The Mumbai Metro has seen a substantial increase in revenue, driven by strategic collaborations with the film industry. The metro lines DN Nagar to Dahisar (Metro 2A) and Andheri East to Dahisar (Metro 7) collectively contributed INR 17.7 lakh to the metro’s earnings this year, thanks to their growing popularity as filming locations.
Mahamumbai Metro, the entity managing the city’s metro network, has strategically leveraged its infrastructure by opening up metro stations and trains for movie, television, and web series shoots. The organisation has identified this as a lucrative opportunity to diversify its income streams beyond traditional ticket sales. To attract filmmakers and production houses, Mahamumbai Metro has set competitive rates for filming on its premises. The cost for using a metro train or station for shooting is pegged at INR 2.5 lakh per hour, with the rate increasing to INR 3.75 lakh per hour when both a station and train are used concurrently.
These pricing structures make the metro an attractive and affordable option for high-budget productions looking for distinctive urban settings. Among the metro routes, Metro 7 has emerged as a particularly popular choice, largely due to its proximity to Film City in Goregaon and the scenic Aarey Colony. This route’s accessibility and backdrop appeal have made it a favourite among filmmakers looking to capture the essence of Mumbai’s urban landscape. In addition to revenue from the film industry, Mahamumbai Metro is also exploring other avenues to bolster its financial health.
These include permitting advertisements at stations and inside trains, as well as renting out retail space within metro stations. This multi-faceted approach reflects a broader trend among urban transport authorities to monetise infrastructure assets in innovative ways. One of the standout projects this year was a high-profile film produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production house, which was shot at a metro station. This project alone contributed significantly to the total revenue generated, highlighting the potential of this collaboration model. The success of these ventures has encouraged Mahamumbai Metro to continue its focus on non-fare revenue streams, which are expected to play an increasingly important role in the organisation’s financial strategy.
