BMC Standing Committee Questions Cost and Urgency of Coastal Road Canopy Proposal
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) standing committee, in a meeting on Wednesday, decided not to proceed with a proposal to approve an additional Rs 19 crore for constructing canopies over the pedestrian underpass (PUP) at the Worli end of the Mumbai Coastal Road. This decision came amid multiple proposals with varying costs, raising concerns about financial oversight and project management.
Administration Cites Waterlogging Concerns for Canopy Construction
The civic administration had put forward the proposal, highlighting waterlogging issues at the entrance and exit of the underpasses during monsoon rains as the primary reason for building the canopies. Officials explained that design changes were necessary for canopies at four locations as part of Phase 2 of the Mumbai Coastal Road (South), spanning from Baroda Palace to the southern end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. These changes aimed to enhance aesthetics and ensure consistency in beautification works, including the use of polycarbonate materials.
Standing Committee Chairman Raises Red Flags Over Cost Variations
Standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde expressed strong reservations about the proposal, questioning the multiple cost variations presented within a short timeframe of one month. He emphasized the lack of urgency from the administration and stated that the committee felt taken for granted. Shinde pointed out that the consultant had rejected the contractor's initial claims, and he demanded clarity on the grounds for these rejections. "Is the consultant right or the contractor?" Shinde asked, underscoring the committee's role in monitoring public expenditure.
Contractor and Consultant Dispute Over Additional Work and Costs
Civic officials revealed that the contractor had argued that the underpass roof construction was not included in the original contract scope, classifying it as additional work. The contractor initially estimated a cost of Rs 35 crore, which was rejected by the consultant. Following this, a revised estimate of Rs 30 crore was submitted, but the consultant recommended a further revised cost of over Rs 17 crore. The current proposal, based on the consultant's final estimate of over Rs 19 crore, was the one under consideration by the committee.
Committee Demands Explanation and Accountability
Shinde insisted that the administration must provide a detailed explanation for the cost discrepancies and the consultant's disagreements. He reiterated that the standing committee's responsibility is to ensure proper checks on municipal spending, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road. The deferral of the proposal indicates a need for greater transparency and justification before any additional funds are allocated.
This development underscores ongoing challenges in Mumbai's urban infrastructure projects, where balancing functionality, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness remains a critical issue for civic authorities.
