In a major step towards enhancing the construction quality and work across Mumbai the BMC is conducting several surveys and quality checkings. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken strict action against those responsible for substandard road construction in its H (West) ward.
The step comes following serious lapses in quality in the Dry Lean Concrete (DLC) layer used as the sub-base. This base is used in cement concretization projects. However, a subordinate engineer has been suspended. Additionally, a penalty of ₹50 lakh has been imposed on the contractor. Meanwhile, the quality monitoring and auditing agency has been fined with Rs 25 lakh.
Clear Instructions for Rework and Quality Assurance
Following the lapses the contractor has been instructed to immediately remove the substandard work. The contractor has been asked to reconstruct it with proper quality standards. This action was initiated under the directives of BMC Commissioner and Administrator Mr. Bhushan Gagrani. He emphasised that any kind of negligence or carelessness in road concretisation work will not be tolerated at any cost.
BMC’s Commitment to High-Quality Roads
This initiative is to make Mumbai pothole-free. The BMC has accelerated road concretisation works across the city. The administration is insisting on the highest quality standards for construction. Furthermore, stern action is being taken against those who fail to comply with the set guidelines.
In addition, an inspection of road work in the H (West) ward was carried out. The work revealed poor quality in the DLC mix which was used in construction. Furthermore, deficiencies were found in gradation, mix design, and compaction of the cement. Surface irregularities and undulations were also noticed in the built construction. This indicated a lack of quality control.
Surprise Inspection Reveals Serious Flaws
According to reports Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Mr. Abhijit Bangar on April 7, 2025, conducted a surprise site visit to the H (West) ward. Upon inspecting the DLC, he observed major quality issues.
This also includes non-uniform surface levels and inadequate compaction. Although the site personnel claimed that the required seven-day curing period had been completed, The contractor later admitted in writing that only three days had passed.
Moreover, the essential Field Dry Density (FDD) test had not been conducted during the compaction phase, highlighting procedural lapses in quality assurance.
Show-Cause Notices
Show-cause notices were issued to the concerned subordinate engineer. Notices were also issued to the contractor, and the quality monitoring agency. However, the explanations provided by the parties were deemed unsatisfactory and were subsequently rejected.
Following the survey and found substandard work the subordinate engineer has been suspended. Monetary penalties have been levied on both the contractor and the quality monitoring agency. Furthermore, the contractor has been ordered to immediately dismantle and redo the defective work using proper construction practices.
BMC’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Mr. Abhijit Bangar commented on the incident. He reiterated that all stakeholders are equally responsible for maintaining the construction. The stakeholders include contractors, engineers, and quality control agencies. He also stated that while unintentional errors may be considered for leniency, any deliberate negligence or compromise in quality will attract strict punitive measures.
Deadline for Completion
According to reports the BMC has adopted a micro-planning approach. This approach will ensure that all cement concrete road projects across Mumbai are completed by May 31, 2025. Specific completion dates have been assigned to each road segment.
Following the completion of the project, the engineers are required to remain present on-site. More surprise inspections are expected to ensure speedy execution without compromising quality.
