‘Looks Like Parcel Van': Bengaluru Metro Trains Wrapped In Ads Draw Public Ire
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While this has been undertaken to generate a decent revenue, daily commuters don't appear to be quite impressed.
What began as an effort to boost non-fare revenue has now drawn significant criticism from Bengaluru residents. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is under fire for its latest move, wrapping metro trains entirely in advertisements. Photos and videos of Namma Metro trains plastered with ads for quick commerce platforms, smartphone brands, and more have gone viral online, sparking backlash over the visual clutter and commercialisation of public transport.
While this has been undertaken to generate a decent revenue, daily commuters don't appear to be quite impressed with the changes. Many shared pictures of the 'newly wrapped" metro train across social media platforms and took a jibe at the administration. One person reshared a picture of the metro train and joked, 'Namma Ads Metro," while another explained, 'Can't blame them, boss. With so many delays outside their control leading to costs spiralling, they need every rupee that they can get!"
Namma Ads Metro 😜😜 https://t.co/DamqG0EVGO — ರವಿ ಕೀರ್ತಿ ಗೌಡ (@ravikeerthi22) June 9, 2025
A user made a sarcastic remark on the new look of the metro trains, comparing it to state-run buses and even parcel vans. 'Super! The royal look of Namma Metro is erased, and now it looks like an APSRTC Bus & Parcel Van. Great way to earn non-fare income. When other avenues exist for letting out shops and offices, this Tin Pot painting adds to another," the comment read.
An unhappy commuter complained about the covered windows and wrote, '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."
A section of X users voiced their concerns on security issues, stating that the view of the train's inside has been blocked, thus making it hard to monitor. Another added, 'In the overcrowded trains with covered, damp windows, it makes for uncomfortable commutes. Why aren't citizens polled on decisions about public property like this? It's not a politician's private asset; it belongs to all of us in this democracy. The government keeps changing but public assets."
A user quipped, 'They've turned metros into local trains!"
It is worth mentioning that the BMRCL has entered two separate agreements for the next seven years, with Mudra Ventures for the Purple Line and Lokesh Outdoor for the Green Line, which grant them exclusive advertising rights on trains operating on these corridors. As per officials, the contracts are expected to generate a minimum revenue of Rs 25 crore per annum.
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