MMRDA Fines Contractors Rs 12.5 Crore Over Safety Lapse on Metro Line 9
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has imposed a cumulative penalty of Rs 12.5 crore on contractor J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd and project consultants following a safety lapse at the under-construction Medetiya Nagar Metro station on Line 9 along the Western Express Highway.
The disciplinary action was taken after an incident occurred around 11:50 am on Monday, August 17th, during debris removal and material-shifting operations at the Metro Line 9 project site. According to the MMRDA, a material basket operated by a crane came into contact with granite stones that were stacked near the foot-over bridge area, causing the stones to fall from the bridge level into the barricaded construction zone below.
Among the penalties issued, contractor J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd was fined Rs 10 crore. A fine of Rs 1.5 crore was imposed on Gajanan, while the Systra-CEG-General Consultant was penalised Rs 1 crore, bringing the total penalty to Rs 12.5 crore.
MMRDA clarified that no granite stone directly hit a school bus or van, and no students were present in the vehicle. The authority stated that the falling stones remained confined within the barricaded work area. However, a vehicle passing through the vicinity ran over some scattered pieces of granite, resulting in punctured tyres. No injuries were reported from the scene.
Taking serious note of the safety breach, MMRDA initiated action against the agencies associated with the project and directed all entities involved in the construction to strictly adhere to prescribed safety protocols. The authority also ordered them to implement immediate corrective measures to ensure such lapses do not recur.
The enforcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of safety arrangements across Mumbai's expanding Metro network. Civil and erection works for the transit system are currently being executed in densely populated neighbourhoods and alongside active vehicular traffic.
Metro Line 9 is currently under development to extend transit connectivity from Dahisar East towards Mira-Bhayandar, serving as a key transportation corridor for commuters travelling across the northern suburbs and surrounding regions.
