Chandigarh MC Eyes Roundabouts to Generate Revenue

by The_unmuteenglish

Chandigarh, 18 January 2025: To tackle a worsening financial crisis, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) is exploring ways to monetize over 30 roundabouts under its jurisdiction by introducing an advertisement fee for firms maintaining them.

Currently, private firms manage the upkeep of these roundabouts under an agreement with the MC, allowing them to display small advertisement boards without charge. However, the civic body now plans to charge an annual “advertisement fee,” estimated to generate ₹5-6 crore in revenue.

Officials revealed that the proposal would be presented in the upcoming General House meeting, likely in February or March. “We are still finalizing the modalities,” said a civic official. “The roundabouts may be auctioned again for fresh bids, or current firms may continue by agreeing to the new fee. Additionally, advertisement policies in other areas are being framed to boost revenue.”

The MC views this move as a dual solution: easing its financial burden while maintaining the critical infrastructure of these traffic points.

For months, the civic body has struggled to manage its finances, halting developmental works since May 2024, including long-pending road carpeting projects. The situation has escalated to the point where staff salaries may soon become unaffordable.

Despite repeatedly seeking an additional grant of ₹200 crore from the Chandigarh administration, no relief has been announced. UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has instead directed the MC to curb expenses and focus on self-sustaining revenue measures.

To cut costs, the MC has introduced several austerity measures, including terminating outsourced employees aged 60 and above, reducing officers’ entertainment allowances by 50%, and limiting cultural activities to zero-budget events.

The planned advertisement fee is expected to provide much-needed financial relief while addressing the civic body’s immediate fiscal challenges.

Related Articles