Marol Road Work Halts After ‘Pakistani Worker’ Row: Activist Flags Safety, Accountability Issues

Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai: Improvement work on Church Road in Marol, Andheri East, has come to a halt after a controversial incident involving a worker who allegedly claimed to be Pakistani. The roadwork, contracted by AIC Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. under the supervision of BMC’s K East Ward, stopped on March 5 following a dispute that arose over damage to a water pipeline.

Activist Godfrey Pimenta, trustee of the Watchdog Foundation, filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and BMC Commissioner, stating that when residents questioned a worker about the pipeline damage, he responded rudely and claimed he was from Pakistan. The situation escalated and police from MIDC station detained the worker for questioning. Since then, no further work has been carried out.

Pimenta also alleged severe negligence by the contractor, accusing them of damaging multiple water pipelines and underground electric cables, resulting in water cuts, contamination risks, and electric hazards. He has demanded the immediate suspension and blacklisting of AIC Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., along with urgent restoration of damaged utilities.

The lack of response from BMC and the contractor has raised concerns among residents about accountability and public safety in civic infrastructure projects.