CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has recorded a sharp rise in overall revenue in 2024-25, with total income increasing to Rs 425.64 crore from Rs 369.49 crore in the previous year, an increase of about 15%.
According to the 18th CMRL annual report for 2024-25, the growth was fuelled by a strong jump in non-fare box revenue, which rose by nearly 30% to Rs 135.39 crore in 2024-25 from Rs 104.30 crore in 2023-24.
In 2023-24, fare box revenue stood at Rs 265.18 crore, while non-fare box revenue, including parking fees of Rs 21.08 crore, accounted for Rs 104.30 crore. In contrast, during 2024-25, non-fare box business development revenue increased to Rs 135.39 crore, including parking revenue of Rs 22.60 crore, forming 31.81% of the total revenue of Rs 425.64 crore.
Non-fare box revenue comes mainly from branding and advertising, real estate and asset development, and related commercial activities. Parking revenue alone recorded a 7% year-on-year increase, supported by higher ridership and improved utilisation of station access and parking facilities.
As part of its property development initiatives, CMRL has moved to monetise Metro viaduct piers and portals, which offer high visibility along major arterial roads.
The electrical and mechanical team electrified piers and portals fitted with ad boards to boost non-fare box revenue through organised advertising. Electrification works for 312 piers and portals at Phase I stations have been completed, enabling standardised and well-lit advertisement displays while ensuring compliance with safety and engineering norms.
CMRL issued open tenders for the licensing of ad rights on piers and portals along Corridors I and II of Phase I. Of the 11 packages offered, 7 packages were awarded to Mudra Ventures. The licensing is expected to generate an annual revenue of Rs 12.61 crore, creating a steady non-fare income stream independent of passenger fares.
With Phase II corridors under construction and a substantially larger network planned, CMRL expects non-fare box revenue to play an even more significant role in ensuring long-term financial sustainability, complementing fare box earnings as ridership continues to grow.