Title - Metro stations to dish out quick bites

Bengaluru: Vending machines that dispense beverages and eatables will be installed at Namma Metro stations soon.“Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has floated tenders for installing vending machines at five selected stations along Reach-1.The contractors have to set up coin/currency-operated automated vending machines dispensing food and beverages, like packed water, seal-packed aerated carbonised drinks, flavored beverages, packed juices, packed food like chips, peanuts, chocolates, candies etc,” said a senior BMRCL official.Commuters can soon buy bouquets, novels, gifts and food packets and sip coffee at stations before catching the train to office or home. Taking a cue from Delhi Metro and Metros across the world, BMRCL has floated tenders to start retail units at its transit points.“BMRCL proposes to leverage both the Namma Metro brand and the stations and properties located in the vicinity of major commercial hubs of the city to realise a potential source of non-fare box revenue.As per the tender document, there would be two vending machines each at M.G. Road, Trinity Circle, Halasuru and Indiranagar stations, while the Byappanahalli station will have one vending machine. When the entire phase one becomes operational, BMRC expects over a million passengers a day, and the commuters can get their daily chores done while on the go,” the official said.s

The announced services like vending machines, currency changing outlets, pharmacies, laundry and repair shops will be within the paid areas of the station and cater to Metro Rail commuters. Services like florists, take-away food joints, salons, book and gift shops, novelty stores and quick service restaurants will be placed outside the paid areas.