BMRCL Brings Back Ads on Namma Metro Pillars After 7 Years to Boost Revenue

Bengaluru's Namma Metro is diversifying its revenue sources by reintroducing advertisements on metro pillars after a seven-year break. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has floated tenders to display ads on selected pillars and portals, aiming to generate an annual income of Rs 70-80 crore from advertising rights.

In 2018, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had banned outdoor advertisements for city beautification, halting such displays on metro structures. However, following amendments to the advertisement law by the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA), BMRCL has regained the rights to allow commercial ads within its jurisdiction.

Metro Expansion and Revenue Plans

The new tender covers the operational Purple, Green, and Yellow Lines, along with under-construction Pink and Blue Lines. BMRCL expects Rs 70-80 crore in yearly revenue from this Rs 65-crore tender. Before the 2018 ban, the agency earned Rs 8 crore in 2016-17 and Rs 8.89 crore in 2017-18 from pillar ads.

Under the revised rules, if any metro-related advertisement is visible within GBA limits, the revenue will be shared equally between BMRCL and GBA. Experts recommend boosting non-ticket income to avoid fare hikes for commuters, making advertising and space leasing key revenue pillars for BMRCL.

Partnerships and Future Prospects

BMRCL has also signed a nine-year partnership with Signpost India, covering over one lakh square feet of ad space across 67 metro stations. The agreement could fetch around Rs 700 crore over its tenure, according to company estimates.

At present, Namma Metro operates a 97-km network with 83 stations, serving about 8.5 lakh passengers daily. Beyond advertisements, BMRCL earns from station naming rights, coach branding, ATMs, parking, film shoots, and EV charging stations.