As Mumbai undergoes a massive road concretisation project, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing mounting criticism from citizens over the city’s dug-up condition. With the monsoon approaching, the civic body has set a firm deadline of May 31 to complete all ongoing roadworks and make roads motorable.
In a recent review meeting, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani addressed senior civic officials and engineers, urging them to take the criticism constructively. “The BMC is being criticised from all quarters due to the extensive digging for road concretisation. Let this be an opportunity to focus on quality and timely completion,” Gagrani advised.
To make Mumbai pothole-free, the BMC has launched one of its most ambitious infrastructure upgrades by concretising all city roads. So far, 1,333 km of roads have been concretised. The remaining works are being carried out in two phases: Phase 1: 698 roads spanning 324 km & Phase 2: 1,420 roads covering 377 km.
However, challenges persist. The progress in Eastern suburbs is reportedly slower than expected. Additionally, there have been alarming reports of already concretised roads being re-dug, despite prior instructions from BMC to complete all underground utility work before laying concrete.
Adding to the woes, several under-construction sites are reportedly not barricaded, posing serious risks to pedestrians and motorists. Gagrani has now called for strict action against contractors violating safety norms or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These include mandatory barricading, green cloth covers, thermoplastic layering, and proper levelling.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has also stepped up vigilance. He recently directed BMC engineers to stay present at work sites and instructed senior officials to conduct frequent inspections. Bangar himself has conducted surprise visits to ensure on-ground quality control.
With just weeks to go before the deadline, all eyes are on the BMC to deliver safer, pothole-free roads—without cutting corners on safety or quality.
Source: The Free Press Journal
