NEW DELHI: In an effort to enhance revenue generation for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), officials announced on Thursday that the Transport Department has pinpointed approximately 50,000 square feet of advertising space.
Delhi boasts a fleet of around 7,000 buses, including 1,600 electric buses. On average, DTC buses cater to approximately 25 lakh passengers daily, with an additional 16 lakh passengers utilizing cluster buses.
Recent reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed a significant increase in DTC’s liabilities, soaring from Rs 28,263 crore in 2015-16 to a staggering Rs 65,274 crore in 2021-22.
A senior official from the Transport Department stated, “The government is committed to improving DTC’s financial stability due to the current heavy losses. As part of this initiative, we are exploring various advertising opportunities on our properties, identifying approximately 50,000 square feet of available space throughout the city.”
This advertising space includes bus queue shelters, depots, unipoles on DTC properties, and other areas. Necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will be obtained for areas requiring them. The department is actively seeking additional space for advertising opportunities.
The CAG audit also highlighted missed revenue opportunities for DTC through advertisements and commercial use of depot spaces. To address revenue generation challenges, the Corporation is now inviting companies to advertise on its buses.
Furthermore, the Transport Department has initiated projects to commercialize spaces at depots under construction and repurpose old buses at the Sarai Kale Khan interstate bus terminal into shops. Redevelopment plans for Hari Nagar Depot I and II are underway, featuring commercial spaces for sale and a combined parking capacity of 384 buses.
The Vasant Vihar depot, currently housing 150 CNG buses, is set to undergo redevelopment into a multi-level facility capable of accommodating 434 buses. The revamped depot will also feature office and retail spaces.
According to an official, the development of the three bus depots will significantly increase revenue. Tenders have been issued for the conversion of old buses into shops, further enhancing the commercial potential of the depots.
In 2016, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) proposed allowing advertisements on buses, excluding the front windows and rear windshield of low-floor buses. However, the proposal was rejected by the Delhi Police due to safety concerns. The proposal is now being reconsidered by a special committee established by the State Transport Authority (STA) last month.
