Mumbai Fisheries Department Seeks Revenue from Coastal Road
Mumbai Fisheries Department Seeks Revenue from Coastal Road
The Fisheries and Port Development Department of Maharashtra has submitted a proposal to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to install advertising hoardings along the Mumbai Coastal Road. This move aims to generate significant revenue for the state while leveraging the extensive use of land owned by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) along the coastal stretch.The proposal is in line with a broader vision to diversify and enhance state revenue streams, as the government looks for ways to boost its finances without placing additional burdens on citizens.
The department’s request for permission from the BMC and MSRDC specifically targets areas where land belonging to the MMB is underutilised, with no financial compensation being received for its current usage.In an official statement, a senior representative of the Fisheries and Port Development Department highlighted that several high-traffic areas along the coastal road have long been used by various entities, yet the MMB has not seen any revenue from these activities. The department believes that the installation of hoardings could help capitalise on this otherwise unmonetised land and generate additional funds for the state.One of the key locations under consideration for advertising hoardings is Carter Road in Bandra, a popular spot for public gatherings and events. The BMC currently charges Rs75,000 per event to host activities on Carter Road, but the MMB receives no revenue from these events. Similarly, film and television productions are frequently held at Marve in Malad (West), where the MMB’s land is used, but again, the department has not been benefiting from these activities.The Fisheries and Port Development Department plans to address these issues by exploring new policies for leasing land and providing no-objection certificates (NOCs) for events and shoots, with the aim of collecting financial dues from applicants.
This shift will help the MMB start generating income from assets that were previously underused.Another area of focus will be the potential leasing of land near the Sea Rock Hotel in Bandra, which is ideal for hosting events. The department is keen to revise the existing policy and introduce a new framework for NOCs that includes charges for applicants. This policy revision aims to ensure the MMB receives fair compensation for the use of its land and resources.Officials in the Fisheries and Port Development Department have set an ambitious revenue target of Rs500 crore to Rs1,000 crore annually from these new initiatives. This target is part of the broader plan set by the Maharashtra Chief Minister for all state departments to explore alternative revenue generation channels. The Chief Minister has encouraged officials to tap into unmonetised resources and find ways to boost the state’s financial position without imposing new taxes on residents.While the proposal for advertising hoardings along the coastal road is still under review, the initiative is seen as a key step towards improving Mumbai’s infrastructure financing. The push to generate revenue through land-based activities also aligns with the state’s broader urban development goals, which include better utilisation of available space and resources.
The concept of utilising prime urban real estate for advertising is not without its challenges, including concerns over the aesthetics and potential visual pollution. However, the department has assured that the installation of hoardings will be done in a manner that balances revenue generation with urban planning standards and environmental considerations.With the government focused on increasing financial transparency and efficiency, the success of this project could serve as a model for other urban areas in Maharashtra, demonstrating how public land can be better utilised to benefit the state’s economy.
