Mumbai’s roads during the monsoon season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has embarked on an ambitious strategy. The BMC administration, cognizant of the urgency to address this longstanding concern, has devised a multifaceted approach aimed at ensuring lasting solutions.
Recognising the time-intensive nature of concretising all roads to guarantee a pothole-free environment, the BMC has chosen to integrate mastic asphalt into its repertoire this year. This decision reflects a pragmatic compromise, acknowledging the necessity for immediate action while the broader concrete implementation unfolds gradually. Under this initiative, the BMC has engaged 14 contractors across seven circles to undertake pothole repair endeavours using mastic asphalt. Notably, the allocation of contractors varies based on the width of the roads, demonstrating a nuanced approach tailored to the diverse infrastructural landscape of the city. Financial commitments underscore the seriousness with which the BMC addresses this issue, with a budget of Rs 1.5 crore earmarked for roads under nine metres wide and Rs 2.5 crore for wider thoroughfares. This allocation signifies a substantial investment towards enhancing Mumbai’s infrastructure resilience and ensuring smoother commutes for its inhabitants.
Moreover, the BMC’s directive to contractors to meticulously document their interventions, including the precise location and jurisdiction of the roads, underscores a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. By adopting mastic asphalt as a viable interim solution, the BMC not only mitigates immediate concerns but also paves the way for a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul. This strategic manoeuvre aligns with the municipality’s larger vision of sustainable urban development and underscores its proactive stance in addressing civic challenges.
