The decision by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to reinstate a consultant for the Metro Line 4 project has sparked controversy, months after a fatal accident at the construction site in Mulund.
The issue relates to a February incident on the Metro 4 corridor, where a segment of the under-construction viaduct in Mulund collapsed, resulting in one death and injuries to three people. Following the accident, the consultant’s contract had been terminated and action was initiated against contractors and certain officials.
However, the same consultancy has now reportedly been brought back into the project, raising questions about the consistency of disciplinary action and accountability in the case.
Earlier findings had attributed the accident to negligence during construction work, particularly the removal of temporary supports at the site, rather than any design flaw. The contractor was penalised, while several officials faced suspension and inquiry proceedings.
The Metro Line 4 project, which connects Wadala to Kasarvadavali, is a key infrastructure corridor in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and has been under scrutiny since the incident.
The latest development has triggered debate over project oversight and whether corrective measures taken after the accident are being diluted.
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