MUMBAI: From fast-food chains and pod hotels to fashion retailers and office operators, businesses are eyeing Mumbai’s Metro stations as new commercial hubs, with the latest tender expected to generate at least Rs 5 crore a year in rental revenue for Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL). Over 10 years, the cumulative revenue could cross Rs 50 crore, with rents likely to increase during the lease period.MMMOCL received 68 bids from 18 bidders for kiosk and commercial spaces across its Metro network, with 39 unique locations attracting interest. The tender covers more than 20,000sqft, comprising 13 commercial blocks and 26 kiosks.The response offers an indication of the commercial value of Metro stations, where businesses can tap into a steady stream of commuters rather than relying solely on destination shoppers.Bids have come from McDonald’s, pod hotel operators, fashion and accessories businesses, office operators, retail outlets and other passenger-oriented services. Several bidders have also bid for multiple locations, suggesting interest in building a presence across the Metro network.For MMMOCL, the exercise is aimed at strengthening non-fare box revenue (NFBR) and creating a recurring income stream beyond ticket sales. The rental income from these spaces can provide a relatively stable source of revenue, while escalation in rentals over the lease tenure could push cumulative earnings higher.The latest tender closed on September 30, with technical bids now undergoing preliminary scrutiny. The final revenue will depend on the successful bids and rentals secured for individual spaces.With the Metro network expanding and passenger footfall rising, MMMOCL is likely to explore more commercial opportunities at stations, potentially turning them into transit-linked retail and business hubs while creating an additional revenue stream for the Metro system.
