Post-monsoon road repair and construction in Mumbai could be delayed

BMC authorities conduct road repair work after each monsoon. However, repair and construction of new roads in 2020 may be delayed significantly due to a last-minute decision by the administration to revise the payment policy. This, the corporators claim, will come in the way of much-needed repair work. The BMC originally offered tenders worth Rs 800 crores for post-monsoon repair works. 

The concern for the contractors arises from the revision made to the DLP or defect liability period which is a period of 5-10 years when a portion of the payment is assigned depending on the maintenance works conducted by the contractors after roads are built or repaired.

Originally, the contractors were supposed to get 95% of the payment upon completion of the work and the remaining 5% will be assigned during the defect liability period. However, the aforementioned last-minute revisions are now proposing paying 60% after the completion of the work and 40% during the DLP. 

“This is as we find that after repairs when potholes surface, the contractor takes no responsibility,” an official said while adding that contractors have now asked for 9-36% above the original estimated cost. The authorities will reportedly negotiate with the contractors to reduce the cost quoted by the contractors. BMC has said that it will offer a new tender if negotiations fail.

All of this as a consequence will lead to the delay in the much-needed repairs of Mumbai roads post-monsoon. Of the 800 crores originally allotted, 600 crores were set aside for concrete roads while the rest were to build asphalt roads.