Trains of Namma Metro to be wrapped with ads soon: BMRCL

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In a bid to boost non-fare revenue, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has reportedly decided to 'wrap' its trains with advertisements, after tenders for the same are floated.

Namma Metro, which operates the Green Line and Purple line, has 57 six coach trains at present. Only one train is wrapped in ads to mark 75 years of Independence which is titled ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.’

According to reports, BMRCL spent around Rs 9 lakh to cover the exteriors with ads. Currently, ads are present only inside the train.

Reports suggest that the ads will now appear on the side exteriors first and after analysing the public response, they will be put on other parts of the train. Windows will not be covered with ads.

The BMRCL is also mulling offering semi-naming rights of metro stations to firms and organisations for a period of five years. The Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) will reportedly consult firms and make recommendations to BMRCL.

Earlier, IT company Infosys had provided Rs 100 crore for developing the Konappana Agrahara station in lieu of naming rights, commercial space and a walkway to the campus. Biocon Ltd provided Rs. 65 crore to BMRCL and acquired naming rights for the Hebbagodi Metro station.

This is not the first time BMRCL, led by Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao is pushing an initiative in the non-fare revenue stream.

Last year, film shooting in coaches of the trains and at the stations were allowed if the producers were to pay an amount. At present, BMRCL has a 73km network and by 2026, it is expected to reach 175km.