MMRDA Fines Strabag Rs 1 Crore Over Potholes on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Approach Road
Mumbai, 14th August 2024: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has levied a Rs 1 crore fine on its contractor, Strabag, following the development of potholes on the approach road to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024. This information came to light through an RTI application filed by activist Anil Galgali.
In his RTI query, Galgali sought various details about the Atal Setu from MMRDA. In response, MMRDA disclosed that during an inspection in the third week of June 2024, minor cracks were discovered on a temporary road connected to Ramp 5 of the bridge, which is not part of the main structure. These cracks were promptly repaired, and a show-cause notice was issued to Strabag, the contractor responsible.
On June 22, 2024, MMRDA Chief Engineer D M Chamalwar issued a notice to Strabag, stating that the road work had been completed on January 5, 2024, yet the quality standards had not been upheld. Following this, Atal Setu’s consultant, K R Shivanand, issued a Rs 1 crore penalty notice to the contractor, requiring the issue to be resolved within 48 hours. Additionally, Strabag was instructed to submit a comprehensive action plan detailing the steps they would take to fix the defects and bring the pavement up to the necessary quality standards.
Galgali emphasized the importance of MMRDA conducting biannual reviews of such projects to address any quality issues promptly. He remarked, “The action taken against the contractor and the fine imposed are justified, but it is equally important to blacklist the contractor to prevent future errors.”
