Indian Express 29.12.2009
Sagging revenue: PCMC to auction ad spaces at junctions
In a bid to boost its sagging economic reserves, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will auction advertising space at 12 junctions in the city. This is part of the civic administration’s efforts to generate new revenue streams for the corporation. The bidder who quotes the highest rate will get the advertising rights of the respective junctions.
The PCMC had formed a committee to scout for new revenue streams to meet its increasing expenses and supplement octroi income. The committee tabled a report suggesting the municipal corporation should auction advertising space at junctions, among several other recommendations. It also suggested that a premium should be charged for locations such as Aundh Hinjewadi Road, old Pune-Mumbai highway, Nigdi-Bhosari and Aundh Ravet Road.
According to PCMC officials, initially, the PCMC issued tenders for Kasarwadi Chowk on Pune¿Mumbai highway for advertising rights, which met a poor response as only three tender applications were filled. The municipal corporation will now issue tenders for advertising rights on Finolex Company junction, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar junction, Thermax Company junction, Khandoba Mal junction, Bhakti Shakti junction, KSB junction, Kakakhadak junction, Kivale junction, Wakad junction, Jagap Dairy junction, Kaspate Vasti junction, Dange junction and Sai junctions as these are considered to have the highest commercial potential.
The PCMC will also auction advertising rights for Bijalinagar ¿ Chinchwadgaon junction, Chinchwad station area, Walhekarwadi junction, Lokmanya Hospital junction, Akurdi railway overbridge, Gharonda Hotel and Ahilyadevi statue area, Nehrunagar and Annasaheb Magar stadium area, Phugewadi overbridge, Pimple Gurav, Ramnagar, Khandoba Mal, Akurdi Chowk, Premlok Park areas.
PCMC has set January 13 as the last date for accepting tender forms. At Nashik Phata the municipal corporation got a rate of Rs 26 per sq. ft and the administration is upbeat about getting better offers in some of the other chowks, PCMC officials said.
