KOCHI: Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has posted an operating profit for the third consecutive year, clocking a surplus of Rs33.34 crore in 2024-25 – up Rs10.4 crore from the previous fiscal.
It’s now known whether the company has been able to earn a net profit for FY25, as it has not done it ever since the company commenced commercial operations.
A Kochi Metro statement said the FY25 performance marks another milestone in the metro’s financial turnaround, which began in 2022-23 with a modest operating surplus of Rs5.35 crore, followed by Rs22.94 crore in 2023-24.
Total operating income in FY25 rose to Rs182.37 crore, driven by steady passenger growth and robust non-fare revenues.
Ticket sales remained the largest contributor at Rs111.88 crore, while non-ticket revenue – including advertising, property development, and rentals – brought in Rs55.41 crore. Consultancy services generated Rs1.56 crore, and miscellaneous sources, including interest income, contributed Rs13.52 crore.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses were contained at Rs149.03 crore, helping sustain the upward trajectory in profitability. KMRL officials credited a combination of higher ridership, diversified revenue streams, and tight cost control for the results.
The company stated that metro’s profitability is significant for a public transport system that, like many in India, initially struggled with high operating costs and limited revenue avenues.
“The turnaround has been aided by aggressive efforts to monetise station spaces, expand feeder services, and improve passenger experience, while maintaining affordable fares,” it added.
KMRL is now focusing on its ongoing Phase II expansion to Kakkanad and Infopark, aimed at boosting daily ridership and further strengthening its finances. Officials said the challenge will be to maintain fiscal discipline while scaling up operations.
With three years of surplus under its belt, Kochi Metro is positioning itself as a financially viable and operationally efficient model for other urban transit projects in the country.
