Quality Concerns Plague Ulhasnagar's Rs 63-Crore Cement Road Project on KB Road
Significant doubts have emerged regarding the construction quality of the ongoing Rs 63-crore cement road project on the vital Kalyan–Badlapur (KB) Road in Ulhasnagar. Multiple social organizations and local political figures are calling for the demolition and reconstruction of allegedly substandard portions, insisting that the remaining work adhere strictly to prescribed standards.
Resident Complaints and Early Defects
The controversy intensified following numerous complaints from residents and daily commuters about potholes, surface damage, and uneven stretches on newly completed sections. Citizens allege that defects have surfaced even before the project's completion, raising serious concerns about workmanship and material quality.
MNS Demands Third-Party Audit
Adding to the criticism, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has requested a third-party audit of the project by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). MNS district president Bandu Deshmukh accused the contractor of using inferior materials and alleged large-scale irregularities. He further claimed that Public Works Department (PWD) officials have ignored visible shortcomings.
Deshmukh pointed out that cracks have already appeared in several cement blocks, with sand and gravel visible at multiple spots, indicating compromised construction quality. He also alleged that the contractor failed to follow mandatory specifications, such as using M-40 grade ready-mix concrete and DLP-15 for the PCC base layer.
Construction Method and Monsoon Risks
Another major issue raised by residents involves the construction method. Social activist Satyajit Burman asserted that new cement layers were laid directly over the old road without dismantling it first. According to him, this could result in shops along the stretch being positioned below road level, creating a risk of rainwater entering commercial establishments during the monsoon season.
Burman also alleged that poor-quality work has led to early signs of cement peeling and pothole formation. He emphasized that the road's long-term durability could be severely compromised if corrective measures are not implemented immediately.
Dust Pollution and Health Concerns
MNS leaders further highlighted the issue of excessive dust pollution at the construction site, stating that the contractor had failed to implement adequate mitigation measures like regular water sprinkling. They warned that this situation is adversely affecting the health of residents, shopkeepers, and motorists in the area.
Official Inspections and Responses
In response to the growing concerns, Mayor Ashwini Nikam of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) and MLA Kumar Ailani conducted an on-site inspection of the road work. During the visit, they reviewed the quality, progress, and timelines of the project and instructed the contractor to ensure that all technical and safety standards are met. They cautioned that any negligence would result in strict action.
The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation has reportedly identified certain deficiencies and written to the PWD, seeking rectification. PWD Ulhasnagar division engineer Prashant Mankar acknowledged that shortcomings had been observed at a few locations. He stated that notices had been issued to the contractor, directing immediate corrective action.
Authorities have assured that all complaints are being thoroughly examined and that necessary measures will be taken to address the quality issues, aiming to restore public confidence in the critical infrastructure project.
