The Mumbai Coastal Road Project, for the longest time, was one of the most widely anticipated infrastructure projects in the city. When it opened, the citizens were looking forward to a smooth journey; however, that hasn’t been the case. It came to light recently that this famed project was already developing cracks within just a few months of being partially open. Understandably, this received a lot of ire from the common people.
Why The Mumbai Coastal Road Is Developing Patches?
Roads were laid during heavy monsoon rains
This is temporary asphalt laying. Roads will be relaid post monsoon before final handover to BMC
Also, Coastal Road has long term defect liability. So no need to worry much. https://t.co/ioj0A5wqR1
— InfraStory (@marinebharat) September 7, 2024
Because of the criticism given by so many people, the officials have tried to explain why there were patches so soon after the project was inaugurated. According to an article which was recently published by Mid-Day, an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or BMC explains why this is the case.
As per the official cited in the article, the asphalt on the road needs a certain amount of time to be fully healed. However, this time around, Mumbai witnessed heavy rains during the monsoon period. This hampered the healing of the asphalt.
Hence, in order to prevent new potholes from forming, mastic asphalt was laid. Hence, the roads appear to be patchy. Despite this technicality, many netizens are not happy with this justification.
Netizens Still Not Satisfied With The Justification For It
Rain squalls and storms are worldwide phenomena.
Why can’t we build zero defect roads ?
What is so difficult ?
— ameet singh (@ameetgsingh) September 7, 2024
Understandably, many did not find this justification adequate. Questions were raised about the integrity of the structure. Many people also wondered how other countries seem to manage to make new structures despite experiencing extreme weather conditions.
Ghanta….
All the highways in Maharashtra are in the same situation….
Even Nashik highways have patches.It will always be there till we are asking for 50% commission to contractor
— Ishaank (@Ishaank81) September 7, 2024
Many even called for more accountability and independent investigations in order to increase responsibility on the part of the government officials. There were people who were still aghast at how the bridge which was all over the news at the time of inauguration could not even stand a single monsoon weather.
In any case, the road should have been made with better quality so that we shouldn’t be seeing this
Cant justify this boss— YOGESH (@yogeshsingh1) September 7, 2024
Have you been on the coastal road in Mumbai? Were you disappointed to hear about the cracks? What do you think of the justifications given by the officials? Do you think they are merely excuses for a job poorly done? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @drifteternal_/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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