Mumbai’s roads are trafficable before the onset of the monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has extended the deadline for completing ongoing roadworks to June 10. This extension follows an initial deadline of June 7, with the civic body previously warning contractors that failure to meet this deadline would result in the withdrawal of their contracts.
Currently, work on 143 roads is still in progress across various parts of Mumbai. A BMC official reported that most of the roadworks are nearing completion and expressed confidence that they would be finished by the new deadline. The roadworks span 24 locations in the Mumbai City area, 32 locations in the Eastern Suburbs, and 87 locations in the Western Suburbs. The official added that while most roads are expected to be trafficable by June 7, the remaining will be open for traffic by June 10.
“I have gathered detailed information about the selected roads in the three areas—Mumbai City, Eastern Suburbs, and Western Suburbs—and directed that all roads be completed by June 10, 2024, with civil safety during monsoons in mind,” the official stated. He also mandated that once these roads are made trafficable, no barricades should be visible during the rainy season.
To mitigate any potential disruptions during the monsoon, the BMC has declared that no agency will be permitted to dig roads except for essential services such as electricity, gas, and water. The official assured that any road dug up for these essential needs will be promptly repaired by the civic body, with the repair costs recovered from the concerned agency.
After June 10, no further extensions will be granted, and the BMC will take stringent action against non-compliant contractors. “We have asked all contractors to inform us if they cannot complete the work on time, as we will appoint new contractors and recover the costs from the old contractors,” the official warned.
This decision by the BMC underscores the urgency to ensure Mumbai’s infrastructure is robust and ready for the monsoon season, aiming to prevent traffic disruptions and ensure public safety. The extended deadline is a critical step to accommodate the delays and ensure all roadworks are completed to the required standard, providing a safer and smoother commuting experience for Mumbai’s residents.
