Indian Railways has launched a ‘pilot project’ for e-Auction of Commercial Earning and Non-Fare Revenue contracts, on eleven Divisions over nine Zonal Railways. The major features of the e-Auction pilot project are Contract of commercial publicity, leasing of parcel space, parking lots, etc. There is no geographical restriction on bidders/ applicants for registration and participation in any e-Auction throughout Indian Railways; ensure ease-of-doing-business
The following Divisions have been short-listed to participate in the pilot project: Ahmedabad Division (Western Railway), Asansol Division (Eastern Railway), Bengaluru Division (South Western Railway), Chakradharpur Division (South Eastern Railway), Chennai Division (Southern Railway), Delhi Division (Northern Railway), Lucknow Division (Northern Railway), Lucknow Division (North Eastern Railway), Mumbai Division (Central Railway), Secunderabad Division (South Central Railway), Varanasi Division (North Eastern Railway)
It may be noted that as reported earlier, the Railway Ministry has also formulated various schemes viz. Model, Modern and Adarsh Station Scheme for up-gradation/beautification/ modernization of stations on Indian Railways. Various passenger amenities to be included are: landscaping of the circulating area, earmarked parking, signages, improvement to façade of the station building, retiring room, waiting room (with bathing facilities), separate waiting room for ladies, etc.
Besides this, up-gradation/beautification/ modernization/ soft up-gradation of stations on Indian Railways is a continuous and ongoing process and works in this regard are undertaken as per requirement, subject to availability of funds. However, priority for up-gradation/modernization of stations is accorded to the higher category of the station over the lower category of the station while sanctioning and executing the work.
