Indian Express 27.09.2010
BMC mulls advertising on bridges to generate funds for foot overbridges
sharvaripatwa Tags : BMC, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Posted: Mon Sep 27 2010, 01:51 hrs
Mumbai: After a series of accidents involving pedestrians on foot overbridges, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has chalked out a plan to generate funds for better maintenance of the bridges. The civic administration may soon allow private parties to advertise on the FOBs and use the revenue for repair works.“We have asked Western Railway for permission for advertisements along the inner side of the bridges. We will consult the Central Railway authorities soon,” said Aseem Gupta, Additional Municipal Commissioner. “Western Railway seem positive about the idea,” said Gupta. The accidents caused rift between the railways and the civic body with the railways alleging that the BMC is not providing them with timely funds for repairs. At present there are 58 FOBs across railway lines. “The noticeablility of advertisements will be very good on such bridges,” said Gupta. The advertisemnets, however, may not bring profits. “Even if there is a no profit no loss deal wherein we can just earn for repair and maintenance it is a viable option. In some cases we might earn a premium,” said Gupta.
The civic administration plans to introduce the concept on FOBs that are in the pripeline. “We have suggested that the newly-proposed FOBs be made on a build operate and transfer basis using advertisements as a revenue mode. There are about 20-25 FOBs that are being deliberated,” said Gupta. “In the case of BOT, the contract can be given to the party for 15-20 years,” said Gupta.“For these proposed projects, the BMC can give the broad features of the design but the overall execution and maintenance can be done by the private entity,” said Gupta adding, “We are expecting that we can give the expression of interest within the next 15-20 days.” Central Railway Spokesperson Shriniwas Mudgerikar said, “We have yet not receieved any proposal from the BMC but we will consider this proposal when we are consulted.”
A number of accidents hit pedestrains on FOBs this year. In July, a hanging iron railing of a FOB at the Santacruz station caused panic among commuters. On June 25 a portion of the FOB at Charni Road gave way.
