November 20, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sharply criticised the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the worsening state of roads and sewer lines due to ongoing Metro and bridge constructions. In an unusually stern letter to the MMRDA chief on Tuesday, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani highlighted multiple instances of road cavities and sewer network damage allegedly caused during infrastructure works.
The communication, a copy of which is with TOI, places responsibility squarely on MMRDA for repairing potholes and other defects on roads impacted by its projects. The Andheri West Metro station cave-in of October 31, still unrepaired even 20 days later, was cited as a key example. “Henceforth, if such cavity formation incidents occur/are observed in the areas where MMRDA has carried out the works in the past, then rectification should be on the part of MMRDA. In view of the above, it is requested to instruct the staff concerned to safeguard the existing utilities such as sewer lines, water lines, and roads in coordination with BMC staff during the various projects undertaken by MMRDA and get the damaged utilities rectified and also resolve the pending issues as mentioned without further delay to avoid any mishap at the site,” the letter stated.
The BMC pointed to Metro Line 2A pillars built adjacent to old sewer lines between Andheri West and Dahisar West. Heavy vibrations during piling reportedly caused sewer pipe collapses and damaged manholes, resulting in prolonged seepage that weakened soil and triggered road cavities. The letter also highlighted poor road reinstatement practices, including excessive grit and missing concrete slab reinforcement, which exacerbated the damage.
Other incidents mentioned include a similar road cavity at Kandivli on August 18 and multiple instances of sewer line damage along Metro Lines 2B, 3, 6, 7A, and 9. The letter also accused the MMRDA of undertaking utility diversions without obtaining mandatory BMC approvals, claiming that many such works fall short of civic standards.
Source: The Times of India
