Inquiry Ordered into Digital Hoardings at Bandra East and Western Express Highway
Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode has directed authorities to conduct a detailed inquiry into the permissions, validity, and public safety aspects of digital LED advertising hoardings installed at Teachers Colony in Bandra (East) and on the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) foot overbridge along the Western Express Highway.
The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by Bansode at Vidhan Bhavan, which was attended by officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the MSRDC, and other concerned government departments.
During the meeting, serious concerns were raised regarding the safety risks posed by the digital displays. Officials discussed how continuously changing advertisements and video content shown on the digital LED hoardings could distract motorists navigating the busy routes, thereby increasing the risk of road accidents.
The review also revealed administrative lapses regarding the hoardings. It was highlighted that complete documentation relating to the official permission process, the tendering procedure, and information sought under the Right to Information Act was currently not available. In response, Bansode instructed the authorities to thoroughly examine the entire approval and installation process and take appropriate action.
As part of the directives, the MSRDC has been instructed to convene a follow-up meeting with all concerned departments within seven days. Traffic police officials will also be required to attend this meeting to examine the validity of the hoardings, review the permission procedures, and address ongoing traffic safety issues.
Bansode directed the MSRDC to compile and submit a comprehensive report following the review. He also instructed the authorities to initiate formal action in accordance with established rules if any irregularities or malpractice are uncovered during the investigation into the approval and installation of the digital hoardings.
