The BMC has suspended a sub-engineer for negligence in supervising road work in H West Ward (Bandra West), after substandard 'Dry Lean Concrete' (DLC) was found in the sub-base layer. The contractor has also been fined Rs. 50 lakh for poor-quality execution, and the Quality Monitoring Agency (QMA) penalised Rs. 25 lakh for failing to uphold standards. Additionally, the contractor has been instructed to immediately remove the defective work and reconstruct it with proper quality standards.
During a surprise inspection conducted last month in H West Ward, senior BMC officials uncovered quality deficiencies in the DLC layer being used for road construction. Critical issues such as improper material gradation, inadequate compaction, surface irregularities, and insufficient curing time were brought to light. The BMC had issued, 'Show Cause' notices to the contractor, the sub-engineer, and the QMA. However, their explanations were deemed unsatisfactory, leading to stringent disciplinary measures and penalties.
A senior official said, "DLC requires a minimum curing period of seven days. However, on-site personnel falsely claimed the period was complete, while the contractor later admitted only three days had passed. It was also found that the mandatory Field Dry Density (FDD) test during compaction was not conducted. Accordingly, action was taken on concerned parties."
Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), said, "Maintaining quality in road works is a collective responsibility shared by the contractor, the QMA, and the concerned engineer. Accountability would be established on all parties in the event of any lapses. While unintentional errors may be considered excusable, any form of negligence, deliberate oversight, or intentional compromise in quality would lead to stringent disciplinary action."
Meanwhile, the BMC has decided to adopt the Ultra-Thin White Topping (UTWT) method of road repair. The UTWT methodology was invented by a BMC engineer in 2010, but it has not been implemented regularly in Mumbai till now. The BMC has concretised 1,333km of roads across the city, with an additional 700km set for concretisation in two phases under a Rs17,000-crore mega project. With the monsoon approaching, the BMC plans to complete another 400km by May 31. Phase 1 covers 700 roads, while Phase 2 includes 1,421 roads.
