Mumbai Metro and L&T Under Fire in BMC Probe Following Woman’s Tragic Death
A recent investigation conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has placed blame on the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) and its contractor, L&T, for the untimely death of a 45-year-old woman who tragically fell into a stormwater drain during heavy rainfall in the SEEPZ area of Andheri. The incident, which occurred on September 25, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from both the public and local authorities.
Responsibility Falls on MMRCL and L&T
According to the BMC probe report, the responsibility for rectifying the faults at the accident site in Andheri and surrounding areas lies squarely with MMRCL and L&T, as the location had been under their control since 2015. The report highlighted that the BMC had previously informed L&T of deficiencies at the incident site, with letters sent to MMRCL on August 24 and 29, 2024, urging corrective measures to be taken under the defect liability period.
Ashwini Bhide, the managing director of MMRCL, expressed that their team would thoroughly investigate the matter and respond accordingly. MMRCL is currently overseeing the construction of the 33.5-km-long underground metro corridor 3 in Mumbai, which stretches from Colaba to SEEPZ and Aarey Colony.
Failures in Oversight and Vigilance
The probe panel, led by deputy municipal commissioner Devidas Kshirsagar, highlighted failures in oversight and vigilance on the part of both MMRCL and BMC officials. Despite a red alert being issued for heavy rainfall in the area, the tragic incident involving the woman falling into the drain could have potentially been prevented with more proactive measures in place.
The committee emphasized that BMC staffers should have been more vigilant, especially given the location’s proximity to a main road. The report called for improved coordination and communication between all parties involved to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the area.
Call for Accountability and Safety Measures
Following the tragic death of Vimal Anil Gaikwad, there have been growing calls for accountability and stricter safety measures to be implemented by both MMRCL and L&T. The incident has shed light on the importance of maintaining infrastructure and conducting regular inspections to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
The BMC has urged both MMRCL and L&T to take immediate action to rectify the faults at the accident site and ensure that all necessary safety measures are put in place to prevent any further tragedies. The public outcry over the incident has underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability in the construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure projects in the city.
In conclusion, the BMC probe report has placed responsibility on Mumbai Metro and L&T for the tragic death of the woman who fell into the stormwater drain in Andheri. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all residents in the city. It is imperative that corrective measures are taken promptly to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
