Mumbai, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has levied a fine of Rs 5 crore against the contractor Rajv Milan Infra and Rs 1 crore against the general consultancy firm, a consortium comprising DB Engineering & Consulting, Hill International Inc, and Louis Berger Consulting Private Limited. This decision follows a tragic incident where one individual lost their life and three others were injured due to the collapse of a pillar segment in the under-construction Metro Line 4 corridor (Wadala–Kasarvadavali) in Mulund earlier that day.

“In light of the apparent responsibility and pending a thorough inquiry, MMRDA has decided to enforce these financial penalties on the parties involved in the supervision and execution of the project,” stated the MMRDA in an official announcement.

Furthermore, it emphasized: “The safety of the public is our top priority. We will enforce strict accountability based on the inquiry findings and implement corrective measures to avert future incidents.”

Initial reports indicate that four individuals were injured and were promptly transported to a nearby medical facility. Unfortunately, one of the injured later passed away. The remaining victims are receiving close medical attention, with all necessary treatments being administered.

The MMRDA has committed to covering the full medical expenses for those injured. Additionally, financial support will be extended to the family of the deceased in line with applicable policies, with priority given to the processing of these funds.

In the aftermath of the incident, the project team promptly secured the location and began gathering evidence related to the collapse of the parapet section. The affected area has been cordoned off, and a comprehensive structural safety evaluation is underway in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), local disaster management, police, and fire brigade officials.

MMRDA Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal, along with senior officials, personally inspected the site, reviewed ongoing safety protocols, and ordered immediate precautionary actions.

They also visited the injured individuals in the hospital, liaised with medical staff, and ensured that the most effective treatment was provided without delay. In addition, they instructed a medical team from Fortis Hospital to conduct an independent assessment of the injured and recommend advanced care if necessary.

The MMRDA has formed a high-level inquiry committee led by Basavraj M. Bhadragond, Director (Projects), to investigate the root cause of the parapet segment collapse.

This committee will scrutinize construction methods, quality control systems, oversight protocols, contractor compliance, and third-party supervision processes. A detailed report is to be prioritized.

As a precautionary measure, all construction activities in the affected area have been temporarily paused. Further actions, including potential blacklisting of involved agencies and other contractual remedies, will be evaluated post-inquiry based on accountability.

An MMRDA official remarked: “A thorough inquiry is already underway to ascertain the cause and establish accountability. Financial penalties have been enacted against the involved parties, and further stringent actions will follow based on the final findings. MMRDA remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the highest safety standards in infrastructure project execution.”