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MMRCL has partnered with India Retail Hub Private Limited (IRHPL) to set up branded retail outlets, restaurants, offices, lounges, and food zones at Kotak-BKC and CSMIA-T2 stations along the Metro 3 corridor. This move comes as daily ridership jumped 114%-from about 24,500 to over 52,600-after a new stretch opened in May. IRHPL, known for its work in airport retail, will bring global brands and in-house labels to 32,000 sq. ft. of space across 35 locations within the two stations. This strategy follows a global trend of integrating retail into transport hubs, boosting commuter convenience and generating extra revenue for metro operators.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has recently signed an agreement to bring retail outlets and other commercial facilities to two significant stations along its Metro 3 corridor. The agreement involves India Retail Hub Private Limited (IRHPL) for setting up branded outlets, shops, offices, restaurants, food zones, and premium lounges at the Kotak-BKC and CSMIA-T2 stations. Advertisement
This initiative comes as the Metro 3 corridor has seen a 114% jump in daily ridership since the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Acharya Atre Chowk stretch became operational on May 10.
Prior to this, the average weekday ridership from the corridor's inauguration on October 7, 2024, until May 9, was approximately 24,500. After the May 10 stretch opened, average weekday ridership notably crossed 52,600. An MMRCL official noted that between June 16 and 19, the average daily footfall ranged from 54,000 to 60,000 commuters, a figure higher than the typical MMRCL daily average.
R Ramana, director of MMRCL, reportedly stated that their partnership with IRHPL marks a "turning point in urban transit," adding that they aim to deliver a similar experience at Metro 3 stations as IRHPL has proven expertise in airport retail. IRHPL specializes in the travel retail sector and already has a presence across eight airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
The company operates on a dual model, partnering with global brands such as US Polo, Skechers, Samsonite, and Hidesign, while also developing its own in-house labels like Artport, Mishthaan, Toycraft, and Neo Travel. IRHPL also manages food and beverage outlets through partnerships with popular brands like Pizza Hut, KFC, and Susegado Microbrewery.
Retail outlets will be spread across 32,000 square feet, accommodated at 35 locations within the two metro stations. Integrating commercial spaces into public transport hubs is a global trend in urban planning.
This approach not only provides convenience for commuters but also generates additional non-fare box revenue for metro operators, transforming stations into vibrant urban lifestyle destinations.
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