MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)
(a) to (c) : In order to plan flow of investment from non-traditional sources of revenue, a Task Force was set up to undertake an in-depth study of various issues including commercial publicity. Along-with the representatives of Ministry of Railways, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry on India (ASSOCHAM) were also the members of Task Force. The methodology adopted by the Task Force for addressing various issues was by way of detailed deliberations and it was thought that Railways should communicate with various business houses to apprise them about the opportunities for advertising. Accordingly, letters were sent to a number of leading public and private sector undertakings indicating about the advertisement opportunities on Indian Railways. Some of the companies have evinced interest. These companies have not yet been selected for awarding of advertisement rights and the contracts will be awarded after following the due procedure.
(d): The total income from advertisement and publicity during the last three years is Rs.89,24,94,042.
(e)&(f): Yes, Sir. Railway sites and other railway premises are provided to different private organizations for advertisements in the form of hoardings, boards, posters, glowsigns, etc. The total income earned during the last three years is Rs. 69,72,89,200.
