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www.metrorailnews.in METRO RAIL NEWS -AUGUST - 2025 25%u2022 Also, private bus feeder service from MNCs like Barclays to Ramwadi metro station has been implemented.%u2022Similarly, in Nagpur, Seamless last-mile access via shuttle buses, e-rickshaws, and bike-sharing to schools, Colleges, Municipal Corporation Apali Bus, Shared Auto Rikshaw, E-Rickshaw, etc. have also been implemented in Nagpur Metro, and the same model will also be replicated at Thane Metro Project.Achieving long-term financial sustainability is crucial for any metro project. What non-fare revenue streams is Maha-Metro currently exploring or implementing to reduce dependency on passenger fares?%u2022To ensure long-term financial sustainability, Maha Metro has actively begun leasing out small and medium-sized spaces on stations across its network to generate lease income.%u2022Semi-naming rights for metro stations have also been introduced as a revenue-generating initiative. So far, 10 metro stations have been assigned semi-names%u2014these include Kalyani Nagar, Phugewadi, Ruby Hall Clinic, Nal Stop, PCMC, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Ramwadi, Yerwada, and Pune Railway Station.%u2022Train wrapping is another non-fare revenue stream currently, with the tender process underway. %u2022Advertising rights on station pillars, external premises, and other designated areas have already been awarded, helping to create a steady flow of commercial income.%u2022Maha Metro is planning a commercial complex under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as part of its vision for financial sustainability.%u2022In FY 2024%u201325, Nagpur Metro earned approximately %u20b931 crores through non-fare revenue, while Pune Metro generated %u20b919.8 crores, reinforcing the potential of such initiatives in supporting urban transit systems.%u2022In Ngapur, Development of a commercial project on land admeasuring 16,189.90 Sqm at Mz. Dhantoli and 2,899.00 Sqm at Mz. Somalwada, Nagpur have been implemented.%u2022Few proposed projects which are under the planning stage, and tenders shall be invited soon, are as follows:%u2022Development of a commercial project on land admeasuring 7200 Sqm near Kasturchand Park Nagpur, 3,00,000 Sq.ft. at the airspace above, Zero Mile Metro Station, Nagpur. Approx. 25 Acres near Eco Park Metro Station of Phase II of NMRP, Nagpur and 4200 Sqm at Mz. Ajni.Pune Metro recorded a rise in ridership in July, crossing 59 lakh passengers. However, this is still below the projections outlined in the final DPR (2015). What factors do you attribute to the recent growth, and what are your expectations for daily ridership in the coming months?%u2022Since the opening of District Court to Swargate, Pune Metro has witnessed a steady rise in ridership. In July 2025 alone, a total of 59,69,529 commuters travelled by Metro, with the average daily ridership reaching approx. 2 lakh.%u2022Although current ridership figures are still below the projections outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), Maha Metro is actively implementing several measures to bridge this gap and boost usage. These include strengthening last-mile connectivity through feeder buses, share-autos, e-scooters, and shared bicycles, as well as increasing the number of entry and exit points at stations to improve accessibility.%u2022Pune Metro will soon will probably reduce headway during peak hours 7 minutes, to bring it down to 5 minutes. The service hours have been extended up to 11:00 PM, and on special occasions or during major events, services are further extended to meet public demand.%u2022In addition, a strong push is being made toward digital ticketing options to reduce queues and streamline the travel experience. Initiatives such as the Maha Metro Card, WhatsApp ticketing, and the Pune Metro mobile app are being promoted to encourage cashless, convenient, and faster access to the Metro.%u2022Nagpur Metro has completed 10 crore ridership since it started commercial operations in March 2019 with limited services in the morning and evening hours. After the Completion of Phase 2, which connects to the satellite town, the ridership is expected to rise to over 2lakh riders per dayEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW