Indian Railways Bans Objectionable Ads, Strengthens Ethical Advertising Policy
Alcohol, tobacco, and inappropriate content prohibited across trains and stations
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reaffirmed that Indian Railways follows a strict, policy-driven approach to advertising, prohibiting content deemed objectionable under law.
As part of its Non-Fare Revenue (NFR) strategy, Indian Railways allows advertising across stations, trains, and digital display networks. However, clear guidelines ensure that all advertisements comply with ethical standards and legal provisions.
Under the policy, advertisements related to alcoholic beverages, tobacco products (including cigarettes and bidis), and erotic or inappropriate content are strictly banned. Additionally, private insurance advertisements offering policies against railway accidents and promotions from competing transport services are not permitted.
Railways has implemented structured systems like the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising policy and Rail Display Network (RDN) for digital promotions within station premises. Advertising spaces—both inside and outside train coaches—are allocated through a transparent e-auction process on the IREPS portal, ensuring fairness and accountability.
Before any advertisement is displayed, it must receive approval from the concerned railway division. While advertising agencies select brands, they are required to strictly adhere to central and state laws. Any violation of guidelines leads to immediate corrective action by authorities.
The government emphasized that these measures aim to balance revenue generation with public responsibility, ensuring that advertising across the railway network remains appropriate, lawful, and socially responsible.
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