August 8, 2025: The Bombay High Court has called for the immediate enforcement of expert safety guidelines across Maharashtra after a recent incident in Bhiwandi, where an iron rod from an under-construction Metro bridge struck a passenger in an autorickshaw. The court linked the event to inadequate safety practices and urged prompt corrective measures by civic and urban planning bodies.
On 5 August, a long tie rod fell from the Metro Line 5 (Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan corridor) site, critically injuring a 20-year-old passenger. Preliminary findings suggest possible negligence by project contractors and supervisory consultants. This follows a 2023 petition from a Lokhandwala housing society after a cement block fell from the 52nd floor of a building, resulting in a fatality. That case led to the formation of an expert panel of architects, structural engineers, and technical officers to create safety norms for high-rise sites.
The court expressed concern that its earlier directives were not applied across the state. Justices Kulkarni and Doctor observed that allowing public access beneath construction zones is “a direct violation of public safety—and by extension, citizens’ fundamental rights.”
During Thursday’s proceedings, the bench asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to submit the panel’s safety guidelines. These will be circulated by the Urban Development Department to all planning authorities in Maharashtra for strict enforcement.
The court, acting in the public interest, scheduled a follow-up hearing for 12 August to review compliance. This comes amid broader safety concerns, highlighted by a separate incident where a rod fell onto a car bonnet near Kapurbawdi Junction in Thane.
As Mumbai advances urban and transit infrastructure, the High Court’s directive reinforces that progress must be balanced with measures ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
Source: Urban Acres
