AMC Considers Chitra Publicity for Contract of 800 Bus Shelters Despite Unpaid Tree-Felling Fines

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is planning to award Chitra Publicity Agency a contract to construct 800 AMTS bus shelters under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, despite the agency facing allegations of unauthorised tree felling and an unpaid ₹10 lakh penalty.

The proposal has raised questions over the agency's eligibility, as the corporation has already taken action against it for allegedly cutting trees without permission.

Chitra Publicity will construct the bus shelters at its own expense under the proposed arrangement. In return, it will receive advertising rights on the shelters, allowing it to recover its investment and generate revenue through advertisements.

Tree-Felling Controversy and Unpaid Fine

Chitra Publicity Agency had earlier come under scrutiny for allegedly cutting trees without permission along the road between YMCA Club and Yoga Circle.

Following the incident, the AMC issued a notice asking the agency to explain its actions within three days. However, the agency reportedly failed to respond within the stipulated period.

The corporation subsequently lodged an intimation report with Sarkhej Police Station.

In a separate earlier case involving tree felling, the AMC imposed a penalty of ₹10 lakh on the agency. The amount, however, remains unpaid.

800 Bus Shelters Proposed Under PPP Model

Despite the controversy, the AMC is considering assigning Chitra Publicity the responsibility of constructing 800 AMTS bus shelters across Ahmedabad.

Under the proposed PPP arrangement, the agency will bear the entire construction cost. In exchange, it will receive advertising rights at the bus shelters.

The model is intended to facilitate the development of public transport infrastructure without requiring the corporation to bear the full construction expenditure.

However, the proposal has drawn attention because of the agency's pending penalty and the unresolved tree-felling complaint.

AMTS Chairman Announces Committee on Tree-Related Issues

AMTS Committee Chairman Parag Nayak said a committee would be formed to monitor issues related to trees.

He also confirmed that the proposed bus shelters would be developed under the PPP model, with advertising rights granted to Chitra Publicity Agency.

The proposed project is expected to expand bus shelter infrastructure across Ahmedabad, but the agency's pending penalty and earlier tree-felling controversy remain significant points of concern.