CMRL to rent free space in nine Metro stations for additional revenue

According to the CMRL officials, the kiosks will be set up at the selected metro stations – Koyambedu, Tirumangalam, Anna Nagar East, Shenoy Nagar, KMC, Nehru Park, Nandanam, Saidapet and Teynampet.

The CMRL is planning to make use of the real estate value which would provide dual benefits in the long run, said a CMRL official. “It will help us to generate a sustainable additional revenue. Another benefit is that it provides a one-stop solution to the commuters helping to meet their needs,” he added.

For this purpose, the CMRL has invited tenders to select licensee(s), who will effectively utilise the bare spaces at the selected elevated and underground metro stations. “The stations were selected considering its accessibility by the road, airport, suburban trains and metro network from all the parts of the city. Approximately 10-35 square metres of area will be provided for each kiosk in stations at the street level,” said a senior official.

Earlier, the CMRL identified the leftover space excluding operational and safety requirements at stations. As part of non-fare box revenue, the CMRL has already invited tender for licensing of retail space at elevated operational stations and the same was awarded to various agencies.

The commercial spaces were identified at 12 underground stations namely Chennai Central Metro, Egmore Metro, KMC, Pachaippa’s College, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar East, Anna Nagar Tower, Tirumangalam, AG-DMS, Teynampet, Nandanam and Saidapet and leftover spaces at three elevated stations namely Vadapalani, Alandur and St Thomas Mount Metro. The rental rate is based on reserve price/per square metre fixed by CMRL.