Pune: PMC Told to Scrap 2022 Hoarding Fee Hike, New Rates to Be Finalised in 15 Days
Pune, 2nd December 2025: In a setback to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the Maharashtra government has cancelled the civic body’s 2022 resolution to sharply increase hoarding fees. The PMC will now have to decide fresh advertising rates within the next 15 days, while the issuance of new sky sign licences has been put on hold.
Large outdoor advertisements are installed at key junctions and along major roads across Pune. Despite clear state regulations, many hoardings are said to be in violation of norms, with no strict action taken so far. The dispute between hoarding owners and the PMC’s Sky Sign Department over fee structure has been ongoing for years.
Long Pending Fee Revision Challenged
For nearly a decade, the civic administration did not revise sky sign charges. The existing fee of ₹111 per sq ft — fixed years ago — continued even as the outdoor advertising business expanded significantly.
In 2022, PMC proposed a steep hike to approximately ₹700 per sq ft, calculating a 10% annual increase over ten years. However, hoarding operators challenged the fee revision in court. A stay was granted, allowing the older rate to remain in force.
Following complaints from industry players, the state government has now scrapped the 2022 resolution entirely.
Moratorium on New Licences
“With the earlier decision cancelled, we must fix new rates within 15 days,” said Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P.
He confirmed that fresh licences will not be issued until the revised rates are finalised and approved by the Standing Committee and General Body.
PMC officials have begun gathering data on appropriate market-based fees to ensure a sustainable revenue model without legal hurdles.
Revenue Push Hits Roadblock
The Sky Sign Department had initiated the fee revision exercise to boost civic revenues at a time when municipal finances face increasing pressure. With the latest development, the civic administration will continue to operate under outdated rates until a new policy is cleared.
