GHMC plans fresh tenders for FOB projects

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Authority (GHMC) had decided to float a fresh tender for 55 foot-over-bridges (FOBs) on BOT basis with ad rights. The authority cancelled the earlier tender for the 55 FOB BOT projects as it had generated rather lukewarm response. It is reliably learnt that some 18-19 firms had bid for 28 of the 55 FOBs. The authority apparently expects to receive bids for at least 40-45 FOBs after the fresh tender is floated.

It is also learnt that the guideline issued by the Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development that advertising should occupy only minimal space on the FOBs with regard to the overall aesthetics of the infrastructure was also a reason for the lukewarm response to the tender. The media owning firms are wary of this mandate and assert that the new design with regard to advertising space on the FOBs will significantly impact their ROI from the projects.