Cracks on newly constructed cement roads in Mumbai prompt BMC fines and accountability measures against contractors and engineers | Representational Image
Mumbai: The BMC has imposed a fine of Rs 3.4 crores to four contractors over the cracks that developed on newly constructed cement concrete roads in the suburbs. In addition to these a notice has also been sent to the quality control agency and 91 engineers responsible for monitoring the work.
After receiving several complaints about the newly constructed roads in Mumbai, the BMC recently conducted an inspection. Following the survey, a notice was issued to 71 sub-engineers, 15 assistant engineers, and five executive engineers who were responsible for overseeing the concretisation work in their respective areas.
The civic authorities have also instructed them to provide an explanation within the next 15 days. Additionally, any roads found with substandard work will be repaired at the contractor’s expense, said civic sources.
The BMC’s ambitious project to concretise roads in Mumbai had faced setbacks due to substandard work at some locations. In Phase 1, the BMC has completed only 46 km of the planned 324 km of concretisation within a year.
Currently, work is ongoing on 213 roads, with 298 roads yet to be concretised. In Phase 2, of the 1,420 roads scheduled for concretisation, 433 are currently under construction, with many still pending.
Ravi Raja, the former Opposition leader of the BMC who recently joined the BJP, commented, “Issuing a show cause notice is not enough; there must also be a time-bound inquiry, and those found guilty should be punished. The penalty should be severe, and not only should these guilty contractors be held accountable, but third-party auditors involved should also be blacklisted permanently.” He has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to look into the matter.
