ULHASNAGAR: Questions have been raised over the quality of the ongoing Rs 63-crore cement road construction on the crucial KB (Kalyan–Badlapur) Road in Ulhasnagar. Several social organisations, along with local political leaders, have demanded that portions of the allegedly substandard work be demolished and rebuilt, and that the remaining construction be executed strictly as per prescribed standards.The controversy gained momentum after multiple complaints from residents and daily commuters about potholes, surface damage, and uneven stretches on newly completed sections. Citizens have alleged that defects have begun appearing even before the project’s completion, intensifying concerns about workmanship and material quality.Adding to the criticism, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has sought a third-party audit of the project by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). MNS district president Bandu Deshmukh alleged large-scale irregularities, claiming that the work was being carried out using inferior materials. He further accused officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) of turning a blind eye to visible shortcomings.Deshmukh stated that cracks have already developed in several cement blocks and that sand and gravel are visible at multiple spots, indicating compromised construction quality. He also alleged that the contractor failed to adhere to mandatory specifications, including the use of M-40 grade ready-mix concrete and DLP-15 for the PCC base layer.Another major grievance raised by residents involves the construction method. Social activist Satyajit Burman claimed that new cement layers were laid directly over the old road without dismantling it first. According to him, this could result in shops along the stretch being positioned below road level, creating a risk of rainwater entering commercial establishments during the monsoon.Burman also alleged that poor-quality work has led to early signs of cement peeling and pothole formation. He emphasized that the road’s long-term durability could be compromised if corrective measures are not taken immediately.MNS leaders further highlighted the issue of excessive dust pollution at the construction site, stating that the contractor had failed to implement adequate mitigation measures such as regular water sprinkling. They warned that the situation was adversely affecting the health of residents, shopkeepers, and motorists.In response to the growing concerns, Mayor Ashwini Nikam of UMC and MLA Kumar Ailani conducted an on-site inspection of the road work. During the visit they reviewed the quality, progress, and timelines of the project and instructed the contractor to ensure that the work meets all technical and safety standards. They cautioned that negligence would invite strict action.The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation has also reportedly identified certain deficiencies and written to the PWD, seeking rectification.Talking to TOI, PWD Ulhasnagar division engineer Prashant Mankar acknowledged that shortcomings had been observed at a few locations. He stated that notices had been issued to the contractor, directing immediate corrective action.Authorities have assured that the complaints are being examined and that necessary measures will be taken to address quality issues.
