January 27, 2026: Following widespread public criticism over simultaneous citywide road digging, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented a three-point, phased strategy to streamline roadworks and reduce traffic disruption ahead of the civic elections. The revised plan focuses on micro-level planning, prioritising safety, coordination, and minimal commuter inconvenience.
A senior roads department official explained, “We study the location, situation, and condition of each road. We avoid taking up multiple roads in one area and instead select stretches carefully to ensure smooth traffic flow. Before starting work, traffic movement is studied and planned for.” The approach also involves strict coordination with underground utility agencies, including water, sewerage, gas, power, and telecom departments, ensuring repairs and upgrades are completed before resurfacing.
Instead of digging up entire roads, work is now carried out in patches, with continuous monitoring and site visits. This prevents abandoned trenches, half-finished stretches, and unexpected barricades that previously angered commuters. The third intervention focuses on synchronising roadside drain reconstruction with roadworks, preventing repeat excavation, uneven surfaces, and waterlogging during the monsoon.
Civic engineers noted that the revised strategy demanded longer on-ground monitoring but delivered visible improvements. “To avoid inconvenience to citizens, we did not impose rigid deadlines on contractors, as that would have led to multiple works being taken up simultaneously. We are going step by step, and it is showing results,” an official said.
Under the programme, BMC has concretised 2,121 asphalt road patches spanning 698.15 km. Of these, 914 patches covering 229.30 km were completed, 635 patches (184.57 km) are partially done, and 574 patches (148.81 km) are yet to begin. Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said, “We are on track to complete the project on time. This time, we started concretisation work with proper planning to avoid additional inconvenience to citizens.”
The recalibrated approach marks a shift from the previous “finish fast” mindset to a more pragmatic “finish smart” strategy, improving predictability and reducing commuter frustration across Mumbai.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
