Mumbai, June 8, 2026: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a detailed clarification defending the newly opened Mrinaltai Gore Extension Flyover in Goregaon after the project came under criticism over its visibly uneven and patchy road surface shortly after being opened to traffic.
The 750-metre-long, four-lane flyover extension was inaugurated on June 6 and is expected to improve connectivity between the Western Express Highway at Goregaon East and nearby areas by providing a signal-free corridor for commuters.
However, videos and photographs circulating on social media showed visible joints, rough patches and uneven textures on the road surface, prompting concerns about construction quality.
The criticism was amplified by the project’s long gestation period and rising costs.
The flyover reportedly took nearly seven to eight years to complete, while its cost increased from an initial estimate of about ₹210 crore to around ₹248 crore.
Citizens, local residents and opposition leaders questioned whether the quality of construction justified the expenditure.
Responding to the concerns, the BMC’s Bridges Department said the current appearance of the surface is typical of a newly laid 40 mm thick mastic asphalt wearing course.
According to the civic body, the visible joints resulted from staged asphalt laying, which was necessary due to the flyover’s horizontal curves and varying levels of superelevation.
The BMC explained that stone chippings were intentionally rolled into the asphalt surface to provide skid resistance because freshly laid mastic asphalt is initially smooth.
It added that the surface is expected to become more uniform under regular traffic movement owing to the dense and self-healing characteristics of the material.
The civic body maintained that technical inspections had found no structural deficiencies, design shortcomings or workmanship-related defects.
It said the project was executed in accordance with approved standards, including relevant IRC guidelines and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways specifications, with quality control measures implemented throughout construction.
According to the BMC, excess loose grit on the surface will be removed and additional anti-skid treatment will be carried out using a lightweight roller.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said the civic administration has zero tolerance for substandard work and announced a personal inspection of the flyover site on Monday.
She stated that if any deficiencies are confirmed, the BMC could order an independent technical audit, potentially involving IIT Bombay.
Other measures under consideration include blacklisting the contractor, withholding payments and taking action against officials found responsible.
