BMRCL eyes 25% boost in non-fare revenue through ads, land use, and partnerships

With new Yellow Line stations opening, Bengaluru Metro explores advertising, retail, parking, and land use to strengthen non-fare income and cover salaries.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is planning a major push to increase its non-fare revenue share from the current 12–14% to as high as 25%, according to officials. The expansion of the Yellow Line from RV Road to Bommasandra has opened fresh opportunities for income beyond ticket sales.

Also Read:Revised Master Plan-2041: Bengaluru bets on global experts, drone tech, and TOD for a sustainable future

At present, non-fare earnings mainly come from retail outlets, advertisements, and parking facilities. Recently, BMRCL has also allowed station facade advertisements while exploring how its large land parcels can be developed for public use and financial gain.

Officials highlighted that boosting non-fare income is vital since fare box revenue largely goes into electricity and maintenance costs, while non-fare revenue supports salaries. “If it rises to 25%, it can comfortably cover the salary roll-out,” one source noted.

Also Read:BMRCL to plant 20,000 saplings for Blue Line metro as green cover boost

In line with this, the corporation has signed a nine-year advertising contract with Signpost India, covering 67 of its 83 metro stations including major hubs like MG Road, Majestic, and Indiranagar, with an estimated revenue potential of Rs 700 crore.

Earlier this year, BMRCL also awarded two seven-year contracts for advertisement-wrapped trains on the Green and Purple Lines, secured by Mudra Ventures and Lokesh Outdoor, which are expected to generate Rs 25 crore annually.

Also Read:TCS signs its Bengaluru’s largest office lease at a monthly rent of Rs 9.31 crore

Importantly, BMRCL clarified that passengers will not face fare hikes due to this revenue strategy. Metro fares remain aligned with national standards, with other metro networks also expected to revise their rates soon.

For now, the corporation believes that maximising commercial opportunities across stations and land holdings will strengthen financial stability, keep fares affordable, and ensure smoother operations for Namma Metro.

Also Read:Heavy rains dampen Ganesha festival celebrations in BengaluruBengaluru Metro is targeting a 25% jump in non-fare revenue through ads, retail, parking, and land use. New contracts worth over Rs 700 crore, along with train wraps, are expected to ease financial pressure while keeping fares stable.