Pune: Metro rail pillars are not merely supporting smooth operations of the city’s green public transport, these are also contributing to the Pune civic coffers.Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) earned over Rs3.4 crore from advertisements on Metro pillars in the past two fiscals. According to information from the civic administration, the PMC collected Rs1,15,75,680 as fees from advertisements on Metro pillars from Oct 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Subsequently, it received Rs2,25,18,315 from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 through advertisements on these structures.This revenue may increase in future as Metro spreads wings in the city. The fees for advertisement boards on Metro pillars are charged through the licence and sky sign department of the municipal corporation.Buoyed by the revenue from Metro pillars, the civic administration is contemplating on offering its other properties for advertising. Traffic experts cautioned against such rampant advertising because it could cause problems for commuters. These might distract motorists, they stressed.“Visual blind spots will develop at public places if such advertisements are allowed. There are clear guidelines of various monitoring agencies and expert groups regarding roadside advertising. These must be followed while making any decisions. The use of neon lights for such advertisements is dangerous and can lead to mishaps,” said Sanjay Shitole of Pune City Eye, a citizens’ group.Nevertheless, the municipal administration has invited proposals from agencies for advertisement hoardings on municipal properties, including bridges, footbridges and streetlights. According to the plan, a total of 2,71,152sqft of space will be made available at 4,219 locations across the city for advertisements. If the PMC’s general body approves the policy, advertising space will be provided at eight locations on footbridges, 200 locations on municipal properties, 28 locations on flyovers, 12 locations in subways, 25 locations in civic amenities and 4,023 locations on streetlights.The PMC’s terms and conditions, and the revenue-sharing formula in the proposal to advertising agencies has raised several eyebrows. According to the proposal, companies participating in the bid must have a minimum turnover of Rs100 crore in advertising business, consistently for five consecutive years. Also, instead of charging the selected company any rent, the PMC wants 30% of the revenue it generated from advertisements.“Both these conditions are likely to lead to a dispute. A clear and well-researched policy is essential to increase revenue through advertising,” said Ujwal Keskar of Apale Pune, Aapla Parisar organisation.
