Quick work should be cornerstone of infra projects

Representation pic

Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar recently asked officials and contractors to complete road work before May 31, 2023. To make Thane pothole-free, Bangar told officials not to delay road works. That, in fact, is key not just for road works but all infra and projects, including repairs in the city.

We often hear phrases like monsoon and this, that or the other. One reason why people are sceptical is that they have seen the work starting very late, or close to deadline. They wonder quite rightly, how people will finish it in such a short time frame, or in a hurry to complete the work, straining against a tight deadline, work is done in a myopic, hurried and slip-shod manner. Then, it is a given that repairs are not going to last long-term and things will fall apart in some time once again.

Recently, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde allocated Rs 391 crore to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for the improvement and upgradation of 156 roads in the city.

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While these figures seem humungous, they hold little meaning for the lay public and commuters who only want to see that roads are pothole- free, footpaths are clear and markings visible to make all concerned safer.

In fact, when such figures are highlighted, the layperson is left wondering where all the money goes if such sums are allocated and potholes pockmark the roads once again.

Many works, not this one specifically, are mired in delays because one agency passes the buck to the other, somebody is awaiting some sign-off or the other, or some VIP is unavailable for some reason.

There are two mantras that are an antidote to the problems, speed and quality. Thane's top boss has given the get-cracking orders and we take heart from that.