Amul kiosks to debut in 10 Bengaluru metro stations, sparking fresh dairy rivalry

In a significant retail expansion, Amul-branded kiosks will soon be operational across ten key Bengaluru Metro stations, following a licensing agreement between the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). The initiative is part of BMRCL’s strategy to bolster non-fare revenue, especially in the wake of recent fare hikes of up to 71%.

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These kiosks, to be located at stations including Majestic, Indiranagar, Jayanagar, and Banashankari, will offer a wide array of products ranging from dairy and chocolates to ready-to-eat foods, snacks, and edible oils. The move aims to provide commuters with convenient access to everyday essentials while leveraging high-footfall transit zones for retail growth.

However, the development has reignited longstanding tensions between GCMMF and the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the state’s own dairy cooperative which markets under the ‘Nandini’ brand. The two entities—India’s largest and second-largest dairy cooperatives respectively—have typically maintained territorial boundaries when it comes to milk sales.

Amul’s increased presence in Karnataka had previously triggered political and public opposition, particularly during the 2023 state election campaign. Critics accused the state’s then-BJP government of undermining local dairy interests by supporting Amul’s entry. In response, KMF expanded its operations to northern markets, intensifying inter-state competition.

The new kiosks mark a fresh chapter in the evolving dairy dynamics between Gujarat and Karnataka, with consumer convenience and cooperative interests at the core of the debate.