Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has issued a five-day deadline to the Tata Projects–Daewoo joint venture to carry out temporary repairs on the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, popularly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). The decision follows a ₹1 crore fine imposed on the contractor for “minor surface distress” on the 21.8-kilometre sea link, which was inaugurated in January 2024 at a cost of ₹17,840 crore.
Officials noted that the directive comes amid growing public scrutiny over the quality of the road surface, highlighted by a viral video showing visible patches of damage on the Navi Mumbai-bound carriageway. The affected areas, primarily between kilometre 11 and 16, have raised concerns over construction standards and passenger safety. To ensure long-term durability, MMRDA has also extended the defect liability period of the project by one year, moving the deadline from January 2026 to January 2027. “Multiple stretches on the 2-kilometre section exhibit surface damage. Permanent resurfacing will be undertaken after the monsoon with high-grade dense bituminous macadam and asphalt concrete to ensure better riding comfort and longevity,” said a senior MMRDA official.
The authority stressed that remedial measures are already underway. Immediate interventions include resurfacing longer stretches with uniform bitumen to prevent bumps and applying mastic asphalt patching to maintain safe driving conditions during heavy rainfall. The focus is on maintaining both serviceability and safety while addressing public concerns about road quality. Social media users have voiced criticism over the patchwork repairs, questioning whether they meet international “world-class” standards. “If this patchwork is considered world-class, it raises serious doubts about quality benchmarks,” a user commented on a popular platform.
The MMRDA’s move underlines a commitment to sustainable infrastructure and public accountability. Experts emphasised that regular monitoring and corrective measures are crucial for mega infrastructure projects, particularly those exposed to high traffic volumes and harsh monsoon conditions. The authority’s intervention highlights the importance of balancing rapid development with long-term maintenance and safety considerations. Officials have indicated that failure to complete the temporary repairs within the five-day window will trigger further actions against the contractor. Meanwhile, city commuters are being advised to exercise caution on affected stretches while MMRDA oversees repair work.
The directive also reflects broader urban governance challenges, including the management of high-cost infrastructure assets and ensuring that investment in large-scale projects translates into reliable, safe, and sustainable transport solutions for the city.
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