Following the February 14 slab collapse in Mulund, residents across Mumbai have been closely monitoring under-construction metro corridors, reporting possible defects to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Officials confirmed that the authority has been addressing numerous complaints on social media, with citizens sharing images and videos of potential cracks, gaps, and other structural concerns in girders, boundary slabs, and pillars.
The latest such complaint emerged on Sunday along Metro Line 4, the same line where the Mulund incident occurred, killing one and injuring three. Social media posts highlighted what appeared to be cracks beneath a girder near Shreyas Cinema on LBS Road, Ghatkopar West.
An MMRDA spokesperson clarified that the area had been inspected, noting, “The visible line seen in the visuals is excess concrete slurry, which is a mix of cement, water, and additives used during construction. Such excess slurry can sometimes appear on the surface. The excess slurry material was removed last night. The beam at the site is completely safe, secure, and stable.”
In Thane, resident Sachin Shingare posted photographs of what he perceived as cracks in a girder near Vijay Garden metro station. He said, “Here, the joints are visible and appear to be cracks. If it’s natural, no issue; but if there are cracks, they should repair it immediately. We, the local residents, are seeking a meeting with the MMRDA authorities so that they can give us clarity about these apparent shortcomings.”
MMRDA responded on X, explaining that precast concrete girders are joined on site with cast-in-situ methods, which can leave minor surface slurry at joints. The authority emphasized that these are not structural concerns. Similar responses were given for gaps spotted near Kasarvadavali, noting that temporary shuttering is part of standard procedures and the structures are stable.
Despite reassurances, residents continue to demand independent inspections by third-party institutions to verify the integrity of load-bearing structures.
To address public anxiety, MMRDA officials said they plan to release a series of educational infographics and videos demonstrating metro construction processes, highlighting each component and structural measure for greater transparency.
Source: Hindustan Times
