As concerns arise regarding the newly completed Mrinaltai Gore flyover due to allegations of substandard construction, an internal vigilance report from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come to light. This report, prepared in June 2021, identified various issues with the flyover’s construction two years prior to its opening.

The project was commissioned with a work order issued by the BMC three years earlier. Just one day after the bridge was officially opened, local residents expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, sharing videos that showcased visible damage and patching on the road’s surface.

In response to these criticisms, the BMC released a statement defending the flyover’s integrity, asserting that the observed conditions did not suggest any structural weaknesses. An official from the civic body informed The Indian Express that the vigilance department had formally submitted the report to the bridges department, requesting an explanation regarding the noted deficiencies; however, no response has been received to date.

The report outlines numerous shortcomings, including lack of oversight, structural imperfections, and incomplete documentation regarding essential construction materials such as steel and ready-mix concrete. A significant concern raised was the potential for cracks to develop on the road surface once it became operational. The report indicated that there could be damage to road panels adjacent to the piers of the flyover.

It also stated that if any damage occurs to the adjoining road due to the flyover’s construction, the contractor would be liable for repairs at their own expense. Furthermore, the report questioned whether the design of the project adequately mitigated this risk, emphasizing that any resulting damage that compromises road safety would necessitate correction by the contractor.

Instances of cracks and honeycombing—an issue where cavities form in concrete surfaces due to inadequate compaction—were noted in several joints and piers of the bridge’s superstructure. The report specifically mentioned that honeycombing and cracks were found in five of the bridge’s pillars.

The report also highlighted that the contractor faced four minor penalties of ₹500 each for various oversights between February and May 2019, despite the general contract conditions stipulating a minimum penalty of ₹5,000. Additionally, it pointed out that the BMC did not impose any penalties for the presence of cracks and honeycombing.

Moreover, the report criticized the consulting engineer for failing to conduct the required site inspections—at least twice monthly—as there were no records indicating any visits had taken place. The report advised the deputy chief engineer of the bridges department to take these lapses seriously and take appropriate action against the contractors involved.

In the meantime, public dissatisfaction continues to grow, with citizens and activists voicing their concerns about the quality of construction. Social activist Samir Shaikh remarked that the findings of the vigilance report contradict the BMC’s defense, which suggested that the road would smooth out with traffic. According to Shaikh, the BMC should have ensured a level surface before the flyover was opened to the public.

The 750-meter flyover, which cost approximately ₹247.97 crore to construct, took nearly eight years to complete following the issuance of the work order in November 2018. During this period, the project’s budget increased by nearly 45% from its initial estimate of ₹170.82 crore.

Officials from the BMC’s bridges department were unavailable for comment when contacted regarding these issues.