Bengaluru Metro Boosts Mobile Access With New 13-Year Connectivity Deal
A new telecom infrastructure agreement signed in Bengaluru is set to transform commuter experience on the city’s expanding metro corridors. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has partnered with a private firm to deploy advanced mobile connectivity infrastructure across critical stretches of Namma Metro. As lakhs of daily riders continue to face connectivity challenges underground, the 13-year deal aims to ensure seamless access to 4G and 5G services in stations and tunnels—making Bengaluru’s mass transit system more digitally inclusive, efficient, and future-ready.
The agreement, covering extensions of Phase-I and key stretches of Phase-II (Reach-5 and Reach-6), will see the installation of telecom infrastructure like In-Building Solutions, Base Transceiver Stations, cellular towers, and multi-operator poles. Officials said this shared infrastructure approach will reduce duplication, minimise energy use, and support faster deployment of mobile services across the city’s expanding metro network. As Bengaluru increasingly depends on its metro for affordable, low-emission commuting, uninterrupted digital access is becoming a basic necessity for navigating city life—from mobile payments to real-time updates. This development addresses a longstanding commuter grievance: dropped calls, slow internet, and complete signal loss in several metro stations and tunnels. With high daily ridership across corridors that link dense residential zones, business hubs, and educational centres, poor connectivity has meant lost productivity and inconvenience, especially during emergencies.
Officials believe this agreement will not only improve passenger comfort but also strengthen digital equity in public transport. Ensuring inclusive access to mobile connectivity also aligns with national smart city goals and urban digital policy. Urban mobility experts note that the integration of telecom infrastructure within public transport design reflects a progressive shift in India’s metro development strategy. While clean energy, punctuality, and multimodal access remain priorities, cities like Bengaluru are now recognising digital connectivity as essential infrastructure. Experts argue that public-private partnerships for shared telecom assets also offer a more sustainable model by lowering carbon footprints and reducing electronic waste from redundant installations. This shift echoes the broader urban planning philosophy of building people-centric, tech-integrated, and environmentally responsible cities.
In the long run, the initiative is expected to influence other Indian metro systems looking to enhance commuter experience without escalating operational costs. If implemented efficiently, Bengaluru’s model could set a precedent for other metros to integrate digital access into their sustainability blueprints. As cities face the twin challenges of rising urban population and demand for digital services, enabling mobile connectivity through transit corridors is emerging as a critical enabler for inclusive, climate-resilient growth.
