Delhi govt to allow ads on 100 foot over bridges to generate revenue for their upkeep

In a move aimed at improving the condition of Delhi’s foot over bridges (FOBs), the city government has decided to permit advertising on around 100 such structures. The initiative is expected to generate additional revenue, which will be dedicated to the upkeep and repair of these essential public amenities.

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma has instructed officials to draw up a detailed proposal for the project. “The idea is to generate just enough revenue for the proper maintenance of the FOBs,” Verma said. He noted that many of the existing bridges, particularly those spanning busy roads, are currently in poor condition, with broken lifts, non-functional escalators, and damaged overhead covers.

Funds collected through advertising will be channeled directly into the maintenance of the bridges, Verma explained. “Through the advertisements, we will fund the upkeep of the bridges,” he added.

The plan also proposes a revenue-sharing model with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), which will be responsible for issuing the necessary no objection certificates (NOCs). At present, only a few foot over bridges — such as the one at Akshardham — are permitted to host advertisements. With this new policy, nearly 100 FOBs will be opened up for commercial use.

The PWD has faced repeated criticism from the courts over the poor state of the city’s FOBs. Many structures suffer from non-functional amenities and poor sanitation. In 2023, the Delhi High Court had remarked that the condition of some FOBs was so dismal that even healthy individuals would find them difficult to use.

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In response to the court’s rebuke, the PWD had promised repairs and the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee maintenance efforts. The committee later formulated a comprehensive plan, which includes regular cleaning, timely repairs, and measures to protect the structures from theft and vandalism.

The advertising initiative is now being seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that Delhi’s foot over bridges remain safe and accessible for all.

(With inputs from PTI)