Ambala Division outsources passenger inquiry and coach guidance services at 14 railway stations
The Ambala Division of Indian Railways has officially awarded a contract to Hyderabad-based Mega Construction to manage passenger inquiry and coach guidance services across 14 key stations. This initiative, aimed at streamlining communication and improving the passenger experience, marks a transition toward private agency management for these essential services. The contract is set to run for a duration of three years, starting from July 22, 2026, and concluding on July 21, 2029.
- Contract Value: Over ₹4.65 crore.
- Duration: Three years (July 22, 2026, to July 21, 2029).
- Service Scope: Managing inquiry counters, Passenger Address System (PAS), and Coach Guidance System (CGS).
- Stations Covered: Ambala Cantt, Ambala City, Saharanpur, Chandigarh, Yamunanagar-Jagadhri, Kalka, Mohali, Rajpura, Sirhind, Khanna, Patiala, Dhuri, Bathinda, and Abohar.
Focus on Enhanced Passenger Communication
By outsourcing these operations, the railway administration intends to ensure that passengers receive more accurate and timely information regarding train arrivals, departures, and specific coach positioning. The private agency is tasked with deploying trained staff and professional supervisors to manage these systems effectively while ensuring strict compliance with all applicable labor laws.
Contract Terms and Oversight
To maintain operational flexibility, the agreement includes an “option clause” that permits a change in the volume of work by up to 25%. Furthermore, the contract features a provision for premature termination with a three-month notice period, should the railway administration decide to resume these services using their own departmental staff.
According to Yashanjeet Singh, Senior Commercial Manager of the Ambala Division, the performance of the new facility will be under constant watch. The railway authorities will collect daily feedback to monitor the real-world impact of these services and address any potential shortcomings promptly. This structured oversight is designed to ensure that the transition leads to a tangible improvement in the daily transit experience for thousands of passengers across the 14 identified stations.