BMRCL rolls out ad-wrapped Namma Metro trains to boost non-fare revenue in Bengaluru

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.

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.

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.