Kochi Metro is expanding its non-fare revenue strategy, with a semi-naming arrangement for Vyttila station nearing completion and advertising on feeder buses under consideration, according to a report by Kerala Kaumudi. The decisions were discussed at a review meeting led by managing director G. Priyanka.
The proposed arrangement would allow Vyttila Metro station to carry the name of an advertiser alongside its existing station name. The discussions are reportedly in the final stage. Once completed, every station in the Kochi Metro network will generate revenue through semi-naming arrangements, the report said.
The move is part of Kochi Metro’s effort to increase income from sources other than passenger tickets. The report did not provide the value of the proposed Vyttila agreement or details of the advertiser involved. It also did not specify how the station name would be displayed or how long the arrangement would remain in force.
Advertising on feeder buses is another non-fare revenue option being considered by the metro operator. The report did not state how many feeder buses could be covered, what advertising formats would be permitted or when such advertising could begin. These details are expected to depend on the outcome of the operator’s internal review and future implementation decisions.
Non-fare income can include commercial arrangements linked to stations, trains, feeder services and other transport assets. For Kochi Metro, the latest proposals indicate that revenue generation is being considered across both fixed assets, such as stations, and connected services, such as feeder buses. The report, however, did not disclose the current share or amount of ticket and non-ticket income.
The review meeting also examined staffing requirements across several departments. Priyanka directed officials to fill vacancies in projects, operations, finance, human resources and information technology within a fixed timeframe. Recruitment procedures are to be completed during November and December, according to the report.
The staffing decision covers functions that support the metro’s project execution, daily operations, financial administration, recruitment and digital systems. The report did not provide the number of vacancies in each department or identify the posts to be filled. It also did not specify whether the recruitment would involve permanent appointments, contractual positions or other forms of engagement.
Directors who attended the meeting included Dr M.P. Ramnivas from projects, Sanjay Kumar from systems and Ravindra Kumar Pathak from finance. Their participation placed the revenue and recruitment discussions across multiple operational divisions rather than within a single department.
The immediate milestones are the completion of discussions over the Vyttila station semi-naming arrangement, further consideration of advertising on feeder buses and the completion of recruitment procedures in November and December. The report did not announce a separate launch date for either the advertising plan or the station naming agreement.
