As the monsoon nears, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has unveiled a robust pre-monsoon preparedness and emergency response strategy to safeguard citizens and maintain momentum on key infrastructure projects across the city.
A Centralised Control Room has been established at MMRDA’s new BKC office, operating 24/7 and directly connected via hotline to the BMC’s Disaster Management Control Room. Staffed by designated nodal officers, this hub is geared to coordinate swift responses during any emergencies. Onsite control rooms have also been set up at all major project sites, staffed by engineers and dedicated labour teams on round-the-clock duty.
In the event of any incident, a defined emergency sequence of actions will be initiated. The Engineer on Duty will assess the situation, triggering mobilisation of contractor response teams and MMRDA’s Disaster Management Unit. Emergency Response Teams – each comprising one engineer and 10 workers – are on standby, alongside pothole repair vehicles and dewatering pumps to tackle waterlogging.
Additional efforts include sealing barricade bases and removing those from completed sections to maximise road space, along with clearing debris and repairing drains and road dividers. Electrical systems are undergoing rigorous testing to avoid hazards, and extra traffic wardens will be deployed to manage congestion hotspots.
To maintain uninterrupted Metro services, MMRDA has equipped Lines 2A and 7 with wind velocity anemometers at 10 key stations. Service frequency will increase during severe flooding. Each of the 30 stations is monitored by over 64 CCTV cameras. Special coaches have been prepared for emergency coordination with civic bodies.
All 34 Metro trains have passed water-leakage tests, and drainage systems along the 35 km viaduct have been cleaned. Preventive maintenance continues on over 759 insulators and related signalling infrastructure to ensure commuter safety and operational resilience throughout the season.
Source: The Free Press Journal
