LED screens to promote community viewing in Delhi

To encourage ‘community viewing’ among Delhiites during the Commonwealth Games (CWG), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has installed 50 giant light-emitting diode (LED) screens at busy markets across the city, including Greater Kailash M-block, Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar Central Market and PVR Saket, among others. The project is being taken up on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.

The civic agency will earn a revenue of Rs 50 lakh per month through this project. The private firm would maintain these screens and will earn revenue through display of advertisements.

“The concept of community viewing is still quite nascent in the city. Now that Delhi is hosting the Games these screens will act as a platform where people will be able to come together at a spot and view live telecast of sports events,” said K S Mehra, MCD commissioner.

The screens have been strategically located and will also display social messages, spreading awareness about health-related issues free of cost. The screens have become operational now.

In addition, the screens will come handy in tracking stolen or robbed vehicles too.

“In case of a car jacking, the police will be able to display the registration number in real time to locate it. Such messages will be screened free of cost,” said a senior MCD official.

LED displays are brighter than standard signs and visible from a longer distance, even in direct sunlight.

The screen will also give information about the traffic density for various areas, and will guide people to lesser traffic congested routes, hence helping in reducing traffic jams by giving prior information.

Before installation of these screens, a thorough research conducted and the most suitable locations were picked up.