New Delhi: Prasar Bharati has extended the deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the development and operation of LED unipole advertising structures at Akashvani properties in Meghalaya after the initial invitation failed to attract any applications.
According to a communication issued by Akashvani Shillong on August 4, interested agencies now have until August 17, 2026, to submit their proposals for the project.
The public broadcaster is looking to onboard a private partner under a public-private partnership (PPP) model to establish and operate digital outdoor advertising infrastructure at three Akashvani locations — the Shillong station near the Governor’s House, the high-power transmitter site at Mawjrong in Kyrdemkhla, and the Akashvani Tura premises at Dakopgre.
Under the proposed arrangement, the selected agency will finance the entire project, including the design, fabrication, installation, operation, maintenance and commercialisation of the LED unipole structures. In return, advertising revenue will be shared with Prasar Bharati through either a mutually agreed revenue-sharing mechanism or an annual fixed payment.
As part of the agreement, the operator will also be required to allocate 33% of the display time across all time bands for Prasar Bharati’s public messaging and promotional campaigns.
The initiative forms part of Prasar Bharati’s broader strategy to monetise underutilised land assets attached to its Akashvani network while expanding professionally managed digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising infrastructure.
The selected partner will be responsible for conducting site surveys, evaluating commercial viability, obtaining statutory approvals, securing electricity connections, installing the structures and managing advertising sales. The agency will also bear all operational and electricity-related expenses throughout the contract period.
The contract will be awarded for an initial five-year term, with the provision for a further five-year extension. At the end of the agreement, ownership of the installed LED unipole structures will vest with Prasar Bharati.
The broadcaster has stipulated that the agency must comply with its advertising policy as well as applicable municipal regulations, structural safety norms, traffic guidelines and environmental and electrical safety standards. The operator will also be accountable for safeguarding the installations against damage, vandalism, theft and unauthorised use, with Prasar Bharati assuming no liability for such incidents.
The tender document notes that any unauthorised alteration to the approved advertising area could lead to termination of the agreement along with forfeiture of the earnest money deposit and security deposit.
For the digital displays, Prasar Bharati has outlined indicative specifications that include outdoor P8 LED screens with an 8-mm pixel pitch, minimum brightness of 5,500 nits, and an estimated operational life of 100,000 hours. However, bidders are permitted to recommend alternative technical specifications depending on site conditions.
Interested agencies are required to submit company credentials, GST and PAN registrations, financial statements, previous project experience, authorisation documents and a cost estimate for the proposed installations as part of their EOI submissions.
The Meghalaya project is part of Prasar Bharati’s continuing efforts to diversify its revenue streams beyond broadcasting by leveraging its real estate and infrastructure assets for commercial advertising opportunities.
