  • Digital ads allowed under OOH policy
2 min read

Objectionable ads like alcoholic drinks, smoking prohibited in Railways: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Indian Railways bans ads for alcohol, tobacco, and other objectionable content. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlines the advertising policy in Rajya Sabha.

Objectionable ads like alcoholic drinks, smoking prohibited in Railways: Ashwini Vaishnaw
"Advertisements that are objectionable in the eyes of law are prohibited. - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

New Delhi, March 28

Indian Railways has formulated policies to earn non-fare revenue through advertisement and branding initiatives but advertisements objectionable in the eyes of law like alcoholic drinks, tobacco and smoking are prohibited for display in Railways, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said.

For advertisements displayed in trains, prior approval to every advertising plan is mandatory and has to be submitted to the office of Divisional Authority of the concerned Railway Division.

"However, brand selection for display of advertisement is advertising agency's prerogative. Advertising agency is required to follow Central/ State Laws for display of advertisements. Advertisements that are objectionable in the eyes of law are prohibited," the minister said in a reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

Under the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising policy, there are opportunities for advertising in circulating areas of stations. Rail Display Network (RDN) policy enables digital advertising through screens and display systems in stations and circulating areas.

In addition, mobile assets such as trains and coaches (both inside and outside) have been leveraged for branding and advertising under extant guidelines.

All advertisement contracts are awarded through e-auction on the Indian Railways E-Procurement System (IREPS) online portal. The bidder is selected as per the policy on Commercial Earnings and Non-Fare Revenue and the related Special Conditions of Contract which outline the eligibility criteria for advertisers, informed the minister.

The following advertisements are not permitted for display inside/outside trains -- advertisements of alcoholic drinks, advertisements against background scenes which are erotic in character, competitive advertisements from other modes of transport, advertisement from private insurance companies offering policies against Railway Accidents, advertisements of cigarettes, bidis and other tobacco products, according to an official statement.

"However, in case of any violation, an immediate corrective action is taken," said the minister.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some sense! But what about the surrogate ads? You know, soda brands with the same name as whiskey? Those should also be banned. The policy needs to be watertight.
D
David E
As a frequent traveler, I appreciate this. The railway environment should be safe and family-friendly. However, I hope the e-auction process for ads is truly transparent and doesn't lead to other types of problematic advertising.
A
Aditya G
Good move. But implementation is key. I still see posters for pan masala with tobacco in some stations. "Immediate corrective action" sounds good on paper, but who is checking daily? Need strict monitoring.
S
Sarah B
While I agree with banning harmful product ads, I'm curious about the "competitive advertisements from other modes of transport." Isn't that anti-competitive? Railways should be confident enough to allow it. Focus on improving service instead.
K
Kavya N
Bahut accha hai! Our railways are a public space. Ads should promote health, education, and good values. Now please also do something about the loud and sometimes inappropriate videos people play on their phones without headphones! 😅

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