NewZNew (Chandigarh) : Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) is losing nearly Rs.16 lakh every month by not inviting fresh tenders for advertising on the fleet of CTU buses. In response to an RTI application in May 2014, office of the General Manager cum Central Public Information Office of CTU chandigarh informed vide its letter No. CPIO/CTU/2014/2504 dated 15th May 2014, that the CTU had allotted a contract to an outdoor agency Takash Media Pvt Ltd of Panchkula, to advertise on the fleet of 446 buses at a licence fee of Rs.3582 per bus per month basis, for a two years term
beginning 21st September 2012.
By 21st September 2014, the said agency has paid over Rs.3.83 crores during the last two years, and the contract can easily fetch double the revenue for CTU, had it called for fresh bids. However, despite the repeated requests from various other advertising agencies, who have been waiting for the expiry of this contract, and had been willing to pay double the contract licence fee, the CTU has continued to maintain silence over the issue.
In fact, according to the sources, the licence has been illegally extended from September 2014 onwards without any reason, and no fresh bids have been invited so far for reasons best known to the authorities, causing nearly Rs.16 lakh in revenue loss to the exchequer.
CTU Contact points
Mr. Phulka, Divisional Manager, CTU, : 98725 11105
Mr. Thakur, Accounts Officer, CTU: 0172 26790090
Mr. Vaid, Accounts Officer, CTU, 96460 25462
Ms. Bhavgana Garg, Transport Secretary, UT Administration: 9501670002
