NCRTC eyes non-fare revenue through smart lockers, EV charging points at Namo Bharat stations

New Delhi, July 10 (PTI) The NCRTC is exploring multiple avenues – from smart lockers and electric vehicle charging points to pod hotels, co-working spaces and branding deals – to generate non-fare revenues at the Namo Bharat stations, a senior official said on Friday. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is working on expanding passenger amenities at the stations, including food outlets, banking services, Aadhaar centres, smart locker facilities for secure luggage storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, its Managing Director Shalabh Goel said. The Corporation has already started commercial development at several stations along the Namo Bharat corridor. At Anand Vihar, property development floors have been licensed for the development of a pod hotel and other passenger-centric amenities, while similar opportunities are being explored at Ghaziabad and Sarai Kale Khan, Goel said. The transport body has also invited bids for semi-naming and co-branding rights across 21 Namo Bharat stations, allowing brands to associate with the regional transit network while creating an additional source of revenue for the project, he said. “As passenger footfall grows, we expect non-fare revenue streams to play an increasingly important role in supporting the long-term sustainability of the system," Goel said. A co-working facility has also been operationalised at the Ghaziabad Namo Bharat station, providing professionals, entrepreneurs and daily commuters with a workspace closer to their homes, he said. The facility, located at the concourse level, has 42 open workstations, 11 private cabins and two meeting rooms, which offer high-speed internet, plug-and-play desks and round-the-clock access, providing an alternative to conventional office rentals for remote workers and small businesses, Goel said. Located on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor and connected with the Shahid Sthal Metro station, the Ghaziabad Namo Bharat station has emerged as a key transit point with high daily footfall. The NCRTC has also introduced smart features across Namo Bharat services, including biometric and keycard entry, IoT-enabled lighting, climate control and automated room booking facilities at the co-working spaces. Passengers can access videoconferencing facilities, wireless screen sharing, QR-based hot-desk booking and vending services. A premium lounge at Ghaziabad offers cushioned seating and vending facilities, while premium class travel provides additional comfort and lounge access at a fare 20 per cent higher than the standard class, Goel said. He added that the Corporation is focusing on developing and licensing commercial spaces within stations, undertaking property development initiatives and partnering with brands for co-branding opportunities to create additional revenue streams while improving passenger convenience. "These initiatives will not only generate additional revenue but also enhance the overall commuter experience by bringing useful services and amenities closer to the passengers while serving the needs of the nearby residential areas," Goel said. The larger objective goes beyond providing fast and safe regional connectivity and focuses on creating a convenient and integrated travel experience for the commuters using Namo Bharat services, he added. PTI SHB ARI