2 days ago
Bhopal EV Tender Faces Scrutiny Over Expanded Advertising Space
Bhopal plans to build 30 electric-vehicle charging stations.
The project is being offered through a public-private partnership.
A complaint says the tender gave each station much more advertising space than originally planned.
The complainant says this change might give one company an advantage.
He has asked officials to investigate the decision and value the advertising rights independently.
Officials say the larger space was needed because buses and mini trucks were later included.
They also say the tender already allowed 5% advertising space.
The disagreement is about how the advertising rights were added, not about building charging stations.
A complaint has sought a high-level inquiry into Tender No. 327/BSCDCL/2026 for 30 EV charging stations in Bhopal.
The tender’s advertising area reportedly increased from 90 square feet to 400 square feet through two corrigenda.
Complainant Nitin Saxena alleged the expanded advertising rights could benefit a particular company.
The complaint requests an independent valuation, site-wise approvals, and possible separate tendering of advertising rights.
Officials said the tender was expanded to accommodate EV buses and mini trucks and already included 5% advertising space.
- Who
- Complainant Nitin Saxena, Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration Development and Housing Department officials, and bidders for the EV charging project.
- What
- A complaint seeks an inquiry into advertising rights in a tender for 30 EV charging stations.
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- When
- The complaint concerns Tender No. 327/BSCDCL/2026 and changes made through Corrigendum Nos. 06 and 07.
- Why
- The complainant alleges that expanding the advertising area from 90 to 400 square feet could benefit a particular company and affect competition.
Complainant’s Concerns
Officials’ Explanation
Reason for the larger advertising area
Complainant’s Concerns
Nitin Saxena alleges that expanding the space from 90 to 400 square feet through corrigenda could potentially benefit a particular company.
Officials’ Explanation
Officials say the tender initially focused on EV cars, but the provisions were later expanded to accommodate EV buses and mini trucks.
Effect on competition
Complainant’s Concerns
The complaint calls for an independent valuation of the advertising rights and an assessment of their effect on financial competition.
Officials’ Explanation
Officials maintain that the tender already contained a provision for 5% advertising space.
How advertising should be awarded
Complainant’s Concerns
The complainant has requested site-wise approval, review of existing advertising rights, and a separate transparent tender if necessary.
Officials’ Explanation
The officials’ clarification addresses the space and vehicle-scope changes but does not state that a separate advertising tender is planned.
Key facts
- Project
- Public-private partnership tender for 30 proposed EV charging stations
- Tender number
- 327/BSCDCL/2026
- Advertising area
- Up to 400 square feet at each charging station under Corrigendum-06
- Earlier area
- The advertising provision was reportedly 90 square feet before the change
- Complaint
- A high-level inquiry and independent market valuation have been requested
- Additional requirement
- The concessionaire must register as an Outdoor Media Device vendor with Bhopal Municipal Corporation
- Official explanation
- Officials said the expanded provisions accommodate EV buses and mini trucks
Sources
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