Mumbai, June 29 -- Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is in talks with five corporate firms to mobilise an additional Rs 4,600 million (mn) through its innovative financing programme, offering station co-branding and connectivity rights in exchange for upfront investments. The initiative is framed to boost non-fare revenue and reduce borrowing while supporting network expansion. Officials and industry sources described the proposals as part of a broader push to monetise station assets.

Real estate developer Sattva Group is reported to be negotiating co-branding of two stations for Rs 1,000 mn on the airport corridor and Rs 650 mn on the Purple Line at Pattanagere. Manyata Embassy Business Park is expected to contribute Rs 1,000 mn, while Prestige Group is being discussed for a Rs 650 mn commitment on the airport route. Apollo Hospitals has proposed Rs 650 mn for a station on Bannerghatta Road and InMobi has been linked to a Rs 650 mn proposal for the Kadubeesanahalli station. If finalised, these proposals would add about Rs 4,600 mn to the city network.

The development follows a previous round that mobilised Rs 5,100 mn from private partners under the same model. Major contributors in that tranche included Embassy Property Developments and Infosys Foundation with Rs 1,000 mn each, while Biocon Foundation and Delta Electronics each provided Rs 650 mn. Other investments comprised Rs 700 mn from Bagmane Developers, Rs 900 mn from Prestige Beta Projects and Rs 100 mn contributions from Bosch and the ITPB connectivity project.

Bengaluru International Airport Limited is also investing around Rs 8,000 mn towards airport corridor connectivity, underscoring the scale of corporate involvement. Under the model, BMRCL offers a 30-year co-branding concession against a one-time, non-refundable premium and provides branding, advertising space and retail allocations plus, where applicable, dedicated connectivity infrastructure. The 2026-27 state budget proposes a nine-km pedestrian walkway along the Outer Ring Road viaduct estimated at Rs 1,600 mn and envisaged to be sponsored by local companies to improve last-mile access.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.