A near-miss involving a collapsing roadside banner on the Eastern Express Highway has prompted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to order an immediate safety review of large hoardings across Thane. The directive comes after a two-wheeler rider narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident when a banner was blown onto the road during strong monsoon winds.
Taking serious note of the incident, Shinde instructed the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to conduct a comprehensive structural inspection of all major hoardings in the city. He also directed civic authorities to launch a strict campaign against unauthorised banners and signboards that could pose a danger to the public.
According to officials, the Deputy Chief Minister personally contacted the Municipal Commissioner after learning about the incident and sought stringent legal action against those responsible for installing unsafe structures in public places.
The incident occurred when a large banner mounted on a pedestrian bridge became detached due to strong winds and fell onto a motorcycle travelling along the busy Eastern Express Highway. Although the rider briefly lost control, quick reflexes helped avoid what could have turned into a major road accident. Both people on the motorcycle escaped without suffering serious injuries.
The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of oversized hoardings during the monsoon season, when heavy rain and strong winds significantly increase the risk of such structures collapsing.
Following Shinde’s instructions, the Thane Municipal Corporation has begun a citywide enforcement drive to inspect high-rise hoardings, identify structurally unsafe installations and remove unauthorised banners. Officials have also been directed to initiate legal proceedings against those found violating civic regulations.
The administration said the objective is to minimise risks to commuters and ensure public safety by preventing similar incidents during the ongoing monsoon season.
Why did Eknath Shinde order a hoarding audit?
The order was issued after a large banner collapsed onto a moving motorcycle on the Eastern Express Highway, narrowly avoiding a major accident.
What has Thane Municipal Corporation been asked to do?
TMC has been instructed to inspect all major hoardings, remove illegal banners and initiate legal action against those responsible for unsafe installations.
Was anyone injured in the incident?
The motorcycle riders escaped without serious injuries despite the banner falling directly onto their vehicle.
Why are hoardings a concern during the monsoon?
Heavy rain and strong winds can weaken poorly installed or unauthorised hoardings, increasing the risk of collapse and accidents.
