The contractor responsible for the construction of the Acharya Atre Chowk underground station on Metro Line 3 has been fined Rs 10 lakh after flooding disrupted services during heavy rains on May 26, 2025.
Rainwater entered the newly opened station, affecting operations and damaging infrastructure. A probe conducted immediately after the incident found planning lapses and operational negligence by the contractor, Dogus-Soma JV, according to details revealed through a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by activist Anil Galgali.
Galgali, who has been actively raising concerns about public infrastructure accountability, said, “Negligence in a high-stakes public project like this not only endangers passengers but also leads to financial losses. Strict enforcement of safety and construction standards is essential.”
The investigation revealed that a failure in the temporary fire barrier system allowed rainwater and debris to enter the station box. The water damaged areas including the platform, concourse, and lower levels, impacting architectural finishes and disrupting passenger services.
The general consultant's report noted that the contractor's site team failed to take timely action. Water pumps were not activated promptly, which worsened the situation and led to water spreading throughout the station.
Following this, Chief Project Manager Rajesh Kumar Mittal issued a show-cause notice to the contractor. After determining responsibility, a penalty of ₹10 lakh was levied. However, no disciplinary action has been taken against any officials of the Metro 3 project.
The Metro 3 Officials said the architectural damage was fully repaired within five days, and passenger services resumed without further disruption.
