Growing concerns over the commercial use of Mumbai’s iconic Carter Road Promenade have prompted a fresh administrative review, with civic and state authorities asked to reassess permissions granted for LED hoardings and other installations along the public waterfront. The development highlights a wider tension in coastal cities between revenue-driven asset management and the protection of open, people-first public spaces.
The issue surfaced during a coordination meeting involving municipal departments, traffic authorities, the district administration and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, following representations from residents of Bandra West. Community groups flagged what they described as a gradual shift in the promenade’s character, alleging that commercial displays were being introduced in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone norms and without sufficient public consultation. Civic officials present at the meeting acknowledged that permissions for certain installations were linked to a maintenance tender framework introduced several years ago, which included provisions for limited revenue generation. However, residents argued that the waterfront stretch has historically functioned as a non-commercial, green public space and that large-format LED hoardings undermine both its environmental sensitivity and social purpose.
A key point under examination is the planning classification of the Carter Road Promenade under Mumbai’s Development Plan. Urban planners note that if the promenade is formally designated as an open space reservation, commercial advertising would be impermissible under prevailing development control regulations. Officials have now sought a definitive clarification on this classification, with instructions that any commercial activity be paused until the status is conclusively established. Beyond regulatory compliance, the debate has also brought maintenance accountability into focus. Residents raised concerns about uneven upkeep, repair works and visual clutter, arguing that commercialisation has not translated into improved public amenities. In response, the maritime authority overseeing the tender process has been asked to submit a detailed report outlining maintenance responsibilities, identified lapses and corrective measures to prevent inconvenience to the public.
The issue resonates beyond Carter Road. Similar promenades at Bandstand and the Reclamation area have long been viewed as critical social infrastructure in a dense coastal city with limited open spaces. Urban design experts caution that monetising such assets without clear policy guardrails risks eroding public trust and setting precedents that could alter the character of waterfronts across Mumbai. From a sustainability perspective, the introduction of large LED installations in ecologically sensitive coastal zones also raises questions around light pollution, energy consumption and visual impact. Cities globally are re-evaluating how public spaces can be financially sustainable without compromising environmental goals or inclusivity.
For now, authorities are expected to complete the review within a defined timeframe, after which a decision on the future of commercial installations at Carter Road will be taken. The outcome is likely to influence how Mumbai balances coastal conservation, civic finances and the right of residents to quiet, accessible public spaces as the city continues to densify.
Mumbai Carter Road Promenade Ads Under Review
