Construction of a proposed five-storey building in the Mantralaya complex has missed its deadline, prompting the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) to impose financial penalties on the contractor. The agency has fixed a daily penalty of Rs 20 lakh and has already deducted Rs 1.20 crore from the contractor’s bills.
The new structure, being developed to address the shortage of space for ministerial and departmental offices, has been under construction for nearly two years. Built on steel pillars in the Mantralaya premises, the project was included in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ 100-day programme after the Mahayuti government took charge.
Despite the government announcing floor-wise allocations for the Chief Minister and other ministers, the building remains incomplete. The project has an estimated cost of ₹110 crore and was originally expected to be ready by August 2026. Construction is being undertaken by Pune-based Shubham Builder.
The PWD initially imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh per day for 15 days between July 1 and July 15, 2026. Pragya Walke, Chief Engineer of the Mumbai Regional Division, said the penalty was doubled to ₹20 lakh per day from July 16 because of the continued delay. She added that the department now expects the building to be completed by the end of October.
The contractor has attributed the delays partly to changes and approvals required during the project. These included permissions from the PWD, consultant inputs, structural approvals from IIT and relocation of a BEST electrical substation at the site.
Hansraj Singh, Project Manager of Shubham Developers, said the original design was for a ground-plus-seven-storey structure but was later revised to ground-plus-five floors, affecting the construction timeline.
‘We have responded to the notice issued regarding imposition of penalty for delay in construction of the building. We do not accept the penal action against us. We have corresponded with the department regarding the manner in which the penalty was levied’ – Hansraj Singh, Project Manager
Source: Loksatta
