Kolkata, July 15 (IANS) In an effort to enhance the travel experience on Indian Railways’ premier Vande Bharat Express, the Howrah Division of Eastern Railway (ER) on Tuesday introduced a family “Phygital” magazine “Vande Express” to be distributed among passengers.

The magazine will be distributed among passengers of the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express free of cost. The magazine is innovative as it will allow passengers to read some content directly, while other material can be accessed by scanning QR codes.

The magazine was developed by ANOTHER INDIA, and the free distribution will not result in any financial liability on the Railways. The magazine was formally launched by Uday Shankar Jha, principal chief commercial manager, ER, Vishal Kapoor, divisional railway manager, Howrah Division, and other senior railway officials.

“Designed to enhance the onboard travel experience, ‘Vande Express’ integrates conventional print media with QR-enabled digital content, offering passengers access to information on travel, tourism, heritage, lifestyle, children’s interactive activities, and railway services,” an ER official said.

“The publication also disseminates information on key passenger-centric initiatives of Indian Railways, including the RailOne App, Rail Madad, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Vande Bharat Sleeper, and the cultural and tourism heritage of eastern India,” he added.

The initiative has been implemented under a non-fare revenue model, enabling the introduction of a value-added passenger service through private participation without any expenditure by the Railway Administration. Besides enriching the travel experience, the project serves as an effective platform for passenger awareness and dissemination of important railway information.

The initiative reflects the innovative approach adopted by ANOTHER INDIA in developing a technology-enabled publication that combines print and digital engagement while ensuring the commercial sustainability of the project, the official said.

The introduction of “Vande Express” marks another step towards creating a more informed, engaging and digitally connected travel experience, reaffirming Indian Railways’ commitment to improving passenger services through innovation, technology and customer-centric initiatives.

–IANS

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