7 vending kiosks installed at Metro stations

Nagpur: MahaMetro commuters at select stations can now grab a quick snack or beverage on the go, with seven automated vending kiosks operational across the Phase 1 network. Metro officials said the tender process is underway for 16 additional kiosks. The last date for submission of bids for the 16 kiosks is set for early March. The seven operational kiosks were installed at Shankar Nagar, Sitabuldi, Prajapati Nagar, Nagpur Railway Station, Khapri, Lokmanya Nagar, and Automotive Square stations. These were allotted to Oam Industries (India) Pvt Ltd for a tenure of three years. The operational model includes advance licence fees for six months, with the private agency responsible for installation, stocking, and maintenance.
As published by TOI earlier, 11 vending machines were initially proposed across identified stations. Out of these, 7 are now installed, while the remaining 4 are part of the fresh tender process. In addition, MahaMetro identified 12 extra spaces at other stations, taking the total number of kiosks currently under tender to 16. Officials clarified that the kiosks are being allotted under Metro's property development model. Similar to shops and commercial spaces leased at stations, the vending machine spaces are given on licence, generating non-fare box revenue for the corporation.A senior MahaMetro official said the long-term plan is to have at least one vending machine at every station. In Phase 1, Nagpur Metro has 38 stations. Now, 23 stations are expected to have vending kiosks once the current tender is finalised. The remaining stations will be covered subsequently.Officials indicated that additional locations may be considered based on commuter footfall and demand. "Based on passenger feedback and usage patterns, vending machine locations can be modified or expanded. The aim is to ensure convenience while optimising space utilisation," a senior official said.MahaMetro is looking to strengthen passenger amenities while also enhancing its non-ticket revenue streams through structured commercial utilisation of station spaces.