Mumbai Metro 3: BKC Renamed to Kotak Bandra-Kurla Complex Metro Station on Aqua Line

The BKC station on Mumbai's Metro 3 Aqua Line has been renamed the Kotak Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) Metro Station. This renaming was part of a collaboration between the Kotak Mahindra Group and the government. Additionally, for this, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) partnered with Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL). 

Kotak has a strong presence in the BKC, where it operates two large offices. Kotak's headquarters are also located in the area. The branding will strengthen its visibility in the area. The station will feature prominent Kotak branding. 

From here, the possibilities are infinite.
Introducing, the Kotak BKC Metro Station.#InfiniteDreamsWithKotak #KotakMahindraBank #KotakBKCMetro #MumbaiMetro pic.twitter.com/isN63MQiJW

— Kotak Mahindra Bank (@KotakBankLtd) October 5, 2024

In addition to the BKC station, Kotak has also secured the branding rights for the metro station at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST). CST metro station is near Kotak's original office. Kotak has grown from a small office near CST to a major financial services company. 

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL) awarded naming rights for five stations on the Metro-3 line in September 2022. The total value of this agreement was INR 216 crore. In addition to Kotak Bank, LIC received branding rights for Churchgate and Hutatma Chowk, while ICICI Lombard would sponsor Siddhivinayak Metro Station. 

The agreement will be spread over five years. This will provide a non-fare revenue boost to the metro system. The revenue will increase by five percent annually, bringing in over INR 40 crore each year.

Companies with naming rights get to prefix their brand names to the station names. They also gain branding space within the stations, mentions in train announcements, and visibility on station maps. 

Mumbai Metro Line 3’s advertising rights are managed by Times Innovative Media. The company controls around 20,000 square meters of advertising space. This includes the exclusive right to advertise on 27 stations and 31 trains, along with semi-naming rights for stations. 

The Kotak BKC Metro Station is located in one of Mumbai’s busiest commercial hubs. The station will feature modern amenities, including automated ticketing systems, ATMs, and a digital bank branch.