Bumpy Ride: Road contractors were to face strict action for not providing pothole-free roads, especially during the monsoon

In yet another instance where the deed is different from the word, the BMC has failed to officially appoint an external committee to review the condition of Mumbai's roads. The corporation had floated an idea to appoint a third party to assess Mumbai's pothole-ridden roads and submit their report. However, even a month after the decision, there is no such appointment.

"The external committee has been selected, but the formalities are delayed due to official procedures. The proposal will be tabled soon at the BMC Works Committee meeting," said D L Shinde, chief engineer, roads and traffic, BMC.

Shrikhande and Associates were appointed by the BMC as third party auditors. "We have only got verbal confirmation from the BMC. We have not begun reviewing the roads since we are awaiting an official confirmation," says an official from Shrikhande and Associates.

The delay in appointment is said to have defeated the very purpose of such a committee. "Ideally the third party audit should have been completed by now. What's the point of reviewing roads after the rains?" questioned a civic official. Many also believe the delay is meant to protect corrupt contractors.

"If the review happens after the monsoon, it will only benefit the contractors. They will ensure that the roads are better," added the official.

The committee was supposed to check if contractors use carbon core technology as made mandatory by the BMC. It is a mixture of cold mix of asphalt and it dries roads faster even if there is water. Contractors were to be paid only after this committee verified their work. Along with these checks, the auditors were also supposed to verify the bills submitted by the contractors and come up with reports every third week, stating how much money was spent.