New Delhi/Kochi: In a major boost to its financial credentials, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) on Thursday announced an operating profit of ₹33.34 crore for the financial year 2024–25, marking the third consecutive year of surplus since its inception in 2017.
The latest figures represent an increase of ₹10.4 crore over FY24, a significant step forward in Kochi Metro’s steady march toward financial self-sustainability.
Revenue Streams Strengthened Across the Board
In FY25, KMRL recorded an operating income of ₹182.37 crore, with ₹111.88 crore generated from ticket sales, indicating healthy ridership trends. Non-ticket revenue also saw a notable contribution of ₹55.41 crore, while consultancy services brought in ₹1.56 crore and miscellaneous sources added another ₹13.52 crore.
Operating expenses stood at ₹149.03 crore, enabling the surplus of ₹33.34 crore after accounting for all operational costs.
KMRL clarified that the operating profit calculation excludes capital and financing expenses, such as interest, depreciation, and investments in non-motorised transport (NMT) infrastructure like pedestrian pavements.
Leadership Speaks: Efficiency and Passenger Focus Key to Turnaround
KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera credited the performance to consistent efforts across operations, planning, and passenger services.
“This consistent financial progress reflects the resilience and efficiency of Kochi Metro. We have not only improved operational performance but also enhanced passenger experience and diversified our revenue streams,” Behera said.
He emphasized KMRL’s mission to build a financially sustainable and commuter-friendly metro system for Kochi.
From Deficit to Surplus: A Financial Journey Since Launch
Kochi Metro’s financial trajectory has witnessed a stark transformation since its launch in 2017–18, when it reported an operating loss of ₹24.19 crore. Over the years, it experienced fluctuating deficits:
- 2018–19: ₹5.70 crore loss
- 2019–20: ₹13.92 crore loss
- 2020–21: ₹56.56 crore loss
- 2021–22: ₹34.94 crore loss
The breakthrough came in 2022–23, when the metro posted its first operating surplus of ₹5.35 crore, followed by ₹22.94 crore in 2023–24.
This strong financial streak positions Kochi Metro as a standout among India’s newer metro systems, many of which continue to rely heavily on government support to balance operational costs.
About Kochi Metro
Kochi Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. It is operated by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), a special purpose vehicle jointly owned by the Government of India and the Government of Kerala on a 50:50 basis. KMRL was incorporated on August 2, 2011, and the metro officially began operations on June 17, 2017, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project was envisioned to reduce traffic congestion, improve urban mobility, and promote sustainable transportation in the city.
The initial phase covered 13.4 km between Aluva and Palarivattom, later extended to Petta. The system is known for adopting green practices, including solar-powered stations and water conservation. Kochi Metro also employs a large number of women and members from the transgender community, making it socially inclusive.
Financially, Kochi Metro has steadily grown. In FY 2020–21, it earned ₹12.90 crore. Revenue increased to ₹30.80 crore in 2021–22, and in FY 2022–23, it touched ₹134.04 crore. For FY 2024–25, Kochi Metro recorded an impressive ₹182.37 crore in operating income and a ₹33.34 crore operating surplus. It has been operationally profitable for three consecutive years, a rare feat for Indian metro systems.
