In a shocking incident in Mumbai’s Mulund area, a pillar under construction for the metro project collapsed onto an auto-rickshaw, injuring four people. Tragically, one victim succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has swiftly responded by imposing a hefty fine of Rs 5 crore on the contractor, Rajvi Milan Infracon, signaling zero tolerance for safety lapses.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene immediately after the collapse on February 14. The area was cordoned off to preserve evidence, and a multi-agency structural assessment kicked off with support from BMC, disaster management units, local police, and fire brigade. MMRDA’s Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal personally inspected the site, evaluated safety protocols, and issued directives for heightened vigilance.
Mudgal also visited the injured at the hospital, coordinating with doctors for top-notch care. An independent medical evaluation was conducted by Fortis Hospital team to recommend optimal treatment if needed. Prioritizing public safety, MMRDA constituted a high-level probe committee headed by Director Basavaraj M. Bhadragond to unearth the exact cause of the pillar failure.
Construction in the affected zone has been halted temporarily. Besides the Rs 5 crore penalty on the main contractor, the general consultant firm faces a Rs 1 crore fine. Further actions, including potential blacklisting, await the investigation’s final findings. ‘Public safety remains our top priority. Strict accountability will follow, with corrective measures to prevent recurrences,’ MMRDA affirmed.
This incident underscores the pressing need for rigorous oversight in mega infrastructure projects. As Mumbai races to expand its metro network, such lapses could undermine public trust and delay critical connectivity goals. The probe’s outcome will set precedents for future accountability in urban development.