The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has sparked fresh debate after announcing a decorative lighting project for Metro pillars across the city — coming closely on the heels of a massive fare hike that has drawn widespread criticism from commuters and public transport advocates.

Dynamic RGBW LED Façade Lighting Announced

As per the tender document recently floated by BMRCL, the selected firm will be entrusted with installing dynamic, programmable RGBW (Red, Green, Blue + White) LED façade lighting on Metro pillars along a 5-km stretch, spanning 10 key stations and junctions in Bengaluru.

The project is part of the first phase, with an estimated 160 Metro pillars being illuminated. The focus areas include some of the city’s busiest junctions such as MG Road, Anil Kumble Circle, Trinity, Beniganahalli, Mysuru Road, Lalbagh Signal, Jayanagar, Banashankari, Goraguntepalya, and Nagasandra/IKEA.

A senior BMRCL official confirmed that 10 pillars at each major junction or Metro station will feature the new lighting system. The power supply will be managed by BMRCL in coordination with BBMP and BESCOM, while the safety measures, cabling, and wiring will be executed under BMRCL's technical supervision.

Part of the 'Brand Bengaluru' Initiative

The LED lighting initiative is being rolled out under the Brand Bengaluru project — a flagship urban development effort led by Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar.

As part of this campaign, the government aims to beautify and modernise public infrastructure, including Metro pillars, flyovers, medians, and city carriageways, with emphasis on aesthetic lighting and urban branding.

The initiative is intended to transform the visual appeal of the city and create a distinctive night-time cityscape, especially around high-traffic corridors and public transit zones.

Public Backlash Over Fare Hike Still Fresh

The lighting announcement comes at a time when BMRCL is facing intense criticism for hiking fares by up to 71 percent — a move that has made Bengaluru Metro one of the most expensive urban rail systems in India.

Many commuters have expressed frustration over the timing and priority of the spending — questioning why funds are being allocated to decorative elements while several Metro lines still remain non-operational or face regular delays.

Delays in Operational Corridors Raise Concerns

Critics also point to the RV Road–Bommasandra (Yellow Line) corridor which continues to face operational delays, despite multiple public announcements promising early completion. Similar issues have been reported on other incomplete lines, leading to reduced network efficiency and lower ridership numbers than expected.

In this context, the lighting project is being seen by many as a misplaced priority, especially as passengers struggle with last-mile connectivity, inconsistent train frequency, and incomplete infrastructure.

Foreign Study Tour Expenses Also Under Scrutiny

Adding fuel to the fire is the revelation of foreign study tour expenses undertaken by BMRCL officials and members of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC).

According to a report by Moneycontrol, based on an RTI query, BMRCL spent Rs 26 lakh on international study tours to Hong Kong and Singapore aimed at understanding fare models.

• Of this, Rs 12.97 lakh was spent on FFC members.

• Rs 12.88 lakh went towards BMRCL officials' travel expenses.

What has irked the public even more is that BMRCL refused to disclose the actual FFC report or provide details of passenger revenue data, claiming exemptions under the RTI Act.

Are Beautification Projects Being Prioritised Over Functionality?

Many urban mobility experts argue that while branding and beautification are important, they should not come at the cost of operational efficiency, accessibility, or affordability.

Instead of investing in façade lighting, critics say BMRCL should focus on improving ridership, accelerating project timelines, and increasing last-mile integration with other public transit modes like buses, autos, and feeder vehicles.

Moreover, given the high cost of living in Bengaluru, many feel the recent fare hike is not justified unless there's visible improvement in Metro services.

Aesthetic Appeal vs Public Necessity

Supporters of the Brand Bengaluru initiative argue that urban beautification can contribute to civic pride and tourism. However, detractors counter that public transport projects must prioritise affordability and reach before spending crores on aesthetic upgrades.

They also caution that excessive illumination of pillars may lead to light pollution, higher energy bills, and possible maintenance burdens on city authorities unless solar or energy-efficient alternatives are incorporated.

Conclusion: Symbolism vs Substance in Urban Planning

As BMRCL pushes ahead with its dynamic lighting tender under Brand Bengaluru, the larger question persists — is the city investing in symbols over substance?

With growing criticism over fare hikes, project delays, and spending patterns, citizens are calling for greater transparency, accountability, and public engagement in how Bengaluru's Metro is planned and operated.

Until then, the shiny new lights may illuminate the pillars — but they also cast long shadows over deeper questions of prioritisation, governance, and urban equity.

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