Bicycle-sharing stations: P’kula civic body to invite bids for ads

Sanjay Bumbroo

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Tribune News Service

Panchkula, November 2

In order to generate revenue, the Panchkula Municipal Corporation (MC) is planning to invite bids from companies for advertisements on the bicycle sharing stations.

The Panchkula civic body will be the first in the country to have reserved 60 per cent rights for advertising on the bicycle sharing stations, while in other states, only private companies have rights over advertising on the bicycle sheds. At present, there are 20 bike stations of which Yaana company, which is running the project, has got eight sheds and has already put up its advertisements.

While signing an agreement with the company, the MC had decided that of all sheds to be set up in the city, it would have 60 per cent rights on the advertisements.

In the first phase, Yaana company has already booked some of the advertisements on the sheds, while the corporation is in the process of inviting bids from the companies. According to sources, various companies have shown interest in advertising their products due to the location.

MC Commissioner-cum-Administrator Rajesh Jogpal said the rights of the stations had been reserved through draw. Yaana company had not been given prime locations. Various private companies had shown interest in advertisements and soon bids would be invited for the same.

The public bicycle sharing project in the city had received a tremendous response as more than 1,500 persons are using bicycles from the stations daily. There are currently 200 bicycles available in the city and the MC is now planning to build more such stations in the Mansa Devi Complex and trans-Ghaggar sectors in the second phase. After this, around 500 bicycles will be operating in the city from 50 bicycle sharing stations.

Saurabh Jain, manager, Yaana, said they had 100 per cent rights over advertisement in other states, but the Panchkula MC had already retained 60 per cent of the rights during the agreement. He said rates varied depending on the season. Rates would be lower in rainy and winter season, while it would be higher in summers. At least Rs 15,000 – Rs 35,000 would be charged from the companies for advertising on a bicycle station.