MUMBAI: A reinforcement cage for a metro pier collapsed inside a housing society in Suman Nagar, along Sion-Trombay Road in Chembur. The incident occurred during construction work on Metro Line 4 (Wadala-Ghatkopar-Kasarvadavali) around 9.30 pm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
MMRDA spokesperson stated, “We are taking this incident very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation within two days.”
The work is undertaken by subcontractor Milan Road build tech, a subcontractor for Reliance infrastructure.
MMRDA’s Director of Works, Anil Salunkhe, visited the site and reviewed initial findings. Officials said construction was underway at pillar 105C, where the first section (4.5 meters) had been built. Workers were adding another 8 meters of reinforcement (steel rods) for the second section.
Typically, a crane is used to hold the reinforcement in place. However, due to traffic restrictions at the busy junction, workers secured the structure with ropes tied to a concrete block.
The collapse occurred while dismantling temporary shuttering. A metal fastener (turnbuckle) attached to the concrete block broke after being struck by an unknown object, loosening the ropes and causing the reinforcement to fall toward a nearby building.
While no one was injured, a security cabin’s metal sheet sustained minor damage.
Meanwhile, Aischer, a US-based General Consultant, will conduct an independent investigation, and necessary actions will be taken, MMRDA said.
