The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a notice to a contractor for allegedly using substandard concrete in roadworks in the eastern suburbs, triggering serious concerns over the integrity of Mumbai’s ambitious concretisation project. The issue came to light after a crucial slump test—used to determine the workability and consistency of concrete—revealed that a batch of ready-mix concrete (RMC) failed to meet the required standards.
The contractor, responsible for projects in Chembur and Mankhurd, has been asked to respond within a week, failing which further action will be taken. The civic body has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all roads under the ongoing drive meet stringent quality benchmarks, especially as Mumbai pushes towards a pothole-free future. The failure of the slump test has intensified scrutiny on the city’s infrastructure projects, with concerns mounting over whether other instances of compromised materials have gone undetected. A municipal commissioner personally inspected the Turbhe-based RMC plant, which supplied the substandard batch, to assess compliance with prescribed quality norms. The inspection found that while the facility adhered to standard operating procedures (SOPs), the particular batch of concrete in question exhibited higher-than-acceptable slump levels, leading to its rejection. Experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay were consulted before the faulty load was returned, underlining the civic body’s reliance on external technical expertise to uphold construction standards.
The BMC’s ongoing Phase Two concretisation initiative aims to cover 377 kilometres of roads by May 31, a deadline that now appears even more pressing in light of quality concerns. The civic body sources concrete from multiple RMC plants across the city, making rigorous quality verification imperative. To this end, dedicated Quality Management Agencies (QMAs) are stationed at these facilities, ensuring SOP adherence. Additionally, IIT-Bombay experts work alongside QMAs to conduct secondary checks. A recent inspection of the Turbhe facility confirmed compliance with SOPs, with key materials such as aggregates, cement, micro-silica, and fly ash found to be within specified limits. Measures to maintain the correct water temperature during mixing were also observed, with ice buckets being used to prevent inconsistencies. However, slight improvements in sprinkler flow for aggregate wetting were suggested for optimal results.
Public concerns over the project’s execution continue to grow, with residents raising issues regarding both quality and pace. While the BMC has assured citizens that the initiative is on track to meet its deadline, reports of excavation delays and uneven paving have fuelled scepticism. The municipal commissioner, however, remains steadfast in his assurance that the project will be completed within schedule and to the highest standards. As Mumbai continues its transition towards fully concretised roads, ensuring the durability and safety of these high-cost developments remains a critical challenge. The latest quality concerns serve as a stark reminder that stringent oversight and transparency must be prioritised to prevent lapses that could jeopardise public trust in the city’s infrastructural transformation.
