The Maharashtra government's PWD department has demolished the steps at Mantralaya that were mostly "unused" since 2012, citing a report from the fire brigade. The steps, constructed after the devastating fire at the state secretariat in 2012, were demolished Sunday.

According to a Public Works Department (PWD) official, the fire brigade had recommended removal of these stares for smooth movement of its vehicles in case of a fire at the government's administrative headquarters in South Mumbai. Besides, no one was "using" these steps except on days of flag hoisting, the official said.