Pune Metro to lease out Stations and Corridors to generate non-fare box revenue

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): In a forward-thinking move aimed at diversifying its revenue streams, the Pune Metro has unveiled plans to lease out metro stations and its elevated corridor to telecom service providers. This strategic initiative is designed to harness non-fare revenue opportunities, ensuring that the burden on passengers' pockets remains minimal.

Hemant Sonawane, the Executive Director of Pune Metro Rail, highlighted the importance of exploring diverse revenue channels to maintain affordable fare structures. "The metro service has to be provided at affordable rates to ensure its maximum use by the public," he emphasized.

As part of this initiative, Pune Metro has already laid fiber optics along its route, ensuring top-notch telecom connectivity for operational needs. The surplus bandwidth of this fiber optics network will now be leased out to entities requiring it.

"Pune Metro's network traverses dense traffic areas and prominent locations, offering an ideal telecom connectivity band for mobile operators. By utilizing the available space, it will contribute value to the telecom industry," explained Sonawane.

The Pune Metro's approach involves leasing Over Head Equipment (OHE) masts for small cell systems. These 535 OHE mast premises will be available for a 10-year lease, with each premise accommodating a maximum of three small cell antennas and one backhaul link antenna.

Additionally, the metro is providing space for telecom tower installation on elevated section station buildings and depot buildings, available for lease. Interested parties will secure the right to install a radio tower at station buildings for a substantial 20-year term. This initiative aims to enhance mobile coverage and extend leasing services to both telecom and non-telecom operators for various needs.

Pune Metro's decision to leverage its infrastructure for telecom services is a strategic move that aligns with the broader vision of optimizing non-fare revenue. The initiative encompasses a multifaceted approach, including revenue capture from real estate, advertisements, co-branding, and licensing of space.

Currently, Pune Metro services the North-South Corridor from PCMC to Shivajinagar, set to extend to Swargate, and the East-West Corridor from Vanaz to Ruby Hall, with plans for further extension to Ramwadi. This innovative revenue strategy positions Pune Metro as a forward-looking player in the realm of urban transportation, setting a precedent for sustainable financial models within the industry.

As Pune Metro forges ahead with this visionary approach, commuters can anticipate continued access to an affordable and efficient metro service, coupled with the added benefits of enhanced telecom connectivity.

The move to lease out metro stations and corridors for telecom services underscores Pune Metro's commitment to financial sustainability and passenger-centric affordability. By capitalizing on available resources and partnerships, Pune Metro is not only redefining its role in urban mobility but also paving the way for innovative revenue models in the transportation sector.