Mumbai: BMC announces new advertising policy, issues guidelines for hoardings

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC on Thursday issued advertising guidelines 2025 to regulate outdoor advertising across Mumbai around 18 months after the tragic Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident that killed 17 peopleThe new guidelines introduce stricter rules for hoardings including Hoarding size limit No hoarding larger than 40 times 40 ft Location restrictions New advertisements are banned on footpaths and building terraces Digital hoardings Brightness capped at a 31 luminance ratio with automatic timers mandatory Digital hoardings must turn off after 11 pm and flickering ads are not permitted Permit validity Permits now expire three months after the issue date instead of six monthsThe new policy states that advertisements may be displayed at malls multiplexes shopping complexes commercial buildings petrol stations and on buildings under construction or renovation Special shapes like V L triangular square pentagonal and hexagonal structures will require No Objection Certificates NOCs from the traffic policeUnder the new guidelines digital hoardings must adhere to strict safety and operational rulesAll digital and LED hoardings must be equipped with automatic timers and they are not allowed to operate after 11 pmAdditionally installing or illuminating such hoardings requires a No Objection Certificate NOC from the Joint Commissioner of Police TrafficHoardings located near hightension wires must also obtain a separate NOC from the relevant electricity authority These measures aim to enhance public safety reduce light pollution and regulate digital advertising across MumbaiThe new policy also states the following Zonebased size restrictions across Mumbai allowing larger hoardings within BMC jurisdiction NOCs for hoardings near hightension wires and for illuminateddigital hoardings from the Joint Commissioner of Police Traffic Blacklisting for advertisers who repeatedly violate rules including nonpayment of fees Online services for permit issuance renewal and appeals to the JointDeputy Municipal Commissioner Special levelThe policy further states that the advertisements on BMC premises will be allotted through etenders requiring a oneyear bank guarantee and insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh to 1 crore Hoardings installed by MMRDA MSRDC or other government authorities will now share 30 per cent revenue with BMC down from 50 per cent and existing hoardings on the Eastern and Western Express Highways will not be renewed after expiryThe new policy follows recommendations from a committee of IIT Bombay experts environmental specialists police officials and civic authorities submitted after Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incidentOn May 13 2024 occurred a massive hoarding measuring 120 x 140 feet had collapsed on the GRP ground in Ghatkopar area of eastern suburbs of Mumbai due to strong winds leading to the death of 17 people and injuries to more than 80