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Hans India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Bangalore Metro Ads on Trains Spark Passenger Concerns Over Visibility and Safety
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has started putting advertisements on its metro trains. BMRCL signed two long-term contracts to give exclusive ad rights on its two main metro lines. Mudra Ventures will manage ads on the Purple Line, and Lokesh Outdoor will handle the Green Line. Both contracts last for seven years and are expected to earn at least ₹25 crore every year. Officials say this is part of BMRCL's plan to earn more money besides ticket sales. Earlier this year, metro fares went up by as much as 71%, which upset many commuters. Now, the ads on trains have caused new complaints. Passengers say the ads cover the train windows, blocking outside views. They also worry this could affect safety by reducing visibility inside the trains.
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
BMRCL rolls out ad-wrapped trains to boost non-fare revenue
BENGALURU: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has begun wrapping selected trains with advertisements, marking a fresh step towards increasing revenue beyond passenger fares. Several trains were recently seen operating with full-body advertisements. This move follows BMRCL's signing of long-term advertising contracts in April with two private firms. Mudra Ventures secured a seven-year deal to advertise on trains running along the Purple Line, while Lokesh Outdoor signed a similar agreement for trains on the Green Line. BMRCL aims to earn Rs 25 crore annually through advertisements on metro trains, as part of its broader plan to boost non-fare revenue.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
BMRCL rolls out ad-wrapped Namma Metro trains to boost non-fare revenue
In a move to ramp up its non-fare earnings, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has rolled out advertisement-wrapped trains on both the Purple and Green lines of Namma Metro. The initiative, which began on June 9, marks the first time in the 13-year history of Namma Metro that full-body train advertisements have been introduced. BMRCL has entered into two separate seven-year agreements with advertising firms for this initiative. Mudra Ventures has secured exclusive rights for the Purple Line while Lokesh Outdoor has been granted the same for the Green Line. The contract values are ₹1.26 crore and ₹81.49 lakh, respectively. Letters of Acceptance (LoA) for both companies were issued on January 29. According to senior officials at BMRCL, the contracts include permission for full exterior train wrapping and internal advertising. 'We expect to generate at least ₹25 crore per year from these contracts,' said a senior BMRCL official. The move comes shortly after BMRCL increased metro fares by up to 71%, a decision that drew public criticism. BMRCL wraps trains with ads for the first time in 13 years to boost non-fare revenue. Aiming ₹25 Cr/year from Purple & Green Line deals. @THBengaluru@the_hindu#NammaMetro#Bengaluru#BMRCL# — Darshan Devaiah B P (@DarshanDevaiahB) June 10, 2025 BMRCL sheds ad-wrap fears after trials This is a significant shift in policy for BMRCL, which until recently was hesitant to allow wrapping trains with advertisements. Officials had previously cited concerns that such wraps might damage the exterior surfaces of the trains. However, trial runs on two trains helped alleviate those fears. 'We conducted successful trials to ensure that the vinyl wraps do not damage the train surface. The applications will be done with care, ensuring that the aesthetic value of the coaches is maintained,' the official added. The only prior instance of a train being fully wrapped by BMRCL was not for commercial purpose. In March 2022, as part of the government of India's 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' campaign, one train was wrapped with visuals and slogans celebrating India's freedom struggle. That project cost around ₹8.5 lakh and took 10 days to complete. Currently, BMRCL operates 57 six-coach trains across its Purple and Green lines. While this is the first time the corporation is wrapping trains for commercial purposes, metro trains in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kochi have long adopted this practice. Delhi Metro, for instance, began wrapping its trains with advertisements in 2014. Metro's other non-fare income To enhance non-fare revenue has been a consistent part of BMRCL's strategy. Advertising within stations and coaches, renting out commercial space for outlets, ATMs, and parking, and granting permission for filming inside metro premises are just some of the revenue-generating initiatives the BMRCL has implemented over the years. BMRCL has also introduced promotional kiosks, electric vehicle charging stations, and leasing of space for telecom infrastructure, such as towers and optical fibre cables. One of BMRCL's most notable deals was with IKEA India Private Limited. It leased 13 acres near Nagasandra metro station to the retailer under a 60-year agreement signed in 2017. This single transaction netted the corporation ₹251 crore. Mixed commuter reactions The decision to use metro coaches for advertising has evoked a range of responses from commuters. Shreya Natarajan, a daily user of the Green Line and resident of Jalahalli, expressed concern over the aesthetic compromise. 'I remember reading that the windows wouldn't be covered. But they have gone ahead and done it now. The whole look of the trains is ruined. I know they need funds, but this feels excessive. We are surrounded by ads everywhere: buses, hoardings, even on our phones. Must the metro become a moving billboard too?' On the other hand, some passengers see the move as a necessary financial strategy. 'If the advertisement revenue helps in keeping ticket prices down and improves services, then I support it. But after the recent 71% fare hike, BMRCL must now consider reducing fares, or at least stop raising them,' said Mohan R., a commuter on the Purple Line and resident of Vijayanagar. BMTC also banks on ads for revenue boost Since January this year, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has begun fully wrapping its fleet of 3,000 non-AC buses with advertisements, aiming to enhance its non-fare revenue. Previously, advertising was restricted to the rear panels of the buses. This initiative follows a 15% fare hike implemented across all four State-run transport corporations in Karnataka. According to BMTC officials, the bus wrapping initiative is expected to bring in over ₹3 crore every month. With a total fleet of 6,158 buses, including 1,027 electric buses, the corporation anticipates a significant boost in revenue. In the financial year 2023–24, BMTC earned ₹811 crore from non-traffic revenue sources, such as leasing out land, bus terminals, commercial stalls, office spaces, and parking lots. Revenue from rear-side bus advertisements also contributed to this sum.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Bangalore Metro to Earn ₹25 Crore Annually from Advertising on Trains
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has signed a seven-year deal with Mudra Ventures and Lokesh Outdoor. They will get advertising rights for the Purple and Green Line trains. Mobile Ad Space on Trains The deal allows full-train wrapping and interior advertising. This means the trains will have ads inside and outside. Expected Revenue BMRCL expects to earn ₹25 crore every year from these ads. BMRCL's Goal BMRCL Managing Director, M. Maheshwar Rao, said: "This partnership will help us offer great metro services while making money for the city's development."
Deccan Herald
29-04-2025
- Business
- Deccan Herald
BMRCL signs pact with two firms on train ads, aims to earn Rs 25 cr per year
According to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), it signed agreements with Mudra Ventures for trains running on the Purple Line and Lokesh Outdoor for the Green Line trains.
