Bengaluru’s Namma Metro has begun offering semi-naming rights for existing stations, allowing sponsors to add their brand name as a prefix, marking a first in the city’s metro history. Previously, only upcoming stations were eligible for naming rights.
Under this initiative, companies that contribute ₹65 crore toward a station’s construction or upkeep under BMRCL’s government-approved Naming Rights Policy can have their name included in the station title. For example, the upcoming Electronic City station will be renamed ‘Infosys Foundation – Konappana Agrahara Metro Station’ after Infosys’s ₹100 crore contribution. Similarly, Biocon Hebbagodi and Delta Electronics Bommasandra are existing examples of branded stations named under earlier agreements.
The metro authority will also allow branded exteriors—station facades can be painted in sponsor colours and feature logo displays for the duration of the sponsorship, typically five years. Talks are underway to finalize terms. Alongside naming rights, BMRCL plans to tender advertising spaces inside trains and stations to diversify revenue sources.
While these private-public partnerships offer financial relief, they have sparked mixed reactions. Some see them as an innovative funding model, while others argue public spaces should avoid corporate branding. Past controversies include local pushback over naming Hebbagodi station after Biocon and concerns about Embassy Group’s inconsistent funding for Bettahalasuru station.
With its 73 km network set to expand to 175 km by 2026 and 317 km by 2031, Namma Metro is exploring diverse revenue streams. These include branding, advertising, retail leasing, EV charging stations, telecom mast rentals, filming permits, and even 5G infrastructure rentals—projects that could generate non-fare revenue of ₹100 crore annually.
This semi-naming rights model could offer sponsors heightened visibility, while helping Bengaluru’s metro network reduce its financial burden and sustain its rapid growth.
