In a strategic move aimed at strengthening non-ticket-based income, nearly 73,000 square feet of space across 30 metro stations on Mumbai Metro Lines 2A and 7 is being earmarked for commercial use by the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL). The initiative is being carried out as part of a broader push to enhance non-fare box revenue (NFBR) without affecting commuter convenience or raising ticket prices.
These areas, which include sections within stations and pillars supporting the elevated metro tracks, are being assessed for conversion into retail outlets, food courts, kiosks, and advertising panels. It has been observed that these pillars, particularly those stretching across the 20-kilometre length of the Andheri West–Dahisar–Gundavali corridors, are often misused for unauthorised posters. By formalising their commercial usage, such unauthorised practices are expected to be curbed.
According to sources within MMMOCL, many of the station premises on Metro Lines 2A and 7 remain underutilised and are therefore being considered for various revenue-generating ventures. At select stations such as Andheri West, approximately 12,000 square feet of space has been identified for activities such as public events and promotional campaigns. Film shoots and commercial production activities are also being planned at depots and station premises, which are expected to further expand revenue sources.
It was confirmed by officials of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) — the governing body under which MMMOCL functions — that ₹121.72 crore had been earned through non-fare sources during the financial year 2024–25. This marked a significant rise from the ₹42.50 crore recorded in 2023–24, representing an increase of 186%. These earnings were facilitated through means such as advertising in trains and stations, leasing of optical fibre cable routes, station naming rights, and allocation of commercial spaces within metro properties.
Simultaneously, fare revenue also witnessed a surge. Ticket sales from over 2.60 lakh daily passengers across the two metro lines generated ₹170 crore during the same year, compared to ₹147 crore the previous year — an increase of 15.6%. Since their phased inauguration beginning in April 2022, the two corridors have served over 15 crore passengers. The achievements were credited by officials to a carefully executed monetisation strategy, which had been made possible through state government support. It was also stated that the ₹200 crore annual revenue target had not only been met but exceeded, all while ensuring that fare affordability was maintained for Mumbai’s metro commuters.