The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) finds itself facing a setback in its ambitious road concretisation project as a newly laid concrete road in Ghatkopar’s Bhatwadi area is being dug up barely a year after its completion.
This development comes as a surprise to residents, who were assured that the concrete roads would last for three decades without the need for repair or replacement. The road, which was laid in 2022 near Saraswati Vidya Mandir school, is now undergoing excavation to install a new water pipeline. Residents have expressed their dismay at the situation, questioning the necessity of digging up a recently completed road. According to a resident quoted by TOI, the lack of communication regarding the reasons behind the excavation has left them puzzled and frustrated. The incident raises concerns about the effectiveness and durability of BMC’s concrete road projects. Upon inquiry, local ward officials revealed that the work was being carried out by the hydraulic engineering department without proper permission. This unauthorised activity by another BMC department has prompted ward officials to escalate the issue to senior authorities for investigation and resolution.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by municipal authorities in coordinating infrastructure projects and ensuring adherence to protocols. Residents’ dissatisfaction with the abrupt disruption of road infrastructure highlights the need for better communication and coordination within the BMC to prevent such incidents in the future. The setback in Ghatkopar’s road concretisation project serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in urban infrastructure development and the importance of comprehensive planning and execution to minimise disruptions and maximise the longevity of public assets. Efforts to address the issue and restore trust in the BMC’s infrastructure initiatives are essential to uphold public confidence and ensure the effective delivery of essential services to residents across Mumbai.
