A BMC internal vigilance inspection report from January 2021 has flagged multiple quality control lapses, structural defects, and monitoring failures in the construction of the Mrinaltai Gore Extension Flyover in Goregaon (West). The findings have raised fresh questions over the quality of the newly inaugurated structure, which has faced criticism on social media regarding its surface.
Key Findings of the Report
The report, accessed by TOI, cited surface cracks, honeycombing in piers, rough concrete finishes, failed concrete strength tests, and missing quality records. One of the most serious findings was that no action had been taken despite failures in compressive strength tests in May 2019 and again in November 2020.
Penalties and Monitoring Failures
The vigilance department questioned why a penalty of merely Rs 500 was imposed for safety violations, failed cube tests, and the absence of barricades, despite contract conditions prescribing a minimum penalty of Rs 5,000 per lapse. It further observed that no penalties had been levied for cracks, honeycombing, and rough concrete surfaces. The report held that contractors and supervising municipal engineers had failed to ensure effective quality control and monitoring.
Project Delays and Compliance
The inspection team noted that project progress stood at only 15% against the targeted 25% and sought explanations for the delay. It also questioned why the purchase order was issued in June 2019 despite the work order stipulating a commencement date of December 5, 2018. In a compliance report dated June 1, 2021, the bridges department stated that the contractor had been penalised and issued a warning letter. Corrective measures, rectification works, and record updates had subsequently been carried out, while supervisory staff had been directed to exercise greater vigilance.
Mayor's Inspection and Response
Amid the controversy, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde conducted an on-site inspection of the flyover on Tuesday and said its construction quality appeared satisfactory based on technical briefings from engineers. She, however, directed officials to remove minor bumps and rough patches, improve road edges, install additional directional signage, and undertake landscaping along the structure.
Engineers informed the Mayor that the riding surface may initially appear rough but is expected to become smoother with regular traffic movement. "The quality of the flyover appears to be good based on the inspection and the technical explanations provided by engineers. At the same time, the remaining finishing works should be completed so that motorists have a better driving experience," Tawde said.
Opposition Concerns
Meanwhile, Opposition leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Kishori Pednekar questioned the project's sharp cost escalation, noting that the flyover's sanctioned cost rose from Rs 170 crore in 2018 to Rs 248 crore on completion—an increase of nearly 45%. She also criticised the penalties imposed on the contractor, calling them inadequate in light of the quality concerns flagged during construction.
