The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified seven advertising hoardings on railway land that violate its regulations. These hoardings, found on the Western and Central Railway premises, exceed the size limits set by the BMC, raising significant safety concerns. Following a tragic incident where a hoarding collapse led to 14 fatalities, the BMC has intensified its scrutiny of such structures.

The BMC mandates that hoardings should not exceed 40 x 40 feet. However, many on railway land have been found to be much larger, with some exceeding 120 feet in height. These oversized hoardings pose serious risks, especially during adverse weather conditions.

In response to these breaches, the BMC has issued notices to the Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) of both Central and Western Railways, demanding the removal of the non-compliant hoardings. This action is part of a broader initiative to enforce safety standards and prevent further accidents. The BMC is also collaborating with structural experts to evaluate the stability of existing hoardings and ensure they meet safety requirements.

The situation highlights a long-standing conflict between the BMC and railway authorities over jurisdiction and safety compliance. The railways, under their own policies, have permitted the erection of these large hoardings without consulting the BMC, leading to regulatory conflicts and safety lapses. The BMC is now stepping up efforts to address these issues and ensure all hoardings within its jurisdiction comply with established safety norms.

This crackdown is expected to continue as the BMC aims to eliminate all unsafe hoardings in the city, prioritising public safety and adherence to regulations.