MMRDA Directs Contractor to Fix Defects on Rs 52 Crore Cement Roads in Ulhasnagar
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has issued a strict directive to a road contractor, mandating comprehensive repair and reconstruction work on newly constructed cement roads in Ulhasnagar. This corrective action follows numerous complaints regarding substandard construction quality on infrastructure projects valued at approximately Rs 52 crore.
Key Road Stretches Under Scrutiny and Repair
The repair initiative specifically targets two critical road segments in the city:
- The stretch from Kailas Colony to Netaji Chowk
- The section from New English School to Lal Chakki
During a detailed inspection, authorities identified multiple locations exhibiting significant cracks and surface damage. In response, the MMRDA has ordered the contractor to rectify all defects entirely at their own expense, ensuring no additional cost to public funds.
Extensive Rectification Measures Implemented
The repair work has been substantial and methodical. Crews have filled cracks at 21 distinct locations to prevent further deterioration. More notably, nearly 12 cement concrete road panels, which were found to be of inferior quality, have been completely dismantled and reconstructed from the ground up.
Sources close to the project revealed that some of these panels displayed glaring construction lapses, including visible animal footprints embedded in the concrete. Such defects pointed to serious negligence during the initial building phase, compromising the road's integrity and longevity.
Activist Complaints and Municipal Action Drive Accountability
This corrective action was largely propelled by persistent complaints from social activist Satyajit Burman of the Ulhasnagar Citizens Forum. Burman had repeatedly raised alarms about the poor quality of the road work, bringing public attention to the issue.
The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) took strong measures against the alleged substandard construction after cracks were discovered on these two key under-construction roads. Following complaints and a joint inspection report, the UMC instructed the MMRDA to oversee the demolition and reconstruction of damaged portions at the contractor's cost, along with filling other cracks.
The matter gained further traction after being highlighted in a prominent newspaper on December 25, 2025, amplifying calls for accountability and quality assurance.
Additional Improvements for Enhanced Durability
Beyond panel reconstruction, the repair work included removing paver blocks installed in certain sections between road dividers. These were replaced with cement concrete to ensure better durability, uniformity, and long-term performance of the road infrastructure.
The cement road project has been ongoing for over two years, making these quality issues particularly concerning for local residents and commuters. Officials from the MMRDA have emphasized that all repair and reconstruction activities were conducted in strict adherence to established quality standards.
They have also issued a stern warning that further action will be taken if any defects are detected in the future, underscoring a commitment to maintaining high construction benchmarks and safeguarding public investment in urban infrastructure.
