Mumbai: Commuters on the under-construction Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 Corridor in Mumbai will be able to enjoy uninterrupted mobile and internet connectivity during their journey. The contract was awarded by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) to ACES India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Riyadh-based ACES Co. The firm emerged as the winning bidder for the In-Building Solutions contract, marking a pivotal development for the Aqua Line. This will now ensure uninterrupted mobile and internet connectivity during commutes on the Aqua Line.
ACES projects at Bangalore Airport and the Surat Diamond Bourse
ACES India has successfully implemented In-Building Solutions at Bangalore Airport and the Surat Diamond Bourse. Through this transaction, MMRC is set to generate revenue amounting to Rs 274 crores over a span of 9 years. The license fee realised per station is approximately 2.5 times that of any other metro line in India.
Since Mumbai Metro Line 3 is entirely underground, with station concourses at 10-14 m below ground and platforms at depths of 18-20 m below ground; mobile network and internet propagation is a significant challenge. To address this issue and ensure mobile and internet access to commuters during the journey, MMRC planned to deploy cellular coverage from mobile service providers such as Jio, Vodafone, Airtel and MTNL. This will be achieved through In-Building Solutions, by installing antennas and repeaters within underground stations and tunnels.
Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director, MMRC remarked, “The non-fare box revenue generated by Metro Line 3 through this initiative highest in India. This In-Building Solutions initiative will ensure passengers enjoy uninterrupted mobile and internet connectivity during their commute on the underground Metro Line 3.”
R. Ramana, Director (Planning & Real Estate Development/ NFBR), MMRC expressed his delight at achieving the highest annual premium in the country to date for In-Building Solutions. He believes this endeavour will significantly support Metro Line-3 operations and enhance the overall commuter experience.
MMRC is assisted by AUCTUS-StudioPod in Non-Fare box revenue Bid process.
