Mumbai Metro 3 Unveils 32,000 sq ft Retail Zone + 35 Premium Lounges at BKC & CSMIA‑T2
Explore Mumbai Metro 3’s latest upgrade: 32,000 sq ft of retail space, 35 premium lounges, and top global brands at BKC & CSMIA-T2 stations. A new era of smart commuting begins
Mumbai’s underground Metro Line 3 is transforming into more than just a transit route, with two key stations, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and CSMIA-T2, set to feature retail outlets, restaurants, lounges, and workspaces. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) has partnered with India Retail Hub Private Limited (IRHPL) to develop over 32,000 sq. ft of commercial space across 35 zones, aiming to blend convenience with commerce.
Since the BKC-Acharya Atre Chowk stretch opened in May, weekday ridership has surged by 114%, with daily footfall reaching 54,000–60,000 passengers. This growth presents a prime opportunity to boost non-fare revenue while enhancing the commuter experience. Brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, US Polo, and Skechers will set up shop alongside IRHPL’s in-house concepts like Artport and Neo Travel.
The move mirrors global trends where metro stations evolve into vibrant urban hubs. MMRCL calls it a “turning point”, aligning with Mumbai’s vision of sustainable, low-carbon transit. With smart layouts ensuring smooth passenger flow, the initiative aims to make metro travel not just efficient but enjoyable, setting a new standard for India’s urban infrastructure.
Mumbai’s Metro 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is rapidly evolving from a simple underground transit corridor into a vibrant commercial and lifestyle destination. With over 32,000 sq ft of premium retail space across 35 zones, this fully modernized metro line includes everything from global food brands and fashion outlets to lounges and work-friendly areas—delivering real value to commuters while boosting the metro’s revenue.
MMRCL, partnering with India Retail Hub Pvt. Ltd. (IRHPL), has designated BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex) and CSMIA T2 (Terminal 2 of Mumbai’s international airport) as primary retail hubs. The initiative brings:
- 32,000 sq ft split across 35 zones on concourse and mezzanine levels, blending in-store brands and IRHPL’s in-house venues like Artport and Neo Travel
Anchor tenants from global brands—KFC, Pizza Hut, US Polo, and Skechers—to mix quick bites and fashion essentials with commuter needs
Optimized layouts that maintain seamless passenger flow during boarding and alighting
This model mirrors urban metros internationally, offering convenience to riders and enhanced non-fare revenue to sustain affordable fares. In fact, across 27 Metro 3 stations, MMRCL has already leased out 1.3 lakh sq ft of retail space, aiming to generate over ₹20 crore annually in non-fare income
Affordability underpins Metro 3’s mission. By extracting value from retail, advertising, station branding, and naming rights, MMRCL is targeting 10–15% of total revenue coming from non-fare streams .
- Station naming rights fetch big: Kotak Mahindra, ICICI Lombard, LIC, SBI, and Nippon India Mutual Fund have invested heavily—~₹216 crore total over 5 years, roughly ₹40 crore/year
Advertising and branding are being rolled out at key touchpoints—inside stations, on trains, and at entry exits.
Retail leases span sizes from 100 sq ft kiosks to 40,000 sq ft outlets. These flexible formats attract a wide range of tenants: from snack bars and ATMs to boutiques and pharmacies
So while passengers enjoy global F&B and convenient services, MMRCL strengthens its finances and keeps metro fares manageable.
This is where the metro goes beyond being a station—it’s an urban hub:
- Flagship outlets like KFC, Pizza Hut, Skechers, US Polo, are set to open at BKC & CSMIA‑T2 with dedicated floors and premium settings
- Premium lounges and co-working zones—marketed as “workspaces”—aim to accommodate business travellers, students, and professionals in transit. These modern amenities align with Mumbai’s status as a global business hub.
- IRHPL proprietary venues like “Artport” tap into the city’s creative pulse, offering art and cultural engagement to commuters.
It’s a move away from mere transit and toward creating urban micro-destinations inside metro stations.
Metro 3’s commercial push is backed by solid numbers and location advantages:
- The recently inaugurated BKC–Acharya Atre Chowk extension carries 54,000–60,000 weekday commuters, a jump of 114% since May launch
Phase 1 (Aarey–BKC) already crossed 200,000 riders within its first 10 days, averaging ~22,000 per day
Full corridor (33.5 km, 26 stations) is projected to handle 1.3 million passengers daily once Phase 3 is completed
Stations like BKC (a major financial district) and CSMIA‑T2 (international airport) are commuter magnets, making them prime retail real estate.
Metro 3 isn’t just flashy; it’s built for inclusive, efficient mobility:
- Accessibility-enhanced stations include elevators with braille call buttons, grab rails, low-level switches, rubber kick plates, and audio-visual announcements—serving passengers with disabilities thoughtfully
Multimodal integration efforts include feeder buses (especially from T2), pedestrian shelters, EV charging, and ongoing restoration of road intersections
The rollout of RuPay NCMC cards enables seamless, tap-and-go connectivity across Metro 1, 2A, 3, 7 and BEST buses from mid-June 2025
Planned enhancements include better auto stand placement and updated bus routes—key to improving last-mile connectivityWhile promising, Metro 3 faces technical & operational hurdles:
Underground mobile service dropouts: Vodafone Idea and Airtel pulled out, citing costly infrastructure deals. Now only Jio is operational at select stations; free Wi‑Fi at concourses acts as a workaround
- Last-mile concerns: Some stations remain underserved by feeder transport. Many commuters find it inconvenient to reach stations due to subpar auto, bus, or pedestrian links .
MMRCL is actively negotiating telecom agreements and working with city authorities to improve feeder services.
The final leg connecting Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade is expected by August 2025, completing the Aqua Line’s full Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ corridor
End-to-end journey in under an hour, with a maximum speed of 85 km/h, and high train frequency (~every 3–4 minutes).
1.3 million riders/day, cementing Metro 3’s role as the artery of Mumbai’s urban mobility
Expanded retail & non-fare monetization—including small kiosks, brand events, and even non-commuter footfall entering commercial zones.
Extended naming & branding rights, more advertising contracts, and steadily rising revenue—all helping to stabilize fares.
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