BMC announced a May 31 deadline for completing concreting work of all dug up roads, yet a test drive by mid-day just over a week before deadline reveals that it would take nothing short of a miracle to complete work by the month-end
Pics/Ashish Raje and Nimesh Dave
Following the recent heavy showers and a weather alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbaikars are increasingly anxious about the state of city roads. The BMC had set a deadline of May 31 to complete all work on roads already dug up for cement concreting (CC) across the city. However, a ground visit by mid-day to several locations revealed that work remains incomplete in many areas, raising concerns among residents and commuters — especially with the monsoon just around the corner.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar
Malad West — Matoshree Ramabai Marg
Concreting on this road began in mid-April. One side is fully done, and concrete pouring is partially complete on the other. However, a portion still lies dug up. The BMC barricade lists May 31, as deadline. The deadline to pour cement for road concreting was May 20.
Matoshree Ramabai Marg in Malad West, one side of road is done while other remains partially dug up. Pic/Nimesh Dave
“First, we didn’t understand why a perfectly good road had to be dug up. Now, even after two months, the work is crawling. The rain has made it worse. They say it’s for the city’s betterment, but nobody asked us. A small patch is left, but at this pace, I doubt it’ll be done before the rains,” said Ashutosh Revale, 28, a resident.
Ashutosh Revale
Borivli East — Shrikrishna Nagar, Cross Road No. 3
Work on this road started in late February. Of all the roads in the locality, this is the only one still left with cement pouring work.
Concreting work continues at Shrikrishna Nagar, Borivli East. Pics/Nimesh Dave
The rest are either completed or have reached the concrete stage.
“Our colony is well connected, but with two roads dug up, we had to take long detours. Road No. 2 is now ready, but Road No. 3 is in such poor shape, we can’t even walk. With the rains expected to start early in June, they may now work day and night, but that too will disturb our sleep,” said resident Sunita Joshi.
Andheri West — SVP Nagar MHADA Colony
Concreting began three months ago on internal roads, including Jankidevi School Road. When mid-day visited internal road in SVP Nagar on Friday pouring of concrete at two locations had not started.
Concreting delays continue in SVP Nagar. Pic/Ranjeet Jadhav
“The contractor is working at a snail’s pace. One patch is complete but not cleaned, causing dust pollution. At another location, the road is incomplete, making entry/exit tough,” said Ratnakar Sawant.
Another resident alleged night-time work beyond 10 pm and claimed the contractor showed no concern for public inconvenience.
Andheri East — Off Military Road, Prime Academy, Bharat Nagar
The Prime Academy road has been dug up for over two months. Only half is concreted, creating a 3-inch height difference. Several people, including hotel guests, have reportedly fallen and injured themselves.
Prime Academy road in Marol, Andheri, remains only partially concreted after two months. Locals report several injuries, poor signage, and fear worsening conditions once rains begin. Pic/Ashish Raje
“There have been around a dozen injuries. With monsoon approaching, we’re worried about accidents and debris flow,” said a hotel employee.
The road was originally dug up for electricity, water and sewage work, and is still in the condition with work continuing at a slow pace. “The barricades indicating work are also on only one side of the road. Which has caused minor accidents as people enter the street,” said another resident.
Santacruz West — Road No. 5, TPS Colony
Only part of the road from Road No. 3 to Lane 2 has been concreted. The remaining stretch to PV Avasare Marg remains dug up.
No concreting work in progress at Road No. 5, TPS Colony, Santacruz West. Only a part has been dug for utilities so far. Pic/Ashish Raje
“They started this work 3–6 months ago. Even after an accident happened here over a month ago, there’s been no urgency to complete it,” said vegetable vendor Amit Kumar Gond.
Mahim — Kapad Bazar Post Office Road
Ongoing roadwork at Kapad Bazar, Mahim West. A 100-metre stretch is still awaiting concrete pouring while another 200 metres remains under curing. Pic/Ashish Raje
Around 200 metres of the road are still under curing, and another 100-metre patch is pending concrete laying. Residents say work has been delayed since the beginning and are uncertain whether it will be finished by the May-end deadline.
Bandra West — St John Baptist Road
Though the majority of concreting of the John Baptist Road in Bandra West has been completed, the residents still face trouble every day. Similar to the St Roques Road, the work on this road started on the October 24.
Icelina D’Lima, a resident, said, “The road right outside my house is still not fixed, adding to that the footpath is very difficult to walk. It becomes impossible for my husband to get out”
Adding to her concerns, she says, “We have talked to the BMC about this and now are scared that since there is no time left before the monsoon starts, they will do a shoddy job to get the work done.”
Bandra West — St Roques Road
Work began in October 2024, but progress has stalled due to blocked sewers and water line leaks.
Concrete work underway at St John Baptist Road, Mount Mary, Bandra West. Pic/Ashish Raje
“Construction debris has blocked our sewers. Water backs up into our toilets. With only a week to go for the monsoon, the BMC might rush and do shoddy work,” said resident A Fernandes.
He added, “Jio Wi-Fi cables are lying on the road instead of being placed in ducts. After monsoon, they’ll probably dig again for that.”
May 31
Deadline to complete concrete road work
BMC response
As per last week’s civic data, BMC has completed 111.25 km of the targeted 130.15 km of concreting work. Another 51 km is expected to be brought to a “safe” stage by May 31. Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar, said: “Once concrete work is done, the remaining patches are being finished with mastic asphalt. Engineers must monitor sites. If a contractor delays work, an alternate contractor will be assigned, and the defaulting contractor will be penalised.” Bangar added that even the delayed Ramnath Goenka Road in Nariman Point is being rushed with early-strength concrete and mastic asphalt to meet the May 31 deadline.
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