Oxygen shortage hits coastal road project in Mumbai

THE BRIHANMUMBAI Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received a request from contractors of the Mumbai Coastal Road project, seeking an extension of its July 2023 deadline in view of surge in Covid-19 cases and its impact on the industry.

The BMC is constructing a 10.58-km coastal road, from Princess Street flyover, Marine Lines to Worli end of Bandra-Worli sea link. The project will cost the BMC Rs 12,751 crore.

Nighot said the BMC may have to extend the deadline given the present crisis. The extension’s duration will be decided after pandemic situation improves.

He, however, said there will be no cost escalation of the project due to the delay.

Though oxygen supply has impacted fabrication work, unlike last year, there is no labour shortage now.

Following the nationwide lockdown last year, the project remained halted for about two months and the BMC had to extend the deadline from October 2022 to July 2023.

Officials said so far, 30 percent of the overall work has been completed. The agency has so far managed to reclaim 88 hectares of the desired 111 hectare-sea portion that was necessary to build the project.

“This year, there has been no significant impact in terms of labourers. Barring oxygen-related works, there is no impact on the work’s progress. All contractors have arranged for vaccination of their staff aged 45 or above.