MAM
Indian Railways bans alcohol, tobacco ads; tightens onboard ad rules
New policy pushes ethical, compliant advertising across trains and stations
NEW DELHI: Indian Railways has tightened its advertising norms, barring promotions for alcohol, tobacco and other objectionable content across trains and station premises, as part of a broader push towards ethical and compliant brand messaging.
The updated framework, outlined under its non-fare revenue policies, aims to ensure that advertising across railway assets remains lawful, non-offensive and aligned with public interest. The guidelines apply to both static and digital formats, covering everything from train coaches to station display networks.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Government of India union minister for railways, information and broadcasting and electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said that advertisements deemed objectionable under law are strictly prohibited, with immediate corrective action taken in case of violations.
Among the key restrictions are ads promoting alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, bidis and other tobacco products. Content with erotic undertones is also barred, along with campaigns from private insurance companies offering policies linked to railway accidents. Additionally, competitive advertising from other transport modes is not allowed.
At the same time, Indian Railways continues to expand its advertising footprint through structured channels. Its out-of-home policy allows brands to tap into high-footfall station areas, while the Rail Display Network supports digital advertising through screens across stations. Mobile assets such as trains and coaches remain a significant branding platform under these guidelines.
All advertising contracts are awarded through e-auctions on the Indian Railways E-Procurement System, ensuring transparency and fair competition. While agencies retain the freedom to choose brands, they must comply with central and state laws, and secure prior approval for advertising plans from the relevant railway division.
Advertising revenue forms part of the Railways’ sundry earnings, contributing to its non-fare income stream. With stricter oversight now in place, the focus is clearly on balancing commercial opportunities with public sensibilities.
The message from the Railways is straightforward. As trains carry millions daily, the content they display must stay on the right side of both the law and public trust.
Brands
Dream Sports to enter stock broking with launch of new platform Dream Street
Fantasy gaming giant pivots to wealth management to tackle recent market hurdles
MUMBAI: Dream Sports, the parent company of the prominent sports platform Dream11, is officially entering the stock broking industry. The Mumbai-based firm is launching a new platform called Dream Street, marking a significant diversification as it prepares to compete with established fintech players such as Groww and Zerodha.
The strategic move follows a challenging period for the group. Following a ban on real-money gaming in August 2025, the company has been under pressure to establish fresh revenue streams. Dream Sports began laying the groundwork for a financial services portfolio last year with the launch of Dream Money, and this latest venture signals a deeper commitment to the wealth management sector.
This expansion is part of a broader restructuring. Dream Sports co-founder Harsh Jain confirmed to Moneycontrol that the company has secured all necessary licences. The platform is currently undergoing internal testing, with a public launch expected to take place shortly.
The leadership team for Dream Street consists of experienced internal executives. Dream Sports chief product officer Rahul Mirchandani will lead the brokerage as ceo. He is joined by co-founders Karan Bansal and Nikhil Lalvani. Within the new structure, Dream Street chief business officer Karan Bansal will oversee operations, while Dream Street chief product officer Nikhil Lalvani will manage the technical development.
Financial reports indicate that this shift in strategy follows a period of contraction. For the 2025 financial year, Dream11 reported a 15 percent decline in revenue to Rs 6,759 crore. The company also moved from a profit of Rs 1,295 crore in 2024 to a loss of Rs 479 crore in 2025. While one-time tax expenses and director benefits contributed to the loss, the regulatory changes to its core gaming business have necessitated a search for more stable growth.
By leveraging its massive existing user base, Dream Street aims to convert sports fans into retail investors. The company is betting that its experience in high-traffic digital platforms will allow it to capture a significant share of the retail broking market as it builds out its broader financial services ecosystem.
