QR code push for roadworks falls short across Mumbai

Torn, outdated, and misplaced banners visible in Kandivli. Pics/Satej Shinde

A civic push to improve transparency in road concreting works through QR codes has seen patchy implementation across Mumbai, with several sites lacking the mandatory display or showing damaged and unreadable codes. Spot checks by mid-day across multiple locations found inconsistencies, raising questions about monitoring and enforcement, even as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) maintains that no major lapses exist.

Ground check: Key locations

No QR codes across the entire stretch on Narayan Joshi, Cross Road No. 1, Kandivli West

Tukaram Bhilaji Kadam Marg, Byculla East,

A strech near the Shobha restaurant in Byculla's lacks QR codes (right) Multiple QR codes are bunched on one board

Project details
Contractor: M/s NCC Limited
Length: 700 metres
Start: October 24, 2025
Completion: May 31, 2026
Progress: 49%

Narayan Joshi, Cross Road No. 1, Kandivli West

No QR codes were seen on the entire stretch (right) Torn, outdated and misplaced banners visible in Kandivli. Pics/Satej Shinde

Project details
Contractor: BSCPL Infra
Length: 212 metres
Start: October 1, 2025
Completion: May 31, 2026
Progress: 90%

MSEB Colony, 1st Road, Santacruz West

No QR codes in Santacruz. Pic/Madhulika Ram Kavattur

Work ongoing since December 2025
No QR codes observed by residents
Banner visibility inconsistent

Kachpada Extension and Mamledarwadi Extension Road, Malad West

No QR at start or end (right) Damaged banners. Pics/Satej Shinde

Project details
Contractor: RPS Infra
Length: 700 metres
Status: Additional stretch, work has just started
Completion: May 31, 2027

QRs installed after mid-day flagged the issue. Pic/Sarthak Mehta

What residents say

An anonymous shopkeeper
‘I haven't seen any such QR codes. I was unaware that this concept even existed'

Krishnakant Modi, Kandivli West
‘I haven't seen any QR code to date… work is progressing at a slow pace'

A resident, Santacruz
‘We would appreciate sticking QR codes on materials that are not easily damaged'

Citizen voices

Dhaval Shah, Andheri
Currently, most of the work is already completed, but even when the work was on QR codes were not visible enough, even when work was ongoing

Nikhil Desai, Matunga:
The codes disappeared within a week due to a lack of enforcement and accountability. We struggled to find the right point of contact when the roadwork was on in the area

BMC's response

Chief engineer Mantayya M Swami said he "will check" but did not respond further

BMC spokesperson said

Officials conduct regular and surprise inspections
"No such lapses" observed
Additional project details available on the BMC portal

A BMC official added

QR codes were installed, but may have been torn or misplaced
Will check and reinstall them

At a glance

Initiative: QR codes on roadwork sites for public information
Authority: The BMC's roadworks department
Ground reality: Missing, damaged or poorly displayed QR codes
Official stance: "No such lapses noted"

What the QR code rule says

>> Contractors must display project details via QR codes
>> Meant to replace or supplement physical banners

Covers

>> Project scope
>> Contractor details
>> Timeline and contact info

Larger concerns

Lack of visibility and awareness among citizens
QR codes disappearing mid-project
No clear accountability for maintenance