Title - You can soon shop and sip tea at Metro stations BMRCL has called tenders for retail outlets which ha

A Metro commuter may soon be able to pick a flower, book, gift or food packet and sip coffee at stations before catching the train to office or home. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), on Saturday, called tenders for retail outlets at MG Road, Trinity, Halsuru, Indiranagar and Baiyappanahalli stations of Reach 1.
So, there will be shops selling rail commuters flowers, books, gifts and takeaway food. Salons too will be set up. According to the tender document, Namma Metro stations are located in prime locations and recognised by marketing professionals as a big consumer draw.
"BMRCL proposes to leverage on both the brand Namma Metro and the stations and properties being located in the vicinity of major commercial hubs of Bangalore for realising a potential source of non-fare box revenue," the document said.
Tenders have also been called for vending machines, laundry outlets, money changing, pharmacies, and sundry repair shops. The salon will have facilities for hair cutting and head and feet massages. The pharmacy will sell over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription drugs and operate 24x7. The repair shop will repair items such as shoes, bags, umbrellas, among other things.
Although takeaway food outlets have been put on the list, only packaged food will be available. The package should clearly say that food cannot be consumed on the train, according to the tender document.
The decision on setting up retail outlets as well as the selection of these outlets was made after considering the requirements of commuters on their way to work and returning home. But, not all stations will have all these facilities.
Florist shops will be set up at all stations except Halsuru and Baiyappanahalli. Takeaway food and books and gifts will be available at all stations except MG Road and Baiyappanahalli. There would be salons at all the stations except MG Road.
A quick service restaurant will be available only at Halsuru station. Tea and coffee stalls will be set up at Trinity and Indiranagar stations. There would be pharmacy and laundry facilities at all the stations.
Vending machines will be available at Trinity, Halsuru and Indiranagar stations. The Indiranagar station will have two vending machines. Money exchange can be done at MG Road, Trinity and Baiyappanahalli stations. Repair shops will be available at all the stations except at MG Road.
All tenders have to be submitted by September 15.