Reliance Infra sees airport express-link flying on realty wings

Reliance Infrastructure which operates the airport express-link in Delhi — metro rail connecting Connaught Place and Delhi airport— sees 50% of its revenues on the route coming through retail/realty exploitation.

According to the company, a total of 120 retail outlets will be set up at New Delhi and Shivaji stations of the link.

The company has tied up with retailers and food chains, which will start operations at two stations by November.

“Leading national and international brands have tied up with RInfra for setting up their showrooms at these stations. Apparel, food and beverages, book store, pharmacy and financial services brands have tied up with the company and have started setting up their shops and counters at these stations,” said a RInfra spokesperson.

Among those which have started setting up their outlets are food chains such as KFC, Café Coffee Day, Café Oz, Pizzocherry and South Asian Hospitality (Nirulas, Moti Mahal, Rajdhani, tibchi, dosa hut). W H Smith - a global retailer — is also setting up an outlet.

According to a company official, the rentals accrued from the retail operations will be at least 50% of the total revenues generated from the metro operations.

“We are eyeing 50% revenues from retail rentals, 30% from passenger operations, and the balance 20% from advertising,” the official said.

For an increased footfall, the retail shopping space has been kept at the non-paid area, where even the non-commuters can come. The traffic, meanwhile, has been growing by 10% per month at the airport express link over the past few months.