Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) standing committee has withheld approval for a proposed ₹7 crore maintenance contract for cycling tracks, gardens, footpaths, service roads, and other amenities built alongside the city’s main water pipeline network.
The decision came after strong objections from committee members, who argued that many of these facilities are either in poor condition, non-existent, or heavily encroached upon, making the approval of a fresh maintenance contract questionable.
Committee Seeks Clarification
Instead of granting immediate approval, the standing committee asked the civic administration to provide further information and clarification regarding the actual condition of the infrastructure and the necessity of the contract.
According to civic officials, cycling tracks, gardens, and related amenities were developed across an 18.6-km stretch along the main water pipeline after a Bombay High Court order directed the BMC to remove encroachments extending up to 10 metres on both sides of the pipeline.
Members Raise Ground-Level Concerns
Several corporators questioned whether the facilities actually exist in usable condition.
Shiv Sena (UBT) standing committee member Deepmala Bhade said that during her visit to the stretch near the Mulund-Goregaon Link Road in Bhandup West, she found that the garden mentioned in the proposal did not exist and that the entire stretch had been encroached upon.
Congress member Ashraf Azmi also stated that while the proposal seeks funds for maintaining tracks and gardens, many tracks are broken and gardens are missing altogether. MNS member Yashwant Killedar pointed to heavy encroachments in areas such as Sion and Senapati Bapat Road in Dadar, adding that many cycling tracks are practically unusable.
Background of the Project
The civic administration explained that the original project was executed in phases:
- Phase 1: Mulund to Sahar (9.5 km)
- Phase 2A: Ghatkopar to Sion (5 km)
- Phase 2B: Powai to Sakinaka (3 km)
- Pilot Project: Mulund V R Road to MCC Chowki (1.1 km)
These developments were intended to create safer public spaces and prevent fresh encroachments along critical water supply infrastructure.
Maintenance Challenges
Officials admitted that the earlier maintenance contract had ended in December 2024, and some stretches may have deteriorated due to poor monitoring and lack of upkeep. They also revealed that the BMC had invited Expressions of Interest from firms willing to maintain these facilities under CSR funding, but received no response.
Bigger Picture
The delay in approving the contract reflects larger concerns about urban infrastructure planning, maintenance accountability, and encroachment management in Mumbai.
Committee members stressed that before spending public funds on maintenance, the civic body must first ensure that the infrastructure actually exists and remains accessible to citizens.
The BMC is now expected to submit a revised explanation before the proposal is reconsidered, as the city continues to balance infrastructure upkeep with transparency and effective governance.
