Noida Metro Rail Corporation has decided to lease commercial spaces at three stations on its Aqua Line network—Sector 81, Sector 83 and Depot Metro Station—to strengthen non-fare revenue streams. The initiative is part of NMRC’s broader strategy to monetise metro assets beyond ticketing income.

At Sector 81 Metro Station, NMRC has offered four commercial units of varying sizes across different levels. These include spaces of 26 sq m and 172 sq m on the ground floor, a larger 315 sq m unit on the first or concourse level 1, and a 232 sq m unit on concourse level 2. Sector 83 Metro Station will offer a single 226 sq m commercial unit on the upper ground floor. At Depot Metro Station, a 106 sq m space will be available on the first or concourse level. Officials said successful bidders may use the spaces for permitted commercial activities, excluding those listed under prohibited or restricted uses.

NMRC officials said non-fare revenue from commercial leasing, advertising rights and property development is critical to meeting rising operational, maintenance and energy costs without relying solely on fare increases. Asset monetisation has therefore become a key focus for urban transport agencies across India.

The last date to submit applications is January 5, 2026, and the licence period for successful bidders will be 15 years, offering long-term business visibility. The Aqua Line, which runs between Noida Sector 51 and Depot station in Greater Noida, currently records an average daily ridership of about 68,869 commuters as of November 2025, making station premises attractive for retail and service businesses seeking high footfall.

NMRC is also planning network expansions to further increase ridership and commercial opportunities. Proposed projects include extensions from Sector 51 to Knowledge Park V, Sector 51 to Sector 142, and from Depot Station to Boraki. In addition, a skywalk connecting Aqua Line’s Sector 51 station with the Blue Line’s Sector 52 station is expected to be completed by January 2026, improving interchange convenience and passenger flow.

With rising passenger traffic, network expansion and a sharper focus on non-fare income, NMRC’s move reflects a growing trend among metro operators to adopt diversified and sustainable revenue models while enhancing the commuter experience.