Mumbai: BMC has decided to take over 27 flyovers and several allied structures built by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) only if the state agency transfers maintenance funds and hands over key technical documents related to the structures.The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by municipal commissioner on April 23 last month regarding the proposed transfer of MSRDC-built infrastructure within Mumbai limits to the civic body.The structures proposed to be handed over include 27 flyovers spanning nearly 20.25 km, four foot overbridges (FOBs), one rail overbridge (ROB), one vehicular underpass (VUP), four pedestrian underpasses (PUPs), and four junctions. During the meeting, BMC officials pointed out that while MSRDC had repeatedly requested the civic body to take over the structures following state government directions, it had not submitted crucial records including design drawings, contract documents, structural audit reports and bank guarantees. Officials further said that only the handing over of reports and details of the maintenance contractor had been shared so far.A major sticking point discussed was maintenance expenditure. MSRDC had stated in its correspondence that once the bridges are transferred, all repair and maintenance costs would have to be borne by the BMC using its own funds. However, MSRDC intended to retain rights over advertisements, tolls and other revenue generated from the structures. BMC objected to the arrangement, especially since MSRDC has already appointed a maintenance contractor for the bridges till the year 2029. The existing contract reportedly covers pothole repairs, painting and lane marking works.BMC officials insisted that the maintenance cost till the expiry of the existing contract should be borne by MSRDC. The municipal commissioner subsequently directed MSRDC to calculate the maintenance expenditure incurred over the past three years and estimate the likely cost from 2026 to 2029. The amount will have to be transferred to the BMC before the civic body formally takes over the structures.The civic chief also ruled that advertisement rights on the flyovers and bridges would eventually shift to the BMC after expiry of the existing contracts with private advertising agencies. MSRDC has been instructed not to renew any advertisement agreements going forward.
