HomeLatestVersova Roads Unsafe as Wires Lie Exposed After BMC Works

Versova Roads Unsafe as Wires Lie Exposed After BMC Works

Road safety concerns have resurfaced in Mumbai’s Versova neighbourhood after electrical wires and utility pipes were found dangerously exposed on public streets in Model Town, Andheri West.

The issue, linked to recent concreting work undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has prompted strong public concern about the safety of pedestrians and motorists—especially with the monsoon season fast approaching. What began as a long-anticipated civic infrastructure upgrade has now left local residents grappling with a new hazard. The ongoing road concretisation in Model Town had been welcomed as a long-overdue urban improvement. However, once the top layers of concrete were poured, several residents were shocked to discover that key service ducts—meant to conceal and protect electrical and gas infrastructure—had been neglected, leaving critical utilities lying in the open.

Residents say this is more than an inconvenience—it is a disaster waiting to happen. Officials have reported multiple complaints from residents about damage to electrical appliances due to short circuits during the road work. Locals fear that if exposed wires come into contact with rainwater, they could pose an electrocution hazard to unsuspecting passersby or two-wheeler riders. Adding to the problem is a lack of inter-agency coordination. While the BMC has completed most of the civil work, it appears that electricity and gas service providers have not synchronised their efforts with the road-laying teams. This disjointed approach now threatens to undo the very work the city spent weeks carrying out. If the wires and pipes are to be laid correctly later, the roads may have to be dug up again, bringing more disruption, waste, and environmental cost.

Urban infrastructure experts point out that cities like Mumbai, already grappling with dense populations and overstretched civic systems, cannot afford such inefficiencies. “Every infrastructure project should be integrated with other utility services to avoid duplication of work and ensure long-term sustainability,” said a senior infrastructure planner familiar with municipal coordination policies. “This lack of planning increases carbon footprints through repeated construction activity and leaves neighbourhoods vulnerable during emergencies.” Locals are also concerned about the impact of the incomplete work on daily mobility and road safety. The exposed wires and obstructive pipes have led to disorganised parking and traffic congestion, adding chaos to an already tight urban setting. Pedestrians, including children and the elderly, are forced to navigate uneven surfaces and unmarked hazards—an unacceptable situation in a city striving to become more walkable and inclusive.

There is also mounting frustration over the absence of accountability. Residents claim that repeated appeals to authorities for prompt rectification have gone unanswered. “There seems to be no single point of responsibility. One department blames another, while the public bears the brunt,” said a local housing society representative who has sent multiple complaints to civic officials. “The city talks about becoming smart and sustainable, but on the ground, people are left exposed—literally and figuratively.” This situation directly contradicts the city’s vision of building zero-carbon, sustainable, and resilient urban systems. Leaving critical infrastructure exposed not only endangers lives but also undermines the environmental and economic efficiency of public works. Experts note that planned ducting for services under city roads is a globally accepted urban practice that prevents repeated excavation, thereby conserving energy, materials, and public funds.

The BMC’s engineering division has yet to issue a formal statement on why proper ducting and utility coordination were not enforced before road completion. Meanwhile, residents and civic groups are demanding an immediate survey and action to secure all exposed infrastructure and ensure that utility services comply with established norms for urban safety and sustainability. As Mumbai braces for monsoon showers, the incident in Versova stands as a warning about the need for better oversight, transparency, and coordination in public infrastructure works. It also highlights the importance of citizen vigilance and civic engagement in holding authorities accountable for the standards they promise.

Ensuring that every kilometre of road is built not just for movement but for sustainable, safe living must be a non-negotiable priority in India’s urban journey. The exposed wires of Model Town are not just a hazard—they are a metaphor for the fragile threads holding together the promises of smart urban development.

Also Read: Chennai Eyes Rs 500 Crore Bond Issue to Redevelop Broadway Terminus

Versova Roads Unsafe as Wires Lie Exposed After BMC Works
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