Mumbai: Former BJP Corporator Makarand Narwekar Calls For ACB Inquiry Into Delay In BMC's 212 Road Concretisation Project

Mumbai: The long-delayed concretisation of 212 roads across eight municipal wards in South Mumbai has yet to begin, despite the BMC awarding the contract for the second time in September.

As a result, former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar has written to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), urging an inquiry into the roads project. He pointed out that the ongoing delay has raised concerns among citizens, as work has not begun even though the contract was awarded with a 4% increase, amounting to Rs 75 crore above the estimated cost.

The contract was awarded to M/s NCC Ltd at Rs 1,300 crore four months back. In his letter to ACB’s Additional Commissioner Sandip Diwan, former BJP corporator Narwekar alleged misuse of public funds and a lack of progress on the project.

Initially, the contract was being awarded to M/s NCC Ltd with a 9% increase above the estimated cost, which would have resulted in a loss of Rs 150 crore. However, after objections were raised, the increase was reduced to 4%. "I had demanded that the contract should be awarded at par rates and not above the estimates," said Narwekar

In his letter, Narwekar stated, "Four months have passed with no progress on the ground, raising concerns about the roads department's role. Despite repeated reminders, the BMC's road department has remained unresponsive. Residents are also complaining about the poor quality of work and cracks on newly constructed roads. This calls for an ACB inquiry into the department officials and the contractor. Given the public interest, I hope the ACB will investigate this matter."

In January 2023, the BMC awarded the contract to Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIIL) to carry out roadworks in the island city. However, the contract was terminated on November 8, 2023, after the contractor failed to begin work despite several months passing.

RSIIL was subsequently fined Rs 64.6 crore for its non-performance. "There is no evidence to suggest that this fine was ever collected by the BMC," said Narwekar.

Total road network in Mumbai - 2,050 kms

Concretised till now - above 1,200 kms

Yet to be concretised... Phase 1–324 kms (includes 68 kms of island city)..698 roads...

In phase 1 ...Concretised - 187, Work in progress - 213, Pending roads - 298..

Phase 2...377 kms(includes 65 kms of island city) ...1,420 roads...Work in progress - 433 roads.