Bangalore Metro: Ad-Covered Trains Spark Safety And Visibility Concerns After Fare Hike
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While the move boosts revenue, it comes shortly after a fare hike of up to 71%, which had already upset many daily commuters.
Bengaluru Metro Rakes in Rs 25 Crore a Year Through Train Ads. (Representative Image) (Photo: Indiamart)
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has started placing advertisements on the outside of metro trains as part of a plan to increase its income from non-ticket sources.
Two major advertising deals have been signed:
- Mudra Ventures gets exclusive rights on the Purple Line
- Lokesh Outdoor handles ads on the Green Line
Both contracts are set for 7 years, with BMRCL expecting to earn at least Rs 25 crore annually, according to a report by Moneycontrol.
More Revenue, But at What Cost?
This ad-wrapping move is part of BMRCL’s larger plan to earn money beyond ticket sales. However, it has come shortly after a controversial fare hike of up to 71 percent earlier this year, which had already upset regular metro users.
Now, these train ads are causing fresh criticism — not because of the ads themselves, but how they are applied.
Passengers have raised concerns that the ad wraps are covering train windows, blocking views both inside and out. Many worry this could lead to safety risks, as visibility is important for both passengers and security personnel.
What Are People Saying Online?
On X (formerly Twitter), users have been vocal, as per Hindustan Times.
One user wrote: “It’s fine to monetise trains through advertising, but what is this revenue really funding? Why are there still no platform screen doors or escalators at many stations?”
The account @WF_Watcher, known for metro updates, said: “Ruined the look of the trains in ONE go! I remember reading the windows wouldn’t be covered – but they went ahead anyway. This blocks the view inside the train, raising a serious security concern.”
Another commuter added: “Nice to see new ways to raise revenue. But will this lead to a cut in ticket prices too?”
BMRCL says the move is part of a wider plan to reduce its reliance on ticket sales. However, with public safety and transparency now being questioned, the metro authority may need to rethink how far it’s willing to go for revenue.
Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c…Read More
Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c… Read More
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