Bandra residents have opposed the installation of 35 commercial LED hoardings along the Carter Road Promenade, calling it an attempt to commercialise a cherished public open space. Locals have sought an immediate halt, citing lack of transparency and environmental concerns
Ongoing installation work for LED hoardings at Carter Road Promenade in Bandra West, which residents have opposed. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Residents of Bandra have objected to the installation of 35 commercial LED hoardings along the Carter Road Promenade, calling it an encroachment on one of Mumbai’s most iconic public open spaces. Installation work is currently underway.
The residents approached former Congress municipal councillor Asif Zakaria, who has written to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, seeking an immediate halt to the work. Zakaria cited a lack of transparency in the permissions granted for commercial installations on public open space.
“The citizens of Bandra will strongly and unequivocally oppose any attempt to commercialise this cherished public space,” Zakaria said. In his letter, Zakaria noted that the promenade was created through a citizens’ initiative with public funds and has, for over three decades, served as a key recreational and environmental asset.
“It is extensively used for walking, jogging, leisure and community activities and holds immense emotional, social and environmental value for citizens,” the letter stated. The promenade was recently handed over to the BMC for maintenance by the Maharashtra Maritime Board. This is the third complaint in recent months by residents over construction or commercial activity along the promenade.
Last year, residents had objected to the installation of food stalls selling cooked seafood and to the construction of another civic structure, reportedly a temple, along the stretch. Zakaria’s letter states, “It has now come to light that work has been commissioned for the installation of 35 LED commercial hoardings along the promenade, which has caused widespread outrage and strong opposition. This amounts to complete commercialisation of a public open space.”
Key objections raised by residents
>> Lack of transparency
Permission allegedly granted by the H West ward licence department on December 22, 2025
Period coincided with the model code of conduct
No clarity on whether a Maritime Board NOC was obtained
>> Precedent for waterfront commercialisation
Residents fear exploitation of public seafronts for advertising
>> Environmental and aesthetic impact
Letter warns of damage to serenity, safety and environmental balance
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