Mumbai’s urban transit landscape achieved a significant financial milestone as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) announced a threefold increase in non-fare box revenue for Metro Lines 2A and 7, recording approximately ₹122 crore for the financial year 2024–25.
This reflects a 187% surge over the previous year’s ₹42.5 crore, underscoring the success of MMRDA’s strategic initiatives to build a self-sustaining, world-class urban transport network. The authority’s total operational revenue, comprising both fare and non-fare earnings, grew from ₹190 crore in FY 2023–24 to ₹292 crore in FY 2024–25, significantly surpassing its original income target of ₹200 crore. Officials highlighted that this exceptional performance validates the agency’s commitment to developing financially resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban mobility systems that serve all sections of society. The leadership at MMRDA stressed that the surge in non-fare revenue is more than just a financial success. According to senior officials, it reflects a larger vision of building infrastructure that empowers economic growth while remaining accessible and affordable. Emphasising the people-first ethos, the agency’s strategy has enabled high-quality services without exerting additional pressure on commuters through fare hikes.
The remarkable growth was driven by a multi-pronged non-fare box revenue strategy. Key components included Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) licensing, which alone generated ₹61.72 crore, station and train advertisements contributing nearly ₹31.42 crore, and retail outlets and kiosks at metro stations adding ₹8.22 crore to the kitty. Additional revenue was earned through naming and branding rights for metro stations, telecom infrastructure sharing, and offering commercial spaces for retail and events. A senior MMRDA official pointed out that the metro infrastructure is being increasingly leveraged as a vibrant urban commercial space. For instance, Andheri West station alone now offers over 12,000 square feet of commercial real estate, maximising the potential for retail, food and beverage services, and promotional activities. Metro stations are no longer mere transit points; they are evolving into hubs of economic activity, directly enhancing the commuter experience while supporting financial sustainability.
The agency’s subsidiary, Maha Mumbai Metro, which operates Metro Lines 2A and 7, is also actively exploring new monetisation opportunities. Officials stated that spaces across 30 stations, spanning nearly 73,000 square feet, are being optimised for retail use. Additional revenue streams such as production shoot rentals at stations and depots, event-based branding, and small cell installations for telecom providers are also being aggressively tapped. The financial strategy reflects a broader shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable urban transit systems. By reducing dependency on fare revenues, authorities aim to keep metro services affordable for the common citizen, while ensuring long-term viability without relying heavily on government subsidies. This approach aligns with national goals of promoting greener, inclusive cities, where public transportation is both financially robust and socially equitable.
Industry experts praised the MMRDA’s model as a best practice for metro systems across India, especially at a time when cities are grappling with rising operational costs and the need to expand sustainable mobility options. The successful balancing of affordability, service quality, and financial health sets an important precedent for other urban mass transit projects across the country. As Mumbai continues its ambitious expansion of metro lines to meet growing commuter demand, the financial performance of Metro Lines 2A and 7 offers a promising blueprint for the future. It shows that with careful planning, innovative monetisation, and strong governance, it is possible to build urban mobility systems that are efficient, accessible, and environmentally sustainable.
While challenges remain in scaling this success across all lines and phases of Mumbai’s metro network, MMRDA’s strong revenue performance in FY 2024–25 marks a decisive step towards a future where public transport infrastructure is both people-centric and economically resilient.
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Mumbai Metro Lines 2A and 7 Boost Revenue
