Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) has announced plans to allow advertisements on the pillars of its elevated stretches to enhance its non-fare revenue. Bids have been initiated, and a contractor is expected to be selected within a few months to execute the project. The advertisements will focus on themes related to the city’s culture and showcase tourist attractions within the state.
The initiative is part of CMRL’s efforts to generate additional revenue streams beyond ticket fares. With a daily ridership of approximately 2.6 lakh people, the metro system is looking to improve its non-fare box revenue by leasing spaces to businesses, placing company names as station prefixes, and introducing pillar advertisements, among other measures.