Rail infra modernisation, high speed trains likely to create more advertising avenues

In her Budget 2020-21 presentation in the Lok Sabha on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has underlined the government’s broad outlook on privatising the Railway infrastructure development and operations, that in the near to medium term will open up new business opportunities for the OOH industry too. The FM stated that four station re-development projects and operation of 150 passenger trains would be done through the PPP mode. The process of inviting private participation is underway.

On this, Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav was quoted by the media as saying that he expressed hope that private players will soon be on board to run trains. Business majors like the Tata group have apparently expressed interest in such projects.

Introduction of Tejas type trains to connect with iconic tourist destinations, and a high speed train between Mumbai to Ahmedabad will also create new commercial opportunities on those sectors.

The FM proposed a 148-km-long Bengaluru suburban transport project at a cost of  ₹18,600 crore, which would have fares on the metro model. This is another project that will set the stage for sub-urban rail media opportunities.