Mumbai’s civic authorities have been instructed to halt the commencement of any new road digging for cement concrete (CC) projects in October, with officials emphasising that ongoing works must be prioritised Mand completed by December. The directive, issued by the Assembly Speaker during a high-level review meeting with municipal officials, underscores the city’s focus on quality, durability, and transparent urban infrastructure delivery.
Officials clarified that no fresh CC road works will be undertaken unless local elected representatives specifically request new projects. Footpaths will now be constructed exclusively using stamped concrete rather than conventional paver blocks, ensuring enhanced longevity and resistance to wear. The decision aims to streamline ongoing projects while upholding uniform standards across Mumbai’s road network. Municipal authorities highlighted that roads narrower than nine metres will adopt mastic asphalt for durability, a recommendation recently formalised after technical review. Additionally, to enhance accountability, all complaints regarding substandard road construction will be referred to a leading technical institute for evaluation, while zone-wise dashboards will allow the public to track project progress in real time.
Currently, approximately 50 per cent of the city’s CC road projects have been completed, with a total of 771 of 2,121 roads delivered. The civic body has prioritised the 574 partially completed projects to ensure continuity, with each suburban zone managing up to 200 concurrent works. The remaining 776 new roads are slated for development post-monsoon, in line with project timelines. Civic officials reaffirmed that the broader CC road programme, launched in January 2023 with an expected completion by May 2027, remains on schedule. The initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable and equitable urban infrastructure, incorporating eco-friendly materials, improved pedestrian pathways, and resilient road surfaces capable of withstanding heavy rainfall and high traffic volumes.
Experts noted that these measures not only mitigate delays but also reduce environmental impact by avoiding unnecessary excavation and material wastage. The emphasis on stamped concrete and mastic asphalt aligns with global urban infrastructure standards, providing long-term benefits for commuting safety, road longevity, and reduced maintenance costs. City planners further highlighted that the transparent monitoring mechanism through public dashboards will empower residents to participate in governance, enhancing accountability while ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with local needs and sustainable urban growth objectives.
Mumbai’s renewed focus on completing existing CC road works before launching new projects signals a strategic approach to urban planning—balancing speed of execution with quality assurance and citizen-centric oversight. The civic body is now tasked with adhering to this plan, ensuring that the city’s extensive road network develops efficiently, sustainably, and with measurable accountability.
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