The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has adopted a ‘junction to junction’ road concreting strategy to alleviate Mumbai’s traffic congestion. This method aims to streamline roadwork projects and minimize disruptions for commuters. The decision follows numerous complaints from over 100 active Advanced Locality Management (ALM) groups in the H West Ward, who expressed concerns about the adverse effects of random road digging on daily traffic flow.
Implementing the ‘Junction to Junction’ Approach
Traditionally, road concreting projects in Mumbai involved isolated sections, leading to frequent and unpredictable traffic snarls. The new ‘junction to junction’ approach completes entire stretches between two intersections in one go, reducing repeated closures and diversions. This systematic method not only enhances the efficiency of the construction process but also provides commuters with clearer expectations regarding road closures and project timelines.
Strict Deadlines and Quality Assurance
To ensure timely completion, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar mandated that workers must finalize all ongoing roadworks by May 31. He emphasized that they must complete current projects before starting new excavations. Bangar stated, “Complete the roadworks within the prescribed timeframe and maintain quality. I will not tolerate delays.” He also highlighted the importance of proper barricading during construction to maximize available road space for traffic.
Enhancing Monitoring and Quality Control
To maintain high-quality standards, the BMC has established Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants in Kashimira (Mira Bhayandar) and Kurla. These plants supply ready-mix concrete directly to project sites, ensuring consistency and reducing potential delays. During surprise inspections, officials conduct technical tests such as cube tests, slump tests, and bar tests to verify the quality of the materials used. Additionally, they oversee the process through real-time video communications with representatives from quality management organizations at the RMC plants.
Recent complaints about cracks appearing on newly concretized roads have prompted the BMC to intensify its monitoring efforts. Investigations revealed that these issues were due to lapses in oversight at RMC plants and inadequate supervision during the curing process. Consequently, consultants responsible for quality monitoring will face penalties for failing to ensure adherence to proper procedures. In collaboration with experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Institute of Quality Management and Control, the BMC is addressing challenges related to the distance between RMC plants and project sites, traffic congestion, and Mumbai’s unpredictable weather conditions.
Comprehensive Road Concreting Initiatives
The BMC has embarked on an ambitious plan to improve Mumbai’s road infrastructure. In the first phase, 324 kilometers of roads are undergoing concreting, with a target completion date of May 31, 2025. This initiative is part of a larger project to concretize nearly 800 kilometers of roads across the city, with an investment of approximately Rs.12,000 crore. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including delays in certain projects and quality concerns. For instance, the BMC had to terminate a Rs.1,362 crore road concreting contract due to the contractor’s non-performance, leading to significant delays in South Mumbai’s roadworks.
Future Outlook and Public Communication
To ensure transparency and keep citizens informed, the BMC has instructed that information boards be displayed at all work sites. These boards will provide details such as the start and expected completion dates, total duration, length and width of the road, and specific sections undergoing work. Proper barricading during construction is also mandated to facilitate smoother traffic flow and minimize inconvenience to commuters.
The ‘junction to junction’ approach signifies the BMC’s commitment to enhancing Mumbai’s infrastructure while addressing public concerns about traffic congestion and road safety. By adopting systematic planning, enforcing strict deadlines, and implementing rigorous quality control measures, the BMC aims to deliver durable and efficient road networks that meet the city’s growing demands.
