Mechanical Failure Causes 400-Tonne Crane to Tilt at Mumbai's BKC During Metro 2B Construction
Synopsis
A mechanical failure resulted in a 400-tonne crane tilting at Mumbai's BKC during Metro Line 2B construction. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident raises questions about construction safety protocols.
Key Takeaways
400-tonne crane tilted during Metro Line 2B construction.
No injuries or casualties reported.
MMRDA is working to restore traffic flow quickly.
Safety measures are being reinforced following previous accidents.
Investigation into mechanical failure is ongoing.
Mumbai, April 15 (NationPress) In the midst of the construction activities for Metro Line 2B at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), a mechanical issue led to a 400-tonne mobile crane tilting over. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported. The crane was in the process of lifting a pre-cast beam when it toppled close to the Asian Heart Hospital junction at around 4.30 a.m. during overnight operations by contractor J. Kumar Infraprojects Limited. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) confirmed that no one was harmed in this incident.
To facilitate the swift removal of the fallen crane and restore traffic flow, senior officials from the MMRDA quickly arrived at the scene. A 600-tonne crane was dispatched to recover the fallen equipment safely. MMRDA representatives stated, “We are committed to minimizing disruption for the public. In collaboration with traffic police, we have diverted traffic and are making every effort to restore normalcy as soon as possible. Additional safety measures are being put in place to ensure site security.”
According to MMRDA Director Basavraj MB, the preliminary investigation pointed to a significant failure in the lifting boom of the crane. The load transferred to another crane, resulting in its tilt. He assured that corrective measures would be taken and that the road would be reopened within 3-4 hours.
This incident follows previous scrutiny faced by the MMRDA after a tragic accident on the under-construction Metro Line 4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavali) on February 14, which raised concerns regarding infrastructure safety and contractor management. That incident resulted in the death of Ramdhan Yadav, whose auto-rickshaw was crushed by a 1.8-tonne precast concrete segment that fell onto vehicles below. Subsequent investigations revealed that improper procedures led to the instability of the segment, prompting the MMRDA to take extensive measures, including contract terminations and fines to ensure future safety.
Point of View
It raises alarms about contractor oversight and infrastructure integrity, necessitating a thorough investigation and immediate corrective actions.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the crane to tilt?
A mechanical failure in the lifting boom of the crane led to its tilt during the operation.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
How is traffic being managed after the incident?
Traffic has been diverted in consultation with traffic police to minimize disruption while recovery operations are underway.
What steps is MMRDA taking to ensure safety?
MMRDA is implementing additional checks and safety measures at the site to prevent future incidents.
When will the road be reopened?
The road is expected to be reopened within 3-4 hours as recovery operations progress.
