The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) has launched a 'Celebration on Wheels' programme, allowing private individuals and organizations to book metro coaches and station areas for events and creative shoots in Bhopal and Indore. Hourly charges range from Rs 5,000 for stationary coaches to Rs 7,000 for moving ones, with bookings required at least 15 days in advance and subject to security and operational guidelines.

The initiative allows birthday parties, pre-wedding shoots, film and ad shoots, and corporate events, with a maximum of 50 participants allowed for social functions. A refundable security deposit of Rs 20,000 per coach is mandatory, and prohibitions on alcohol, smoking, and firecrackers are strictly enforced. The move follows a steep decline in daily ridership, with Bhopal Metro drawing fewer than 200 passengers on weekdays and just over 500 on weekends.

MPMRCL Managing Director S Krishna Chaitanya said the programme aligns with the urban culture of Bhopal and Indore and aims to integrate the metro into public life beyond commuting. However, the metro faces severe financial strain, with daily operational costs reaching nearly Rs 8 lakh against daily revenues of less than Rs 10,000. Services on the Bhopal route currently operate only on a 6.22-km priority corridor, despite the project's larger 30.95-km plan.

The Bhopal Metro began commercial operations on December 21, 2025, after years of delays, while Indore Metro services started on May 31, 2025. Initial ridership in Bhopal dropped rapidly after an opening-day count of 6,568, prompting reduced trips and adjusted timings. The corporation will assess public response to the new programme before considering further operational changes.