December 24, 2025: The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) has initiated strict action after cracks were detected on two major under-construction roads in the city, raising concerns over alleged substandard workmanship. Acting on citizen complaints and findings from a joint inspection, the civic body has directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to demolish and reconstruct the damaged stretches at the contractor’s expense, while ensuring that minor cracks are promptly repaired.
The affected roads include the Netaji Chowk–Kailash Colony stretch and the route from New English School to Lal Chakki. Together, these projects are valued at around Rs 52 crore and form key internal connectivity corridors in Ulhasnagar. Cracks were reportedly observed at several locations, triggering questions about construction quality and execution standards.
Following UMC’s instructions, the MMRDA issued a notice to the contractor, Nikhil Construction Group Pvt Ltd, stating that a third-party quality audit would be conducted by a reputed technical institution such as VJTI. The contractor has been asked to bear all expenses related to testing, reporting and further investigations. Officials confirmed that payments to the contractor have been put on hold until the quality assessment is completed and all corrective measures are carried out.
The project has been underway for over two years and has repeatedly drawn criticism for delays and workmanship issues. Members of the Ulhasnagar Citizens Forum had earlier flagged concerns, prompting the civic administration to intervene. UMC Commissioner Manisha Awhale subsequently ordered a joint inspection involving public works officials, contractor representatives and other agencies.
During the inspection, cracks were found at Netaji Chowk, Bhatiya Chowk, Kurla Camp Chowk, near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue entrance, and in Kailash Colony. Based on these findings, the UMC instructed immediate filling of minor cracks and complete reconstruction of severely damaged portions. Project management consultant Pentacle Consultants formally conveyed these directions to the contractor.
Satyajit Burman, a social activist who brought attention to the issue, told TOI, “Even after two-and-a-half years, the work is progressing at a very slow pace and the quality is unacceptable.”
Officials said further action will depend on the outcome of the third-party quality inspection.
