A high-level inquiry committee has been formed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) after a parapet segment from the under-construction Metro Line-4 corridor collapsed in Mulund West on Saturday afternoon, an incident that MLA Mihir Kotecha alleged was caused by negligence on the part of the authority and its contractor.
“The incident happened due to MMRDA`s negligence. Instead of four hooks, only two were used to lift the part of the bridge. We have evidence to prove that. This is negligence of contractor. We have asked for suspension of the contractor,” Kotecha said.
The incident occurred at around 12.15 pm near Pier P196 on the Wadala–Kasarvadavali stretch, close to Mulund Fire Station. A portion of the parapet segment fell from height and struck a passing autorickshaw, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three citizens. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, where their condition is being closely monitored and necessary medical assistance is being provided.
MMRDA has said it will bear the complete medical expenses of the injured, while financial assistance will be disbursed on priority as per applicable policy.
The project team reached the site immediately and secured the area. The stretch has been barricaded, and a detailed structural safety assessment has commenced in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, disaster management authorities, local police, and fire brigade officials.
The inquiry committee, headed by Basavraj M Bhadragond, director (projects), MMRDA, will investigate the precise cause of the parapet segment collapse. It will examine the construction methodology, quality control protocols, supervision mechanisms, and compliance records. A detailed report has been sought on priority.
Mumbai Metro Line-4 slab collapse: MMRDA clarifies social media visuals pertain to different location
MMRDA clarified that certain reports circulating on social media referring to visuals of a previously flagged location are incorrect. According to the authority, the present incident occurred near Pier No P196, while the visuals relate to a different and geographically separate location within the corridor alignment. This aspect will nevertheless be examined as part of the inquiry to ensure transparency.
As a precautionary measure, construction activity at the immediate stretch has been temporarily halted pending preliminary findings.
“Public safety remains paramount,” MMRDA stated, adding that strict accountability will be ensured based on the inquiry findings and appropriate corrective measures will be implemented to prevent recurrence.
