In a recent order issued on Tuesday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reaffirmed its policy that no new roads should be excavated for concretisation after February 22. The BMC also mandated that all ongoing roadworks must be completed by May 31, 2025, to minimise inconvenience to residents, and urged citizens to report any unauthorised digging in their areas to local ward offices as the monsoon approaches.
The decision follows repeated violations by contractors who continued digging up roads—including those in good condition—despite clear instructions from Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Last month, Gagrani had ordered a halt to road excavations to curb air pollution, directing that work should resume only after previously dug-up roads were concretised. In a meeting with senior officials last Monday, he further instructed the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Infrastructure) to immediately halt any new excavations.
The Deputy Municipal Commissioner signed the most recent directive, which was sent to Mumbai’s 25 ward offices and the chief engineer (Roads). The public can report any illegal road construction to their local ward office, civic officials stressed, and those who do so will face consequences. Officials also pointed out that contractors, after initiating excavations, often submit bills for clearance, and as per tender agreements, the BMC must process payments within 30 days to avoid penalties.
The first phase of concretisation contained 372 roads totalling 221.76 km, while the second phase involved 759 roads totalling 218.24 km, according to BMC data. Civic authorities have promised that at least 132.75 km, or 30% of the entire active roadworks, will be finished by the time the monsoon arrives, even though construction on both stages is still ongoing. The BMC is steadfast in its resolve to prevent any more interruptions, placing a high value on prompt completion and rigorous adherence to its instructions.
Source: The Indian Express
