The BMC’s handling of the reconstruction of Marwa bridge in Andheri East has come under CAG scanner. The Comptroller and Auditor General in its recent inspection report has also pointed at the way the proposal was passed in December last year without inviting tender. The BMC awarded the contract to a contractor, who was working on another bridge, as additional work for a 87-per cent increase in cost. CAG said the process was in violation of the MMC Act, 1888 and sought explanation from the civic body.

Marwa bridge was declared dilapidated by the bridges department and has been shut since June 2021. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, in a proposal to the standing committee in December 2021, cited urgency during pandemic as the bridge connects Saki Vihar Road to SevenHills Hospital and assigned the work to M/s A R Construction at a cost of Rs 10.42 crore under the commissioner’s authority. The contractor was already working on another bridge on Kurla-Kalina Road. mid-day had, on December 29, 2021, reported the matter.