Srinagar, July 20: The Northern Railway’s Jammu Division has successfully completed its latest e-auction process for catering stalls across several key stations in the Kashmir Valley, awarding contracts valued at over Rs 13.13 lakh. The results were formally declared on July 19, 2025.The e-auction was conducted under the supervision of Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar and the leadership of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal. The initiative is aimed at enhancing passenger amenities through improved food services at railway stations in the division.According to the officials, food stalls were allotted at four different railway stations including Qazigund Station where five-year catering contract worth ₹3,04,175 was finalized, with Rs 51,555 set as the annual fee for the first year.Similarly at Kakapora Station, similar terms were agreed upon, with the first-year rate also fixed at Rs 51,555 and a total contract value of Rs 3,04,175 over five years. At Hiller Shahabad Halt Station, a slightly higher contract was awarded, with the first-year rate pegged at Rs 68,000 and the five-year advance totaling Rs4,01,200.While at Awantipora Station, contract here mirrored the terms at Qazigund and Kakapora, with the first-year rate set at Rs 51,555 and a five-year value of Rs 3,04,174.The combined contract value for all four stations stands at Rs 13,13,723.Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal told Rising Kashmir that the e-auction was part of efforts to standardize and upgrade catering services across the division.
“This transparent and competitive process will not only enhance passenger satisfaction but also contribute to better management of food services at stations,” he added.Northern Railway authorities have reiterated their commitment to improving passenger experience through such modernized systems.