Mumbai: To address the rising issue of cable theft along the Mumbai Coastal Road, the BMC has decided to switch to aluminum cables. Aluminum is a more affordable option compared to copper, which has become a common target for thieves due to its high value.
The contractor has already started replacing the cables at key spots that are most at risk of theft. Although aluminum is cheaper, the civic officials will continue to monitor how well the new cables perform over time.
In recent months, a series of thefts have occurred near Love Grove Bridge, Haji Ali Junction, and the main coastal road. Thieves are breaking cement concrete beneath poles to steal copper wires, often at midnight, which are in high demand on the black market. These thefts have caused streetlight malfunctions, impacting public safety.
The easy accessibility of these roads allows thieves to escape with little resistance. Despite regular patrols by the Mumbai Traffic Police and local civic teams, the thefts continue. Six complaints have been lodged against unknown individuals in connection with these thefts.
An official said, "We have instructed the contractor to install aluminum cables wherever copper has been stolen. The work is being carried out by the same company that is constructing the coastal road. The expenses for this work will be reimbursed to the company later. While aluminum wire is less durable than copper, it is cheaper in cost and currently the only viable solution to address the ongoing thefts."
As per sources, in the scrap market, copper wire scrap typically fetches around Rs 700-865 per kilogram, depending on the grade and type of copper wire. On the other hand, aluminum wire scrap generally ranges from Rs 120 to Rs 250 per kilogram. While aluminum is much cheaper than copper, it is also less durable and prone to corrosion, which affects its long-term value and performance.
The BMC has allocated Rs 8 crores for the installation of advanced cameras to monitor speeding vehicles. In addition to this, the civic body has identified three key locations for police and traffic chowkies: Love Grove Flyover, near Tata Garden, and the Worli car parking area.
The 10.58 km Coastal Road, stretching from the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, has provided relief to commuters, enabling them to travel from South Mumbai to Worli in just 8 minutes.
