The starting of operations on the Purple Line has renewed interest in opening retail outlets at metro stations. Possible bidders, encouraged by the high number of footfalls, are approaching Bangalore Metro Rail Corporations (BMRCL) with proposals, which also include opening a 4-screen multiplex.
While ticket revenue has been in the range of Rs. 40 lakh to Rs. 45 lakh, rent income from retailers can form a significant part of the total revenue stream for BMRCL. A few businesspersons did open shops on the Baiyappanahalli-M.G. Road stretch but did not see success due to low footfalls.
“Shops outside M.G. Road station got a good response but not the ones inside because of low footfalls. But this has changed. There will further change following the launch of Phase 1 operations,” said U.A. Vasanth Rao, spokesperson, BMRCL.
A few tenders have been floated for some of the stations on the northern line. Some shops are under construction at Yeshwantpur and other stations. “We are waiting for the number of commuters to stabilise and will float tenders in a few months. Within six months or so, we hope to see outlets in various stations,” Mr. Rao added.
Stations with more space are being viewed as retail experience outlets as against purely commute-specific stations. “A few companies have shown interest in setting up multiplexes and shops in stations. Some commuters will take the metro only to travel to such outlets,” Mr. Rao said.
Alongside retail shops, BMRCL is preparing to tender the management of parking lots, wherever available. Operations on the North-South corridor are also expected to commence this year.
