Mumbai: BMC Responds to Concerns Over Worli Robo Parking Project’s Cost and Timeline
Mumbai, 14th February 2024: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has responded to questions about the proposed Robo & Shuttle parking system at Worli, aiming to clarify concerns surrounding cost increases and timeline adjustments.
Initial estimates pegged the project at Rs. 165 crores, but the current tender stands at Rs. 216 crores. The BMC attributes this difference to several factors:
The construction area has grown by 4200 square meters, necessitating modifications to the foundation system. New fire safety regulations mandated by the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) require the installation of heat detectors, larger water storage systems, and other safety upgrades. Doubling the number of Robo & Shuttle systems from 4 to 8 has driven up costs associated with the systems themselves and their installation.
The BMC maintains that these changes justify the cost increase. However, some remain sceptical, calling for independent cost verification to ensure transparency.
Originally, the project aimed for completion within 30 months, excluding monsoon season (translating to 46 months when monsoon is factored in). The current tender specifies a timeframe of 48 months, including monsoon. While the BMC downplays this as a minor change, concerns linger about potential delays and their impact on traffic congestion.
The BMC emphasizes the urgent need for this project to address Mumbai’s growing vehicle population and its crippling traffic woes. They believe the Robo & Shuttle system offers an efficient and space-saving solution, ultimately benefiting the city.
Despite the BMC’s clarifications, some questions persist. Independent cost estimations could provide greater transparency. Additionally, concerns exist about potential delays and the effectiveness of the proposed system in tackling Mumbai’s unique traffic challenges.
The Robo & Shuttle parking project continues to spark debate. While the BMC attempts to address concerns, independent scrutiny and public discussions are crucial for ensuring transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in serving the needs of Mumbai’s expanding population.
