The recently inaugurated Mrinaltai Gore flyover extension in Goregaon has come under scrutiny after residents, activists and opposition leaders raised concerns regarding the quality of construction and visible surface defects. While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has maintained that the structure is safe and corrective work is underway, calls for an independent investigation are growing louder.
The ₹248-crore project, which was delayed by nearly eight years before opening to traffic on June 6, has attracted criticism within days of its launch. Concerns intensified after videos circulated on social media allegedly showing sections of the road surface giving way under pressure. Citizens also pointed to patchwork and uneven stretches on the newly opened flyover.
Although civic authorities have dismissed claims of structural deficiencies, critics argue that the reported issues warrant a closer examination of project execution and quality control. The project’s cost has also become a point of contention.
Kishori Pednekar, Leader of the Opposition in the BMC, said, “The Gore flyover extension was sanctioned at Rs 170 crore in 2018, but its cost eventually rose to Rs 248 crore—a 45 per cent increase. Despite this massive cost escalation, questions over the quality of work have surfaced within days of its inauguration. There must be an independent inquiry and if the probe reveals any construction defects, negligence or compromise in quality, the contractor, consultants and civic engineers responsible must be held accountable and face strict action.”
She further demanded that audit reports, quality assessments and other project-related documents be made public to ensure transparency in the execution of the taxpayer-funded project.
Congress leader Ashraf Azmi has indicated that he will raise the matter at the upcoming BMC Standing Committee meeting. Meanwhile, Dhaval Shah of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association alleged that inadequate asphalt around expansion joints has resulted in noticeable jolts for motorists.
“Saying the surface will settle on its own as traffic increases is not a solution. The patchwork must be repaired immediately to prevent inconvenience and ensure commuter safety during monsoon.”
Vinod Gholap, chairman of Fight for Right Foundation, said, “The flyover may have been inaugurated, but the real examination begins with the monsoon. If there has been any compromise in the quality of materials or workmanship, heavy rains will expose it. A road built to standard should withstand Mumbai’s monsoon without showing signs of distress.”
Amid the controversy, BMC workers have begun carrying out finishing and rectification works, including levelling asphalt near drains and road edges and compacting the surface to improve ride quality.
Source: The Free Press Journal
