Bhopal Metro turns stations into event venues amid falling ridership, revenue

Bhopal: Running up persistent losses since the start of commercial operations, Bhopal Metro has now moved to monetise station and coach space with a new initiative aimed at boosting non-fare income.Early in May, MPMRCL introduced ‘Celebration on Wheels’, allowing people and event organisers to rent Metro coaches and select station areas for events ranging from birthday parties and kitty gatherings to pre‑wedding shoots, film shoots and advertisements.In four weeks, two bookings materialised in Indore and one that should have been a first on Saturday for Bhopal, was cancelled, according to MPMRCL sources.The Metro’s limited commercial operations – 7km and eight stations — have struggled to attract expected passenger numbers since services began late last year, leaving income “a trickle and expenses a torrent”.With fares insufficient to cover running costs, officials described the scheme as a way to reimagine the Metro as both transport and a modern public venue.Now, in a new pitch, MPMRCL alongside coach bookings, announced leasing commercial space at stations. Available areas include about 620 sq m on the ground floor of Board Office Chauraha Metro station and roughly 2,470 sq m at Subhash Nagar’s ground floor. In nearby Indore, ISBT Metro Station has around 1,050 sq m listed for commercial licensing.So far, ‘Celebration on Wheels’ has yet to gain wide traction, prompting officials to return to fundamental revenue options such as station retail leasing while continuing to promote the event concept as a supplementary income source.Bhopal’s priority corridor is about 7-km elevated stretch from AIIMS to Subhash Nagar, inaugurated on December 21, 2025, forming the first operational segment of Phase 1. Two lines—Orange (AIIMS Bhopal–Karond Circle) and Blue line (Bhadbhada–Ratnagiri Tiraha)—totaling about 29 km are under construction, with full Phase 1 expected by 2028.