Changing the face of public utilities in the national capital, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) will soon float a tender for constructing public utilities on the PPP model, in which around 300 sq ft in each facility will be dedicated to outdoor advertizing. SDMC plans for 100 such utilities in the first phase.

Prem Sankar Jha, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Advertising Department, SDMC, said, “Today, public utilities are frowned upon due to depleted conditions and lack of maintenance. These new facilities, to be constructed by private players, are expected to contribute largely to public comfort along with offering fresh formats to advertisers. As these new utilities are expected to draw more users, advertisers will no longer stay away from advertising through these sites.” Apart from having basic facilities to freshen up, these toilet blocks will specially focus on hygiene and safety for women while some of them will have lounge areas, etc., for women users. These utilities will also showcase handicrafts and will be equipped for disabled users. “This is the kind of initiative taken by any corporation of India for the first time. We will float the tender very soon and are expecting huge response,” Jha added.