Mumbai Metro Partners IRHPL to Transform Stations Into Retail Hubs
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has signed an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Retails and Hospitality Private Limited (IRHPL), one of the country’s fastest-growing diversified retail groups. The agreement appoints IRHPL as the Master Concessionaire for commercial retail development across strategic Metro Line 3 stations, including Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Mumbai Airport T2 Terminal.
The collaboration aims to bridge the experiential gap between traditional metro commuting and the curated, upscale experience often associated with airports. With this, metro travel in Mumbai is poised to enter a new era—where passengers won’t just be rushing through stations but staying to shop, dine, and unwind. “We’re taking our airport retail expertise to the tracks,” said IRHPL Group. “This venture is a landmark for us as we expand from airport retail into the urban transit ecosystem. We’re not just building outlets; we’re building experiences.”
IRHPL’s entry into Mumbai Metro aligns with MMRC’s larger vision of transforming transit stations into vibrant, multifunctional spaces. From premium lounges to curated F&B counters, experiential zones to world-class design aesthetics, the partnership intends to blur the lines between mobility and lifestyle. Officials at MMRCL, hailed the partnership as a “turning point in urban transit,” noting that it reflects a shared ambition of making Mumbai Metro stations functional yet refreshing, efficient yet inspiring.
The first phase of the rollout focuses on two of Mumbai Metro’s most high-profile nodes—BKC and Terminal 2. These are not only some of the busiest but also the most strategically located stations, linking major commercial zones and international gateways. IRHPL plans to develop the stations into retail and hospitality destinations, mimicking the kind of immersive, curated experiences now standard in global transit hubs. The venture is expected to unlock significant non-fare revenue for Mumbai Metro, a critical component in making urban transit economically viable without overburdening commuters. It’s also expected to create jobs, boost local brands, and increase commuter satisfaction—making public transport not just an economic necessity, but a preferred choice.
IRHPL isn’t stopping at Mumbai. The company is already in talks to replicate the model across other Indian metros, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. It aims to integrate its passenger-first, retail-rich ecosystem into major urban networks.
As urban India moves towards smarter, greener, and more people-centric infrastructure, initiatives like this are more than just corporate MoUs—they’re markers of a future where a daily commute isn’t drudgery, but delight.
