MMRDA celebrates 50 years, engineers hailed for mega infrastructure successes

Apart from the Atal Setu, MMRDA’s Engineering Division has spearheaded other crucial infrastructure projects like the Eastern Freeway, Sahar Elevated Road, and BKC Connector.

The upcoming mega projects of the MMRDA include the Uttan-Virar Sea Link, Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel, Orange Gate Tunnel, Santacruz Chembur Link Road (SCLR), and Gaimukh Tunnel – all of which promise to further ease congestion and enhance connectivity.

In addition to transport-related initiatives, MMRDA has contributed to the city’s public spaces with projects like the Marine Drive Redevelopment, the MMRDA State-of-the-Art Administrative Building, and the Balasaheb Rashtriya Smarak Phase 1.

The division is also nearing the completion of the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial.

However, despite these notable achievements, the Engineering Division has faced criticism for delays in some of its key projects, particularly the elevated metro lines.

Projects such as Metro Line 4, Metro Line 4A, Metro Line 9, and 7A have experienced significant setbacks, pushing their completion timelines well beyond initial expectations. Contractors for these projects have been penalised for delays, but critics argue that the penalties have been too minimal to deter future disruptions.

One such example is the Metro Line 4A (Kasarvadavli to Gaimukh) –the appointed contractor was imposed with just a Rs 22 lakh penalty for the delay.

Similarly, the Mumbai Metro Line-4 project (Wadala-Kasarwadawali), which was originally estimated to cost Rs 2,632.25 crore, is now estimated to cost around Rs 3,900 crore. Also, while it was originally slated for completion by 2021, the new deadline has been set for August 2026.

The contractors, RInfra-ASTALDI and CHEC-TPL, have yet to face any significant punitive action, raising questions about MMRDA’s enforcement of penalties for delays.

In response to these concerns, an MMRDA official emphasised that delays often stem from external factors, including obtaining necessary permissions, and coordination with various government bodies.

“Challenges such as working in high-traffic areas, securing environmental clearances, and managing utility relocations have also contributed to the slow progress of some projects. Despite these hurdles, several other high-profile projects have been completed on time and have had a lasting impact on the city’s infrastructure,” he added.