Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited has launched a programme allowing private and commercial events on metro coaches and at station premises in Indore and Bhopal to boost utilisation amid lower-than-anticipated ridership. The initiative, titled Celebrations on Wheels, permits birthday parties, pre-wedding shoots, filming for web series and advertisements and other socio-cultural activities within designated metro spaces under controlled access and safety norms. The move was described as an attempt to integrate metro infrastructure with evolving urban lifestyles and to increase public engagement.

Under the scheme a stationary undecorated metro coach can be booked for Rs 5,000 an hour while a moving coach is priced at Rs 7,000 an hour, and a refundable security deposit of Rs 20,000 per coach is required at booking. The corporation has set a limit of 50 participants for small gatherings within metro premises and any additional participants would be subject to standard fare regulations. Bookings will be governed by operational guidelines and compliance with prescribed conditions for return of the deposit.

Officials indicated that the programme is intended to generate supplementary non-fare revenue from existing assets within the urban transport network and to position the metro as a multi-functional urban asset beyond its primary role in transportation. The move comes as networks in both cities continue to report passenger volumes below projections, prompting exploration of alternative revenue streams and utilisation strategies in the early stages of operations. Allowing curated access for events and creative productions is presented as a means to increase visibility and usage of metro facilities.

Implementation will require strict adherence to safety protocols and operational constraints to ensure that core transport services remain unaffected and that passenger safety is preserved at all times. The corporation plans to monitor response and operational feasibility before any potential expansion to additional formats or locations and to refine the framework as experience accumulates. The approach reflects a wider trend among urban transport authorities to monetise station spaces and transit infrastructure to improve financial sustainability.