Bengaluru: After 71% fare hike, BMRCL invites tender for illumination of Metro pillars

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After increasing fares by up to 71 percent, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has floated a tender to install dynamic lighting on Metro pillars.

According to the tender document, the selected firm will be responsible for installing dynamic, programmable RGBW (Red, Green, Blue + White) LED façade lighting along a 5-km stretch covering 10 major stations and junctions in the first phase.

BMRCL officials told Moneycontrol that around 160 pillars will be illuminated at key locations — including MG Road, Anil Kumble Circle, Trinity, Beniganahalli, Mysuru Road, Lalbagh signal, Jayanagar, Banashankari, Goraguntepalya, and Nagasandra/IKEA.

Also, read: Why Bengaluru Metro's fare hike of up to 71% has raised hackles

“At each junction or below Metro stations, around 10 pillars will be illuminated. The power supply for the lighting will be provided by BMRCL/BBMP/BESCOM, with all necessary cabling, wiring, and safety installations carried out under the supervision of BMRCL’s engineer-in-charge,” a senior official said.

Sources said the decorative lighting initiative is part of the Brand Bengaluru project — a flagship initiative of deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar. The minister had earlier announced plans to light up Metro pillars, flyovers, medians, and carriageways across the city.

It may be recalled that BMRCL recently faced public backlash over a steep fare hike, making Bengaluru Metro one of the most expensive urban rail systems in the country. BMRCL is also being criticised for delays in operationalising key corridors, including RV Road–Bommasandra (Yellow Line).

Moneycontrol had earlier reported, based on an RTI reply, that BMRCL spent Rs 26 lakh on foreign study tours related to fare structuring. This included Rs 12.97 lakh spent on members of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) and Rs 12.88 lakh on BMRCL officials, who travelled to Hong Kong and Singapore to study fare models. However, BMRCL refused to disclose the FFC report or passenger revenue data under the RTI Act.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro spent Rs 26 lakh on foreign tours to study fare structures: RTI reply