Railway Ministry to Permit Premium Single-Brand Stores at Stations

As per the news reports, the Railway Ministry has approved a move to bring single-brand, company-owned premium outlets to station premises across India. This decision, communicated on 11 August 2025, allows Zonal Railways to allocate premium commercial spaces through e-auctions, responding to South Central Railway’s call for guidelines to offer facilities on par with major airports.

Guidelines for Premium Outlets and E-Auction Process

According to the ministry, premium retail locations at stations will be selected based on criteria such as passenger footfall, station demographics, and available space. As per news reports, “The Divisions/Zonal Railways concerned shall identify premium locations and suitable product/service categories based on footfall, space availability, passenger demographics and other relevant station-specific characteristics,” it stated. Allotments will strictly follow the governing e-auction policy. 

A dedicated “Premium Stores” segment will be created within the e-auction module, with the successful bidder entitled to choose the brand or brands for their outlet. Divisional teams are encouraged to formulate special conditions for contracts as needed, with the core goal of improving station ambience and the overall image of Indian Railways.

Supporting Station Redevelopment and Passenger Experience

South Central Railway, which initiated the proposal, highlighted the alignment with ongoing station redevelopment works under Major Upgradation and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), scheduled for completion in 2025-26. It suggested introducing premium, non-catering outlets, such as travel accessories, apparel, footwear, and sports gear brands, to create an airport-like experience. 

The railway zone emphasised, “it is therefore requested to issue guidelines for provision of Premium Single Brand Outlets at stations under NFR (Non-Fare Revenue) at the earliest so that commercial spaces developed at the stations under Major Upgradation and ABSS are put to effective use, not only for providing enhanced passenger experience but also for improving revenue to Railways.”

Also Read: IRFC Refinances ₹2,539 Crore for Angul Sukinda Railway Project to Boost Freight Efficiency!

Conclusion

By enabling the allocation of premium brand outlets via transparent e-auctions, Indian Railways aims to modernise station settings, unlock new revenue streams, and better serve passenger needs. The upcoming changes complement ongoing infrastructure upgrades, positioning railway stations as vibrant hubs comparable to the facilities found at top airports across the country.

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