Karnataka HC Halts BMRCL’s Rs 650 Million Ad Tender

12 Nov 2025 CW Team

The interim order, passed by Justice Suraj Govindaraj on 30 October, came in response to a petition filed by the Indian Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA). The stay halts implementation of the tender issued on 17 September 2025 for advertising rights on Metro piers and portals.

The court observed that the scoring system in the tender appeared one-sided and discriminatory, particularly disadvantaging smaller firms. Notices have been issued to BMRCL, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The next hearing is scheduled for 13 November 2025.

Under Table 12 of the tender document, 50 out of 100 marks were allocated to three subjective criteria — experience in Metro projects, proposed design and methodology, and presentation of work plan (PPT). The court remarked that such parameters granted excessive discretion in evaluation and could lead to partiality.

It further noted that bidders with prior Metro experience could easily surpass the minimum qualifying score of 70 required to open financial bids, effectively excluding smaller firms represented by the IOAA. The Bench directed BMRCL to review the grievances raised by the petitioner association, which represents numerous outdoor advertisers across Karnataka.

Following regulatory changes by the Greater Bengaluru Authority, BMRCL obtained exclusive rights to lease advertising space across its Metro corridors. The tender included outdoor ad rights for over 4,000 Metro pillars and station surroundings along three major corridors.

Currently, outdoor advertising in Bengaluru is limited to bus shelters and skywalks, making the Metro-pillar ad space highly sought-after. While BMRCL estimated Rs 650 million in revenue from the tender, industry experts suggest the actual potential could be nearly three times higher for the winning bidder.

The High Court’s order has effectively paused the tender process until further directions. The upcoming hearing will determine whether BMRCL must revise the evaluation criteria or reissue the tender to ensure fair participation.

In a setback for the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the Karnataka High Court has issued an interim stay on the corporation’s outdoor advertising tender, estimated to generate around Rs 650 million in revenue, citing possible bias and unfair treatment towards smaller advertising firms. The interim order, passed by Justice Suraj Govindaraj on 30 October, came in response to a petition filed by the Indian Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA). The stay halts implementation of the tender issued on 17 September 2025 for advertising rights on Metro piers and portals. The court observed that the scoring system in the tender appeared one-sided and discriminatory, particularly disadvantaging smaller firms. Notices have been issued to BMRCL, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The next hearing is scheduled for 13 November 2025. Under Table 12 of the tender document, 50 out of 100 marks were allocated to three subjective criteria — experience in Metro projects, proposed design and methodology, and presentation of work plan (PPT). The court remarked that such parameters granted excessive discretion in evaluation and could lead to partiality. It further noted that bidders with prior Metro experience could easily surpass the minimum qualifying score of 70 required to open financial bids, effectively excluding smaller firms represented by the IOAA. The Bench directed BMRCL to review the grievances raised by the petitioner association, which represents numerous outdoor advertisers across Karnataka. Following regulatory changes by the Greater Bengaluru Authority, BMRCL obtained exclusive rights to lease advertising space across its Metro corridors. The tender included outdoor ad rights for over 4,000 Metro pillars and station surroundings along three major corridors. Currently, outdoor advertising in Bengaluru is limited to bus shelters and skywalks, making the Metro-pillar ad space highly sought-after. While BMRCL estimated Rs 650 million in revenue from the tender, industry experts suggest the actual potential could be nearly three times higher for the winning bidder. The High Court’s order has effectively paused the tender process until further directions. The upcoming hearing will determine whether BMRCL must revise the evaluation criteria or reissue the tender to ensure fair participation.

Infrastructure Energy

12 Nov 2025

Kosol Energie Unveils 730 W G12 TOPCon Solar Panel

Kosol Energie unveiled a high-efficiency 730 W G12 TOPCon solar panel for commercial and utility-scale applications at the Renewable Energy India (REI) 2025 exhibition. According to the company, the panels use high-transparency glass and POE encapsulants to enhance durability and improve light transmission. These innovations are designed to reduce the bill of materials by 2 to 3 per cent while improving overall plant performance through greater power output and lower transportation costs. The panels are currently undergoing certification, with commercial production expected to begin by April..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Nov 2025

Premier Energies To Build Rs 59.4 Billion Solar Complex in AP

In a major boost to Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy ambitions, Premier Energies is set to establish a Rs 59.4 billion fully integrated solar manufacturing complex at Naidupeta Industrial Park in Nellore district. The announcement was shared by Minister for IT Nara Lokesh on his X handle, describing the project as a testament to the State’s speed, clarity, and investor-first approach. Framed as a founder-style journey, Lokesh detailed how rapid execution, strategic port-led logistics, and proactive incentives helped India’s second-largest integrated solar company anchor its next growth ph..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Nov 2025

Manaksia To Set Up Rs 420 Million Solar Project In Gujarat

Manaksia Coated Metals & Industries Limited, a leading coated steel manufacturer and exporter, has announced plans to set up a 7 MWp DC ground-mounted solar power project under the Open Access mechanism in Gujarat. The initiative follows an agreement with Prozeal Green Energy Limited, one of India’s leading renewable energy EPC and IPP companies. The Rs 420 million project will be executed by Prozeal Green Energy and is scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of FY27. It will use Mono Bifacial N-Type TOPCon modules paired with a Single Axis Tracker system—technologies designed to..