MMRDAorderscontractorstoadhere toCOVID-19normsatallprojectsites

As the state government has allowed construction activities to continue by adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which has been undertaking several infrastructure projects, has ordered contractors to abide by all the norms and take proper care of its workers. "At all the project sites, availability of masks, sanitiser and multivitamin medicines are some of the compulsory measures that are being followed thoroughly. Also, at our sites, provision of labour camps is available, where contractors take care of food and all small medical needs," said an official from MMRDA. He further said, "So far, at construction sites, no manpower shortage has been reported. Still we are keeping a watch. All safety measures and requirements of workers are taken care of."

MMRDA's 2020-2021 annual infrastructure budget is Rs 12,969 crore. Of this, Rs 4,571.25 crore will be spent only on Metro projects. It has been constructing about 300 kilometres of the vast metro network in MMR, which has been going on at full speed. Similarly, the Mumbai Trans

Harbour Sealink (MTHL) and Kalanagar Flyover project work is on. "Thousands of workers are currently stationed at metro, MTHL and flyover construction sites. Therefore, MMRDA is taking utmost care and co-ordinating with all its contractors regularly to ensure the project work remains unaffected," explained the official.

Last year, due to the lockdown imposed in the country, the projects initiated by MMRDA were significantly affected. The deadline of all projects was extended by at least four to five months. The large scale reverse migration of labourers and the difficulty in the supply of construction materials and machines contributed to the delay.