Special Correspondent
Mumbai: A partially constructed iron-concrete pillar of the ongoing Mumbai Metro Line project near Wadala collapsed onto a residential building in the early hours of January 31, triggering panic among locals and raising serious questions about construction quality and safety protocols. The incident occurred near Suman Nagar Cooperative Housing Society in Chimbur, where metro pillar work is underway.
The collapsed structure, part of the upcoming Wadala-bound metro corridor, fell onto a security guard’s room and an open area within the society premises. The pillar, standing at approximately 20 feet (6 meters) during construction, was being erected using iron rods and concrete. While no casualties were reported, the collapse caused significant traffic disruptions in the area and left residents fearful about the safety of ongoing metro work.
Local authorities, including police and civic officials, rushed to the site to assess the situation. The incident has intensified existing concerns among residents about the metro’s alignment through densely populated neighborhoods. “Had the pillar collapsed slightly toward the road or other crowded areas, the consequences could have been catastrophic,” a resident remarked.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has yet to issue an official statement, but the accident has drawn criticism from local leaders and citizens, who are demanding stricter oversight of construction practices. The project’s proximity to residential complexes has long been a point of contention, with locals alleging inadequate safety measures.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway, with initial reports suggesting structural instability during the pillar’s assembly. Authorities have assured residents of a thorough review of safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
The mishap underscores growing anxieties over urban infrastructure projects in crowded cities like Mumbai, where balancing development with public safety remains a critical challenge.
