Namma 'Ads' Metro: Outrage Sparks in Bengaluru As Full-Body Promos Ruin Trains' Aesthetics

Bengaluru: The Namma Metro aims to earn a decent revenue from advertisements. For this, the authorities are installing full-body advertisements in its trains, which is "erasing the super look of the Namma Metro." It has sparked outrage among passengers who says the trains have began to look like "parcel van" now.

This new step is part of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (BMRCL) effort to earn more money from sources other than ticket sales. It aims to earn Rs 25 crore annually through advertisements on its train, reported The New Indian Express.

In April, BMRCL signed long-term deals with two private companies for this purpose. Mudra Ventures will handle ads on trains running on the Purple Line for seven years, while Lokesh Outdoor will manage ads on the Green Line for the same period.

Several pictures showing Namma Metro being wrapped in advertisements are going viral on social media platforms. This led to a severe criticism by passengers.

"Super the Royal look of Namma Metro is Erased and now it looks like APSRTC Bus & Parcel Van. A great way of earning non-fare income. When other avenues exists for letting out shops and offices, this Tin Pot painting adds to another," said a social media user on X, now Twitter.

"Ruined the look of the trains in ONE go! I remember reading the windows wouldn’t be covered with ads—but of course, they went ahead and did it anyway. In the end, money talks, and that’s all that seems to matter. #NammaMetro #Advertisements," said another X user.

Another user reacted, "This is so shameful and cheap, how could the windows be covered with ads, have this removed immediately. Who is giving them the permission to cover up. Get back Namma metro

@OfficialBMRCL @osd_cmkarnataka."