Mumbai Metro achieves threefold rise in non-fare revenue in FY25
Mumbai’s ambition to build a sustainable, financially robust urban transport network received a major boost, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) reporting an impressive threefold increase in its non-fare box revenue (NFBR) for the financial year 2024-25.
The Authority confirmed that NFBR surged to ₹122 crore, up sharply from ₹42.5 crore in the previous fiscal, marking a substantial 187 percent year-on-year growth. This surge in earnings, generated from sources beyond passenger fares, reflects a conscious pivot towards constructing a self-sustaining and commuter-focused metro ecosystem for Mumbai’s rapidly growing population. It also aligns with broader urban goals of creating eco-friendly, inclusive and efficient public transport systems that reduce dependency on private vehicles and contribute to a low-carbon city future.
The total operating revenue, combining both fare and non-fare streams, rose from ₹190 crore in FY 2023-24 to ₹292 crore in FY 2024-25, significantly exceeding the Authority’s initial ₹200 crore target. Officials from the MMRDA attributed this success to carefully strategised diversification measures aimed at boosting alternative income sources without increasing commuter tariffs. A major share of the NFBR came from the licensing of optical fibre cables, which alone contributed ₹61.72 crore. Strategic station advertisements generated ₹23.95 crore, while train advertisements brought in ₹7.47 crore. Retail outlets and kiosks at metro premises added another ₹8.22 crore, and the innovative branding and naming rights of stations yielded ₹9.76 crore. Additional contributions were made through manpower services, telecom infrastructure sharing, and smaller promotional collaborations.
Authorities highlighted that the remarkable growth was achieved through disciplined planning and leveraging public-private partnerships to monetise metro infrastructure in sustainable ways. The focus remained clear: maintaining affordability for daily commuters while improving the Metro’s economic resilience. An official from MMRDA commented that the growth in non-fare revenue is not just a financial milestone but a reflection of the Authority’s long-term vision of creating a contemporary metro system that bolsters Mumbai’s urban development. The official further emphasised that such financial achievements enable continued investment in greener, smarter transport infrastructure without transferring the burden to everyday passengers.
Another senior metropolitan official overseeing metro operations added that the unprecedented revenue surge was made possible by robust backing from the state government and proactive engagement with private partners. He stressed that the Authority was committed to maintaining reasonable fare structures to ensure equity and inclusivity in Mumbai’s urban mobility landscape. In addition to the non-fare box expansion, passenger fare revenue also showed healthy growth, rising 15.6 percent from ₹147 crore to ₹170 crore over the previous fiscal. This dual growth demonstrates the increasing public reliance on metro systems as a preferred mode of daily commute, as well as improved operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, MMRDA’s Maha Mumbai Metro, which operates Metro Lines 2A and 7, plans to further tap into new non-fare revenue streams. Opportunities under active exploration include advertising on metro pillars, expanding food and beverage spaces at stations, and renting metro premises for production shoots. These innovative monetisation methods aim to reinforce the financial sustainability of metro operations while enhancing the urban experience for Mumbaikars. The Authority’s success story arrives at a time when Indian cities are under increasing pressure to develop green and inclusive mobility solutions that cater to rapidly urbanising populations. Public transport systems like Mumbai Metro not only cut down on carbon emissions but also improve urban air quality, reduce congestion, and contribute significantly to making cities more liveable and resilient.
The significant leap in Mumbai Metro’s financial sustainability metrics serves as a model for other Indian cities seeking to future-proof their public infrastructure while maintaining a strong commitment to climate goals and equitable urban development.
