Concerns Raised Over Substandard Pothole Repairs on Santacruz Flyover

Mumbai, June 19: Serious concerns have been raised over the quality of recent pothole repairs carried out on the Santacruz Flyover along the Western Express Highway. Citizens and road safety observers allege that the repairs were conducted in violation of the technical specifications laid down in BMC’s (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) own guidelines and tender conditions.

As per BMC’s established road repair protocols, potholes on roads wider than six meters—such as the Santacruz Flyover—must be filled using mastic asphalt, a durable material designed to ensure longevity. The use of cold mix materials, often criticized for their short-term efficacy, is explicitly prohibited on such arterial roads.

Moreover, BMC guidelines mandate that potholes be cut to a depth of at least three inches and filled in a square shape to create a smooth and even surface. However, eyewitness reports from the site on Tuesday suggest that these essential procedures were blatantly ignored.

“The potholes were not cut to the required depth, nor were they squared off. In fact, the fillings are uneven and elevated above the road level, making the surface hazardous for vehicles,” said a local commuter who regularly uses the flyover.

The haphazard repair work not only poses a safety risk to motorists but also raises serious questions about the certification of repair bills submitted by the contractors and approved by BMC officials. Observers argue that if the repairs do not meet the specified standards, it is unclear how and why such work received official approval and payment.

“This kind of negligence indicates a systemic failure in quality control and raises suspicions about possible irregularities in billing and certification,” a concerned citizen group stated in a letter submitted to civic authorities.

They have demanded an immediate investigation into the recent repair work, calling for a thorough review of compliance with BMC’s technical specifications and identification of both officials and contractors responsible for the substandard execution.

The incident has once again brought to light the persistent issue of poor road maintenance in Mumbai and the apparent disconnect between civic policies and their implementation on the ground.

Despite repeated assurances of improved road repair protocols, such lapses continue to affect not just infrastructure quality but also public trust in the city’s civic management.