Railways introducing barter advertising on trial basis

As per a PTI report, the railways has devised a unique way of allowing companies to advertise on trains in lieu of any product or service they have delivered to passengers on board designated trains. A policy drafted by the Railway Board’s Transformation cell states that offers of goods and services exchange for publicity on running trains has been permitted on a trial basis. A directive in this regard was issued to all general managers of railways.

Also, the report says since it is a barter system there will be no financial transaction involved. The order states that when such an offer is received by a coaching depot officer (CDO) he will put it up on the railway website for 21 days to give equal opportunity for interested parties to pitch similar products. Once the stipulated waiting period is over, the CDO can choose one party and grant them the request. The policy also states that initially the permission to advertise in this manner can be given by CDOs for three months for two trains in each depot.

The policy also states that a maximum number of four thematic products and equipment with courtesy signage per coach inside the toilet or near the exit doors would be allowed.

The maximum size of advertisements has been restricted to six inches by six inches, as per the report.