Bengaluru:

To facilitate the rollout, BMRCL has entered into two separate seven-year agreements, one with Mudra Ventures for the Purple Line and another with Lokesh Outdoor for the Green Line. These exclusive contracts are expected to generate a minimum of Rs 25 crore each year, offering a welcome financial cushion amid rising operational expenses.

in a bid to bolster its non-fare revenue, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has begun wrapping entire trains on the Purple and Green Lines with advertisements, marking a first for the city’s transport system. The eye-catching transformation is part of a broader commercial strategy aimed at easing the corporation’s dependence on passenger fares, turning trains into moving billboards.

BMRCL exploring other revenue sources after recent metro fare hike

The new advertising push comes on the heels of a fare hike of up to 71 per cent, a move that sparked criticism among daily commuters. Faced with the mounting cost of maintaining and expanding the network, BMRCL is now turning to more sustainable revenue streams, aligning with global trends where transit authorities increasingly partner with private firms to monetise assets beyond ticket sales. The advertising scheme includes both external train wraps and interior branding, converting metro coaches into mobile billboards. With lakhs of commuters using the Metro daily, the trains present an attractive opportunity for brands aiming for high visibility in the heart of Bengaluru.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Some passengers have expressed concerns about the ads covering train windows, which they say restrict outside views and may pose safety risks by limiting visibility inside the coaches. Others lament the loss of the Metro’s original visual identity, which has been replaced by corporate messaging.

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