In a bold move that could reshape the city’s visual identity, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has announced a sweeping overhaul of the Bengaluru hoarding rules, slashing the mandatory spacing between billboards from 175 metres to a mere 50 metres. The change, effective immediately, is set to flood the city’s streetscape with a denser, more vibrant advertising presence, while also tightening enforcement and introducing a host of new digital and environmental mandates.
Background/Context
The previous 2025 bylaws, which had been lauded for preserving open spaces and reducing visual clutter, proved largely ineffective. “We saw a complete lack of bidders and a stagnant revenue stream,” said GBA spokesperson R. K. Mohan. “The 175‑metre buffer was a barrier, not a benefit.” The shift comes amid a broader push to modernise Bengaluru’s infrastructure, boost municipal income, and align the city’s advertising landscape with global best practices. With the GBA now empowered to regulate outdoor media across the Greater Bengaluru Area, the new rules aim to strike a balance between commercial interests and public welfare.
Key Developments
Below are the most significant changes introduced by the new Bengaluru hoarding rules:
- Reduced spacing requirement: The distance between hoardings has been cut from 175 metres to 50 metres, allowing for a higher density of advertisements on major roads.
- Expanded permissible area: On roads 18–24 metres wide, the allowable hoarding area increases from 800 sq ft to 1,000 sq ft (+25%). For roads 30–60 metres wide, the increase is 20–36%, and for roads over 60 metres, it jumps from 1,200 sq ft to 1,600 sq ft (+33%).
- Building Wrap Electronic Advertisements (BWEAs): Entire building facades can now host large‑scale digital displays, synchronised with colour schemes and night‑time flashing, creating a “Times Square” effect in designated commercial zones.
- QR‑code policing: Every authorised hoarding must display a scannable QR code containing the licence and approval details. Unauthorized ads will be removed immediately.
- Eco‑mandate: PVC and other plastics are banned; banners must be made of cloth or biodegradable flexible material to curb plastic waste.
- Public interest quota: Electronic displays must dedicate 10% of daily airtime to public interest messages; non‑electronic boards must reserve 20 days a year for free public messaging.
- A‑khata compliance: Commercial ads are prohibited on B‑register properties or those lacking a valid A‑khata.
- Structural safety: No ad can be erected without a certified structural stability certificate from a qualified engineer.
- Rapid enforcement: Removal notices can now be served via WhatsApp, email, or SMS; demolition of unauthorized ads on government land or footpaths can occur immediately without prior notice.
- Metro independence: BMRCL retains control over ads on metro pillars and stations but must adhere to GBA safety and fee guidelines.
In addition, the GBA has introduced a unified digital portal for all licensing, bidding, and enforcement processes. Advertisement rights will be awarded through open e‑auctions, and winners must provide a performance bank guarantee equal to six months of the winning monthly fee.
Impact Analysis
For residents, the denser skyline means more visual stimuli but also greater opportunities for local businesses to advertise. “We anticipate a 30% increase in advertising revenue for the city,” projected GBA finance officer S. V. Kumar. However, the new rules also impose stricter penalties: illegal hoardings face immediate removal and a fine twice the ad fee for the entire period they were displayed.
Students and young professionals, many of whom work in the city’s burgeoning tech sector, may find the increased advertising a double‑edged sword. On one hand, the vibrant streetscape can enhance the city’s cosmopolitan appeal; on the other, the visual clutter could affect mental well‑being and traffic safety. The new luminance limits for LED/LCD displays aim to mitigate glare, but the overall impact on driver distraction remains a concern.
Property owners will need to navigate the A‑khata and B‑register restrictions carefully. “If you’re planning to install a hoarding on a private building, ensure your A‑khata is up to date and that you have the necessary structural certificates,” advises urban planner Ananya Rao.
Expert Insights/Tips
For businesses looking to capitalize on the new rules, here are practical steps:
- Early compliance: Secure your A‑khata and structural certificates before bidding on a hoarding slot.
- Leverage digital formats: BWEAs offer higher visibility and can command premium rates. Ensure your content meets the public interest quota to avoid penalties.
- QR‑code integration: Embed a QR code in your design to streamline verification and reduce the risk of removal.
- Eco‑friendly materials: Use biodegradable cloth for banners to comply with the eco‑mandate and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Monitor enforcement channels: Keep an eye on the GBA’s online portal for removal notices sent via WhatsApp or email.
For students and young professionals, the new rules present an opportunity to engage in civic tech initiatives. “There’s scope for developing apps that help residents report unauthorized hoardings or track QR‑code compliance,” suggests tech entrepreneur Rohan Mehta.
Looking Ahead
The Bengaluru hoarding rules signal a broader trend toward digitisation and sustainability in urban advertising. As the city moves toward a “smart city” model, we can expect further integration of real‑time data analytics, dynamic content updates, and tighter coordination with traffic management systems.
In the coming months, the GBA will monitor the impact of the new spacing norms on traffic flow and visual pollution. Pilot projects in select commercial corridors will test the efficacy of BWEAs and the public interest quota. Feedback from residents, businesses, and transport authorities will inform potential refinements.
Meanwhile, the enforcement framework—particularly the rapid removal provisions—will likely be scrutinised for due process and transparency. Stakeholders are urged to engage with the GBA’s public consultation portal to voice concerns and suggestions.
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