A comprehensive review of infrastructure works in North Mumbai was conducted on Saturday by Union Commerce Minister and local Member of Parliament, Piyush Goyal. The meeting, which took place at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) R Central ward office in Borivali West, was attended by senior representatives from the BMC, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the Collector’s office, and the police department.
During the meeting, the progress of ongoing road concretisation projects in the northern suburbs was assessed. It was informed by the BMC that work is currently underway on 212 roads across four civic wards. A commitment was reiterated by civic authorities that these roadworks would be completed by May 31. This deadline was stressed by the minister, considering the imminent arrival of the monsoon season.
Concerns regarding the slow execution and subpar quality of the roadworks were raised by local MLAs, prompting further scrutiny during the session. Discontent was expressed by the minister over the delay in completion and the lack of uniform construction quality. Civic officials were urged to accelerate the pace of work while ensuring that safety and durability standards are not compromised. The need for timely completion was emphasised to avoid disruptions and hazards that typically arise during Mumbai’s heavy rains. Specific attention was drawn to height mismatches observed between newly constructed cement roads and adjacent footpaths. This discrepancy was highlighted as a possible cause for future waterlogging, and corrective measures were demanded. It was mentioned that such variations, if not addressed, could create new drainage and pedestrian issues once the rains begin.
To enhance project monitoring, it was disclosed by BMC officials that artificial intelligence-based systems are being employed to track both the progress and quality of road construction in real time. Contractors and ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants found violating quality norms during slump tests and inspections have been penalised. These actions were taken as part of stricter accountability protocols being implemented by the civic body.
Additionally, the issue of illegal encroachments along the Dahisar and Poisar rivers was brought up. Plans for relocating hutments to newly built, yet vacant, housing units were discussed as a potential solution. Progress on river desilting and widening efforts was reviewed, with officials reporting that 25% of the work has already been completed. The meeting underscored the push for stronger oversight, higher quality standards, and a more responsive approach to urban planning challenges faced by the city.
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