Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 20: As ongoing infrastructure projects strain the city’s civic services, BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has issued a stern letter to the MMRDA chief, alleging that Metro and bridge construction activities have caused multiple road cavities and significant damage to sewer networks. He asserted that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority must take responsibility for repairing potholes and defects on project-affected roads.

The strongly worded communication — cites the October 31 cave-in near Andheri West Metro station, still unrepaired nearly 20 days later, as a major point of concern. However, MMRDA authorities told TOI they had not yet received the letter.

Gagrani asked the agency to ensure that crucial utilities — including sewer lines, water pipelines and road surfaces — are adequately protected during construction work. The cave-in at Andheri West disrupted southbound traffic during peak hours, forcing officials to convert the northbound lane into a temporary two-way route. Local residents said congestion now extends up to the Fun Republic junction, particularly during the evening rush.

According to BMC’s inspection, detailed in Tuesday’s letter, pillars for Metro Line 2A were constructed dangerously close to ageing sewer lines from Andheri (W) to Dahisar (W). Heavy vibrations from piling allegedly collapsed sewer pipes and damaged manholes, causing long-term leakage that weakened the soil and triggered the road cavity. The letter also blamed inadequate road reinstatement — including excess grit and the absence of proper concrete reinforcement — for aggravating the problem.

The correspondence also highlights a similar cavity reported in Kandivli on August 18, along with several other incidents where sewer lines were damaged during works on Metro Lines 2B, 3, 6, 7A and 9.

Additionally, the BMC accused MMRDA of performing utility diversion work without mandatory civic approvals, claiming many of these diversions fail to meet municipal standards. The letter states that any future cavity formation in MMRDA project zones must be rectified by the agency.

Concluding the note, Gagrani urged MMRDA to coordinate closely with BMC staff, safeguard all existing utilities, promptly repair damaged infrastructure and address all pending issues to prevent further mishaps.