The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to more than double the value of its citywide trench refilling contracts, citing a sharp rise in road digging linked to the accelerated rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure across Mumbai.
Proposal for Revised Contract Amount
A proposal before the standing committee on May 27 seeks approval to revise the total contract amount for trench refilling works across seven zones from Rs 243.52 crore to Rs 583.02 crore — an increase of Rs 339.5 crore. The civic administration has also sought approval for a revised estimated project cost of Rs 618 crore, including taxes.
Current Expenditure and Additional Funds
Data submitted by the BMC's 24 ward offices showed that of the original Rs 243.5 crore contract amount sanctioned across the seven zones, Rs 212.2 crore was already spent within months of the contracts being awarded. The administration has now sought an additional Rs 339.5 crore to continue the works.
Zone-wise Additional Allocations
Among the highest additional allocations proposed are Rs 59 crore for Zone I, Rs 57 crore for Zone VI and Rs 51.5 crore for Zone V. These funds are necessary to address the increased digging activities for PNG pipeline installations, which have surged due to the city's rapid expansion of natural gas connectivity.
The BMC's move reflects the growing demand for PNG connections across Mumbai, leading to more frequent road cuts and subsequent refilling needs. The revised contracts aim to ensure timely restoration of roads and minimize inconvenience to residents.
