Chennai Metro Rail plan to Auction Names of Metro stations to Companies

Chennai Metro Rail plan to Auction Names of Metro stations to Companies

Chennai (MAS): Chennai Metro Rail is considering auctioning the names of stations to companies or brands in an attempt to raise revenue, according to its officials.

In this system, a company’s name or brand would be attached to the station’s name, he said.

“We are holding discussions, but it may take time to finalise. We also want to see what the other Metro Rail operators are adopting. The companies will certainly be interested since it will play a significant role in raising their brand reputation,” an official of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said.

CMRL officials claimed to have taken their cue from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) that recently announced exclusive semi-naming of stations to tap revenue.

In Delhi Metro Rail, this system will be introduced in nine stations, including Botanical Garden, Vaishali, Huda City Centre, IFFCO Chowk, MG Road, Guru Dronacharya, Noida City Centre, Golf Course and Noida Sector 18, according to DMRC. They will be able to advertise further in spaces like elevators, escalators and staircases. Also, the company can use their brand colour and theme in the respective stations.