Dahisar Transport Hub Blasting Put on Hold Pending Safety Report Scrutiny
The Maharashtra government has put excavation and controlled blasting work for the Dahisar Transport Hub project in Dahisar, Mumbai, on hold pending a detailed examination of a technical safety report. Maharashtra Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal announced the decision in the State Assembly, confirming that further action on the project will only be taken after the government thoroughly scrutinizes the safety findings.
The suspension follows safety concerns raised by local residents and public representatives. MLA Prakash Surve brought the issue to the floor of the State Assembly through a Calling Attention Motion, prompting the response from the Minister.
The Dahisar Transport Hub is a flagship pilot project being executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The major infrastructure project is designed to establish an integrated transport system that accommodates buses, the Metro, taxis, private vehicles, and pedestrians. Through this project, the BMC aims to significantly ease traffic congestion, develop a modern inter-state bus terminal, improve overall intermodal connectivity, and promote planned urban development in the area.
During the initial excavation phase, workers encountered hard basalt rock beneath the surface. To progress with the construction, controlled blasting was carried out. Minister Misal stated that the blasting was executed only after the necessary official permissions were obtained. She added that safety measures, including protective barricading, water sprinkling to control dust, and active traffic management, were put in place during the operations.
Despite these precautions, complaints from local residents and public representatives led to a temporary suspension of the excavation work. Following the suspension, technical tests were conducted on June 20, 2026, under the guidance and directions of IIT Bombay.
The technical report generated from these tests concluded that nearby buildings in the Dahisar locality were not at risk from the controlled blasting. However, Minister Misal maintained that the government will not allow any further work on the transport hub to proceed until the safety report has been fully and thoroughly scrutinized by officials.
