Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Delhi government approves full-body wrap ads on DTC buses
The Delhi government has decided to let big advertisements cover the whole body of city buses.
These buses belong to the Delhi Transport Corporation, which is known as DTC.
Before this decision, only the left side and rear of the buses could be used for ads, and the right side was banned.
The right side was banned because officials worried ads could distract other drivers on the road.
Now, ads can go on the bus body, but not on the front, the windows, or near the roof.
The plan will start with 948 electric buses parked at eight bus depots.
The government wants to earn more money from advertisements since DTC operates over 7,000 buses in Delhi.
That extra money could be used to improve bus services for passengers.
A private company will be hired to handle the advertising work.
The Delhi government has approved full-body wrap advertisements on DTC buses, barring the front and windows.
The State Transport Authority also approved right-side advertisements, which were previously prohibited due to road safety concerns.
The first phase will offer 948 electric buses across eight bus depots for the advertisements.
A tender has been floated to invite a private agency to carry out the advertising work.
The move aims to increase non-fare revenue, after DTC struggled to generate advertising income due to lack of interest from companies.
- Who
- The Delhi government and the State Transport Authority (STA), acting for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)
- What
- Approved full-body wrap advertisements on DTC buses, including right-side ads, to raise non-fare revenue
- When
- Announced on August 5, following a recent STA meeting
- Where
- New Delhi, Delhi
- Why
- To generate more revenue for the government and improve bus services using the additional income
Road Safety Concerns
Revenue Generation
Advertising on public buses
Road Safety Concerns
Rule 71(2) of the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules 1993 does not allow advertising on public service vehicles because it may cause distraction to other motorists; right-side ads were prohibited for this reason.
Revenue Generation
The advertising committee's report says body-wrap advertisements will generate more revenue, which can be used to improve services, and the STA can issue specific directions to allow advertising despite the rule.
- Operator
- Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)
- Total fleet
- More than 7,000 buses
- First phase
- 948 electric buses across 8 depots
- Previously allowed
- Left side and rear side advertisements
- Newly approved
- Right-side and full-body wraps (except front and windows)
- Excluded areas
- Front, windows, panel over window, and below roof areas
- Relevant rule
- Rule 71(2) of the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules 1993
- Status
- Tender floated to invite a private agency