Aaditya Thackeray to Scrap Select BMC Road Contracts if MVA Wins

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray announced on Monday that contracts awarded by the Mumbai civic body for road construction will be annulled when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comes to power. Thackeray accused the state government of planning to release funds under the advanced mobilisation category, which he claims is a tactic to misappropriate Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) money.

Thackeray stated, "The BMC has again awarded contracts worth Rs 6,000 crore to five contractors who are very close to the illegal chief minister of Maharashtra. The advance payment of funds was never required and we will oppose it. After coming to power in November, our MVA government will cancel all these contracts." He emphasised that these contracts were unnecessary given the incomplete status of previous work orders.

Allegations of Inflated Costs

The former minister highlighted that work orders given in recent years remain unfinished, questioning the urgency behind issuing new contracts. He asked, "When the earlier works are still incomplete, what is so urgent to award new work orders and release the civic funds?" Thackeray suggested that this rush indicates a deliberate attempt to inflate costs.

Thackeray pointed out that last year, after he objected to the construction costs, the civic body amended its plan, reducing the actual cost by Rs 900 crore. He claimed this pattern shows an intentional increase in costs regardless of work status. He alleged that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde releases more funds under the guise of cost escalation.

Specific Project Cost Increases

He cited the Bandra-Varsova sea link road project as an example where costs have surged without significant progress. "Without laying a girder or connector on the Bandra-Varsova sea link road, the project's cost has already increased by Rs 6,728 crore to Rs 18,120 crore," he claimed. This significant rise in expenses without corresponding work completion raises concerns about financial management.

Thackeray also criticised the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), alleging it has constructed one of Maharashtra's worst highways. This statement underscores his broader concerns about infrastructure projects' quality and financial oversight in the state.

In conclusion, Thackeray's statements reflect deep concerns about financial mismanagement and corruption in awarding road construction contracts. His promise to annul these contracts if MVA comes to power highlights a commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring better governance in infrastructure projects.