CR Nagpur divn implements Vendor Management System to streamline, enhance vendor operations

Nagpur: The Central Railway's Nagpur Division successfully became the first division across the Indian Railways to implement an advanced, integrated Vendor Management System (VMS) application.
This initiative aims to improve the oversight of vendors providing catering and non-catering services across railway stations and onboard trains.
"The new system incorporates QR code technology to streamline vendor operations, ensure compliance, and safeguard railway revenue. We are the first to implement it. Over 700 vendors working at 75 stalls, train side vending (TSV) contracts, etc., over Nagpur Division have been issued QR codes," said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (SrDCM) Aman Mittal.
"The VMS is designed to provide real-time access to crucial vendor data such as police verification, medical history, and Aadhaar card details, thereby enhancing transparency and operational efficiency. It also offers a mechanism to blacklist defaulting vendors in case of repeated violations, ensuring strict adherence to service standards," said Mittal.
Mittal stated that QR-based authentication allows for seamless vendor identification and ensures the authenticity of vendor information. The expiry alerts automatically generate reminders for important vendor compliance data such as police verification, medical fitness, and contract validity.
"The VMS gives instant access to vendor information via QR codes, promoting a paperless and efficient process. All vendor-specific data is securely stored in a central server, ensuring quick retrieval and easy management," he said.
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Manish Agarwal also lauded the new system. "The management information system (MIS) automated reports on vendor performance and contract management help the division maintain financial transparency and streamline revenue collection. It facilitates seamless communication between commercial inspectors, RPF, GRP, ticket-checking staff, and vigilance teams for real-time data sharing and monitoring," said Agarwal.
The system was rolled out in its first phase, focusing on vendors associated with commercial contracts that directly serve passengers, including catering stalls, onboard catering services, and other value-added amenities.
Over 700 vendors and 105 commercial units within Nagpur Division have been onboarded, with their relevant data, including police verification, medical certificates, Aadhaar information, and photographs, fed into the system.
QR codes have been generated for each vendor and affixed to their ID cards, allowing easy scanning by railway personnel to instantly verify vendor credentials. The mobile app version of the system is accessible by commercial inspectors, RPF, GRP, ticket-checking staff, and vigilance teams, ensuring seamless and instant access to vendor information.
"This new system is expected to bring greater transparency in the management of vendors and significantly improve the quality of service offered at railway stations and onboard trains. It marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction," said Mittal.
IMPROVING SERVICES
* Over 700 vendors working at 75 stalls, TSV contracts, etc., over the division have been issued QR codes
* System to blacklist vendors across Nagpur Division
* App shows contract period, validity of medical certificate, police verification, fire safety certificate, etc
* MIS reports showing expired contracts, renewal required for vendors, etc
* Can scan QR code. Access given to RPF, commercial inspectors, vigilance, and GRP
* Will help ensure right people working on railway premises, will improve quality of service issued to passengers