Mumbai: RoshanSpace Brandcom, a pioneer in Mumbai’s OOH advertising industry, has filed a legal petition against the Indian Railways, challenging the arbitrary allocation of hoarding sites under the New, Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS). The company argues that bypassing open tenders in favor of private negotiations undermines transparency, fair competition, and revenue optimization.
RoshanSpace highlights that established norms require public advertising contracts to be awarded through competitive bidding. However, railway officials have exercised unchecked discretion, violating Article 14 of the Constitution. The petition raises concerns over improper site allocations, contract extensions beyond policy limits, and violations of safety and feasibility regulations.
The company also questions the railway’s decision to permit static solar billboards’ conversion into digital formats, contradicting NINFRIS policy. Additionally, a single entity has reportedly been granted over 35 billboards under the pretext of solar initiatives, further skewing competition.
Junaid Shaikh, MD of RoshanSpace, stated, “This isn’t just about business—it’s about fairness and accountability. We aim to establish a transparent system that benefits the entire industry.”
RoshanSpace calls for judicial scrutiny of NINFRIS and urges railway authorities to ensure structured, fair, and transparent procurement processes for public advertising assets.
