CMRL to let out free space at 3 elevated stations for commercial establishments

“As part of augmenting non-fare box revenue, these spaces will be utilised for commercial exploitation. CMRL has already invited tender for licensing retail space at elevated operational stations. This was awarded to various agencies,” said an official.

The fare that the CMRL charges from passengers is called fare-box revenue. Everything else like advertising to renting out space would come under non-fare box revenue. Official sources said free space at three elevated stations — Vadapalani, Alandur and St Thomas Mount — would be dedicated for this. The space available on rent for commercial entities would vary from 40 to 300 sqm.

“The space could be utilised for food outlets and other commercial activities. The rental rate will be based on the reserve price per sqm fixed by the CMRL,” an official noted.

The plan comes close on the heels of inviting tender for commercial spaces at 12 underground stations — Chennai Central, Egmore, KMC, Pachaiyappa’s College, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar East, Anna Nagar Tower, Tirumangalam, AG-DMS, Teynampet, Nandanam and Saidapet.

The rail network has introduced several non-fare box schemes by entering into contracts like sole advertising rights at Metro stations, trains, cafeteria, etc.