Metro panel crushes auto: MMRDA blames driver for illegal parking!

(Left) The damaged auto rickshaw (right) The station wall from where the glass panels fell

An auto rickshaw was damaged after glass panels fell from the Mandapeshwar Metro station on Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported. Commuters and activists have questioned the quality of work at stations since the incident occurred within a year of the opening of the Metro 2A line. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has apologised for the incident, stating that some work was ongoing at the station at the time and that the auto was in a no-parking zone.

‘Apology, but...'

"We sincerely apologise for the incident at Mandapeshwar IC Colony Metro station where a few glass panels fell during ongoing work. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Our Metro staff responded swiftly and secured the area until the glass panels were safely removed. It is crucial to highlight that the affected area is clearly marked as a ‘no-parking zone'. Yet an auto rickshaw was parked there. We have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the incident," a spokesperson said.

‘Compensate the driver'

Activist Zoru Bhathena said, "Accidents happen. That is understandable. But blaming the rickshaw for waiting on the side of the road below a Metro station. Now, that is absurd! How is this incident the rickshaw man's fault?" Commuter Akshay Parkar said, "It's not even a year since the inauguration of the line and the station has already started falling apart." "Compensate the rickshaw driver to repair his auto from the fine taken from the station building contractor. Auto repair shouldn't cost more than Rs 50,000. It's his bread and butter," another commuter, Joel R, said.

Aug 23
Day the incident occurred