After facing criticism over technical flaws and planning issues in several major infrastructure projects, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to strengthen monitoring mechanisms for upcoming bridges, flyovers and tunnel projects in Mumbai.
The civic body has placed a proposal before the Standing Committee seeking approval to appoint a panel of 29 technical consultants for a period of five years. These experts will assist in scientific planning, design review and supervision of major infrastructure projects to prevent errors during construction and execution.
The move comes after a series of concerns raised over recently completed projects, including the Mrinaltai Gore flyover in Goregaon, where motorists faced inconvenience due to uneven road surfaces. Similarly, questions were raised over the Vikhroli railway flyover after it was found that pedestrian provisions were inadequate even after its inauguration.
The controversy around Mumbai’s infrastructure quality intensified in February 2024 when the reconstructed Gokhale Bridge in Andheri faced criticism after the two sections of the bridge failed to align properly, leading to questions over project coordination and civic oversight.
Against this backdrop, BMC’s decision to appoint technical experts is aimed at improving quality control and ensuring better planning before execution begins.
The civic body has also introduced penalty clauses to ensure accountability among consultants. For most projects, consultancy fees have been capped at a maximum of ₹3.5 crore, excluding complex structures such as cable-stayed and suspension bridges.
Under the proposed framework, if the project cost increases by more than 15% due to errors in a consultant’s design, a penalty equivalent to 10% of the consultant’s fee will be imposed.
A total of 31 companies had applied for empanelment with BMC’s Chief Engineer (Bridges) department. After reviewing their technical expertise and experience, 29 firms have been shortlisted. The selected consultants include organisations such as Tata Consulting Engineers, Spectrum Techno Consultants and Green Design and Engineering Services.
These agencies will evaluate technical challenges, suggest solutions and support the civic body in improving the design and execution standards of Mumbai’s future infrastructure projects.
The BMC hopes that the involvement of specialised consultants will reduce planning mistakes, improve project quality and ensure smoother implementation of critical transport infrastructure across the city.
Source: Navarashtra
