The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has short listed seven companies which will design custom-made furniture and signage for the city. These include Clear Channel Outdoors International (USA), Stroeer Media International GMBH (Germany), J C Decaux (France), United Asian Holding Ltd, (Hongkong), Wall AG Germany, Karmer Design Association (Germany) Primur Spain.

The companies are expected to prepare a detailed report on the street furniture to be installed, in the next three months. They will also be responsible for its maintenance and replacement if any part of the furniture is lost.

Additional municipal commissioner (city) R A Rajeev said that the city lacked street furniture vis-à-vis other international cities. “Mumbai as a metro does not have quality facilities on streets and there is a need to have street furniture and signage of international standard. The International companies will design furniture suiting the different zones the city,” he said. Marine Drive with its newly developed promenade will also be beautified with railings, tree guards and other public utility furniture.

Although the city has signages scattered across, there is no uniformity. Under the street furniture plan there will be uniform signages along with area maps giving details on where one is at that point, how to reach a particular location and means to reach there. “If a tourist alights at the CST station, there is no information on how to reach Gateway of India. Similarly known areas like Kala Ghoda, Juhu which is largely inhabited by floating population should have detailed maps. All these things will be a part of the plan,” Rajeev said.