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In a continuation of its upward financial trajectory, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) announced an operating profit of INR 33.34 crore for the ongoing financial year, marking the third year in a row it has registered a surplus. The metro operator recorded a notable improvement of INR 10.4 crore over the previous year, showcasing its sustained focus on operational efficiency and financial prudence. With steady gains in revenue from both ticketing and non-ticketing avenues, the company has underlined its commitment to long-term sustainability.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) stated that it has recorded an operating profit of INR 33.34 crore for the current financial year, achieving a surplus for the third consecutive year. The company's profit figures reflected a year-on-year growth of INR 10.4 crore, with officials indicating that this consistent improvement pointed to a robust and efficient operating model. Advertisement
In a statement, KMRL's managing director Loknath Behera remarked that the metro's financial progress was a sign of its operational resilience and growing efficiency. He said the organisation had not only improved its core performance but had also succeeded in enhancing the overall passenger experience while broadening its sources of revenue. He added that the company aimed to develop a financially self-reliant and commuter-friendly metro system that would make Kochi proud.
KMRL further highlighted how this sustained profitability marked a significant shift from its earlier years, which were marked by substantial losses. When services commenced in 2017-18, the metro had reported an operating loss of INR 24.19 crore. Though losses narrowed to INR 5.70 crore in the subsequent year, they rose again to INR 13.92 crore in 2019-20 and INR 56.56 crore in 2020-21. The organisation managed to reduce the deficit to INR 34.94 crore the following year.
A turnaround was first achieved in 2022-23 when KMRL posted an operating surplus of INR 5.35 crore. This improvement continued in the past year, with the profit reaching INR 22.94 crore, culminating in this year's further growth.
The total operating income for the current financial year stood at INR 182.37 crore. Of this, ticket revenue contributed INR 111.88 crore, while non-ticket sources accounted for INR 55.41 crore. Additional income of INR 1.56 crore was generated from consultancy services and INR 13.52 crore from other miscellaneous streams. Operating expenses for the year were reported at INR 149.03 crore.
The metro authority clarified that its operating profit was calculated after excluding capital and financing costs such as interest, depreciation, and expenses associated with non-motorised transport infrastructure, including pavement-related projects.
The shift from deficit to surplus, supported by a balanced mix of fare-based and ancillary revenue, signals growing commuter acceptance and sound operational strategy. With a clear goal of becoming a commuter-centric, financially sustainable system, KMRL appears to be well-positioned to serve as a model for other urban transit networks in India.
Source - PTI
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