Mumbai’s ambitious road concretisation project, aimed at eliminating potholes and improving infrastructure, has been hindered by significant delays in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Initially launched in 2023, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had envisioned a comprehensive overhaul of 324 km of roads in Phase 1. However, with just 46 km completed, 298 roads still await development, leaving many parts of the city vulnerable to traffic disruptions and pothole damage.
The lack of timely progress has sparked frustration among Mumbaikars. One concerned resident took to Twitter to highlight the stagnant state of 14th Road in Khar West, which was partially completed before the 2024 central elections, but then left untouched for months. Such delays have prompted public criticism, particularly regarding the quality of work. According to the Mumbai North Central District Forum (MNCDF), many roads remain incomplete, with footpaths either abandoned midway or obstructed by construction material. Cement concrete road construction typically takes 30 to 45 days, including excavation, laying the road, and restoring traffic. However, the BMC has faced setbacks, most notably during the monsoon season, which caused a four-month halt to construction. Although work resumed in October 2024, only 30% of Phase 1 was completed by June, leading to a considerable backlog.
The situation worsened when the contractor, Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd. (RSIIL), failed to meet deadlines. The company was fined INR 64.6 crore for its inability to deliver on time and was ultimately dismissed in November 2023. The BMC has since hired a new contractor to handle 208 roads in the island city. Phase 2 of the project, which covers a vast 377 km of roads, is also experiencing significant delays. Of the 1,420 roads planned for concretisation, work is yet to begin on 989 of them, further exacerbating the city’s road woes. Approvals from the traffic police and the model code of conduct for elections have contributed to these delays. Nevertheless, the BMC aims to complete Phase 1 by May 31, 2025, and continues to push forward with its road improvement efforts despite the ongoing challenges.
