Indian Railways has marked a significant milestone in scrap disposal for the financial year 2025-26. The national transporter recorded scrap sales amounting to Rs 6,813.86 crore, surpassing the target of Rs 6,000 crore, ANI reported. In the previous financial year 2024-25 as well, Indian Railways exceeded its target of Rs 5,400 crore by recording scrap sales worth Rs 6,641.78 crore.
The initiative aims to contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting recycling and reducing waste accumulation. Non-fare revenue (NFR) has emerged as a significant pillar to strengthen financial sustainability of Indian Railways. NFR surged from approximately Rs 290 crore in FY 2021-22 to Rs 777.76 crore in FY 2025-26, registering an overall increase of about 168% over five years. In comparison, NFR earnings in FY 2024-25 stood at Rs 686.86 crore.
With the revenue generated through segments such as station redevelopment, advertising, commercial utilisation of railway assets, and other innovative initiatives, NFR seeks to reduce excessive dependence on passenger fares and freight earnings. The additional income helps Indian Railways to reinvest in modern infrastructure, upgrade station amenities, enhance cleanliness and passenger facilities, improve digital services, and introduce better trains and safety systems.
In this context, several initiatives have been taken such as Premium Brand Outlets-Guidelines have been issued to Zonal Railways to award contracts for the setting up of company-owned single-brand premium outlets to boost NFR. Indian Railways have opened some branded outlets under this policy, and other branded stores will also be opened on similar lines with the aim to enhance passenger experience. Around 22 premium brands are allocated via NFR across the Indian Railways network.
Some of the initiatives undertaken by zonal railways under NFR are multi-level car parking, medical care centre, nursing pods, wagon cleaning contracts, facility for e-wheelchair as paid service, health kiosk, gaming zone, plastic bottle crushing machine, platform branding, utilisation of vacant space for passenger amenity and public facility, etc.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.