As a consequence of overcrowding in the local trains of Mumbai, a monorail transport service was made available in the city. However, the monorail was not getting enough revenue from passenger travel i.e. tickets but now, it is likely to double its revenue as it plans to install mobile towers on 700 pillars along the 20 km long monorail line.
According to sources, MMRDA will be able to generate at least twice the revenue from the sale of mono tickets through these towers as per the initial estimates. Before the outbreak of the pandemic and the coronavirus induced lockdown, not even 10,000 passengers were travelling daily on the monorail. As the number of passengers was less, the income from ticket sales was around ₹6 crores a year. However, the expenses incurred on security guards and dogfights happen to be more than the annual revenue.
Therefore, the idea was to create an alternative source of income through various means such as advertisements, mobile towers and commercial use of space. This is expected to generate a revenue of ₹12 to ₹15 crores after renting out the towers. Furthermore, the MMRDA is said to appoint a consultant to conduct a study on various fronts such as how much revenue can be generated through these towers, which companies can show interest in it or what should be the terms and conditions of this policy etc.
This appointment is expected to take place by the end of August. A detailed report will be received from the eligible consultant within the next month after the work order is placed. Post that, the process of hiring mobile companies will be initiated. The consulting firm itself will help other fronts to decide the terms and conditions of these tenders. As per sources, the consultant is to receive a fee of ₹16,50,000 for all the diligent work.
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