Kolkata Metro exploring new ways to boost ad revenues

The Metro rail corporation has engaged Indian Institute of Management- Calcutta to study and come up with viable avenues for more non-fare revenue earnings

Kolkata Metro plans to boost its non-fare revenue through new advertising options, on the lines of Delhi Metro & Mumbai Metro. The metro corporation has partnered Indian Institute of Management - Calcutta to chalk out the plan. As per reports, IIMC has submitted its report suggesting alternative revenue sources through advertisements on formats like Wi-Fi-powered mobile screens, and LED panels & video walls inside the coaches. While suggesting the options, the institute has kept the aesthetics of stations in consideration.

In 2017-18, the Metro’s earning was about Rs 195.4 crore. Of this, about Rs 12.7 crore came from non-fare revenues. In 2018-19, the metro corporation expects NFR of Rs 21.3 crore.

While the existing Kolkata Metro infrastructure may not have infrastructure to create many media formats, all new stations on the network will be designed for the same.