The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an ultimatum to contractors handling road construction projects. Contractors must complete their work by June 7 or face stringent penalties, including the potential termination of their contracts. This directive underscores the BMC’s commitment to ensuring trafficable conditions across the city as the monsoon approaches.
Currently, extensive road construction and repair operations are in progress at multiple locations throughout Mumbai. The urgency of these projects is heightened by the fast-approaching monsoon, expected to hit the city by the second week of June. Recognising the critical need for well-maintained roads during this season, the BMC has taken a firm stance, demanding expedited completion of all ongoing projects. In late May, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani conducted a series of on-site inspections to assess the progress of these roadworks. During these inspections, Gagrani directed officials to prioritise the completion of projects, emphasising that no construction activities should extend into the monsoon period to avoid causing inconvenience to residents.
A senior BMC official confirmed that all contractors have been formally notified of the June 7 deadline. The directive mandates that even if projects are incomplete, the roads must be made trafficable to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Contractors failing to meet these requirements will not only have their contracts rescinded but will also be held financially responsible for the costs incurred by reassigning the tasks to new contractors.
“The entire cost incurred due to such delays will be reclaimed from the original contractor,” the official asserted, highlighting the BMC’s intent to enforce this policy uniformly across all ongoing road projects. This measure is expected to minimise disruption and ensure that Mumbai’s roads are adequately prepared for the heavy rains.
The BMC’s proactive approach aims to mitigate the perennial issues faced by Mumbai during the monsoon, such as waterlogging and traffic snarls, which are often exacerbated by incomplete roadworks. By imposing this stringent deadline, the BMC seeks to ensure that the city’s infrastructure is resilient and capable of withstanding the seasonal downpours, thereby safeguarding the convenience and safety of Mumbai’s residents. As the deadline looms, contractors are under significant pressure to accelerate their efforts and meet the stipulated requirements. The BMC’s unequivocal stance serves as a clear message that delays and subpar performance will not be tolerated, reinforcing the civic body’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing Mumbai’s urban infrastructure.
