Pune’s BRT sites pulled down

The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has informed that it has begun to dismantle hoardings from the shelters of Bus Rapid Transport i.e. BRT lanes, which have been termed unauthorized. The move comes after the Sky Sign Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said the PMPML had not sought its permission before giving the Rs 1.5 crore per year contract to a private agency to put up the hoardings.

Also, the hoardings violate the Indian Road Congress (IRC) norms, according to which, permission should not be given to advertising boards that may divert the attention of road users. “Advertisement can often effectively distract the attention of drivers of motor vehicles and in that case are a public hazard or nuisance. They may also obstruct the view of the fast moving vehicles and are then a public danger,” say the norms on roadside hoardings.

The issue was raised in the ongoing session of the State Legislative Council by MLC Anil Bhosale. The statement issued by PMPML confirmed that the sites were being removed, but it is yet to take a call on the contract done with a private advertising agency.

The PMC has issued 4 days’ timeline to remove these sites.