The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of the Metro Line 4 corridor (Wadala-Kasarvadavli) following the incident that occurred on February 14.
In an order issued from the Bandra-Kurla Complex headquarters and approved by Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal (IAS), the authority constituted a Special Intensive Safety Inspection Team.
It will carry out “preventive and corrective measures” aimed at ensuring construction quality, structural stability, and public safety. Officials clarified that the inspection will not interfere with the ongoing inquiry into the incident but is intended for immediate risk mitigation.
Teen sawaal
In a chat with mid-day, MMRDA Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal spoke about the mishap and steps being taken against those culpable.
What exactly happened?
According to the preliminary investigation, the incident occurred due to a lack of concrete stitching or a technical problem with the fastening.
What action is being taken?
Action has been initiated against the contractor of the line, Milan Infra, who has been fined R5 crore. The general consultants monitoring the line, Louis Berger and DB-Hill, have been penalised for a sum of R1 crore. The deceased and the injured have been offered compensation, and their medical expenses will be looked into with the best possible treatment.
Will the contractor be prosecuted?
Safety is of paramount importance to MMRDA. An inquiry committee led by Project Director Basavraj MB has been set up. Legal action will be initiated against all those found guilty.
The team
The team will be led by MMRDA Director (Projects) B Bhadragond, with senior engineers and safety officials as members, along with external safety heads from other Metro lines. The inspection, commencing on February 15, will last for at least three consecutive days and may continue longer if necessary.
What will it do?
The team will submit day-wise inspection notes, a list of unsafe conditions and immediate actions taken, a corridor-wide compliance matrix and a consolidated report recommending corrective and preventive measures and whether work should resume or continue.
Scope of audit
Inspectors have been asked to examine parapets, edge beams, crash barriers, handrails, structural elements near traffic and public areas, precast segments, reinforcement work, temporary works, shuttering, construction debris, barricading, and traffic management arrangements. Compliance with approved drawings, safety protocols, and construction procedures will also be checked.
Site visits
All contractors and supervising agencies must provide full access to sites and produce drawings, method statements, quality assurance records, and inspection reports. Any lapse in supervision or execution found during the inspection will be recorded and responsibility fixed as per contractual provisions.
Expected action
MMRDA has issued strict directions that any unsafe or non-compliant element must be immediately secured, removed or rectified without waiting for the final report. Construction activity at locations identified by the inspection team may be restricted or suspended until written clearance is granted.
