The tender specifies that the contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the project roads remain traffic-worthy, particularly by applying asphalt mixes during the monsoon, from the point of award of works until the contract period or the completion of the project, whichever occurs later. Furthermore, any trenches dug by utilities or BMC departments on the EEH during the contract will need to be reinstated by the contractor, in accordance with existing policy guidelines and specifications, as directed by the project engineer.
RTI activist Anil Galgali expressed opposition to the plan, arguing that service roads are not intended for heavy vehicles and thus do not require concretisation. He suggested that if the roads were properly asphalted and maintained, they would last just as long. Galgali also pointed out that these roads are frequently excavated for trenching work, and concreting them would make this process more challenging, potentially affecting the quality of the roads.
Earlier this year, a tender was issued before the monsoon season for the repair of damaged patches on both the WEH and EEH during the monsoons. The EEH covers a road length of 20km, while the WEH stretches across 35km, both being among the busiest traffic corridors, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.
In November 2022, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) handed over the responsibility of the EEH and WEH to the BMC, which has since taken charge of the roads’ repairs, beautification efforts, and regular cleaning.
