CM wants bullet-proof windows

MUMBAI: Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan’s insistence on procuring wider bullet-proof windows will delay the completion date for his new office on the 6th floor of Mantralaya. This means that the deputy chief minister’s office, along with the chambers of other VVIPS on the floor, won’t be completed on time either, said a Mantralaya officer, requesting anonymity as he is unauthorised to speak to the media minister were earlier expected to move into their new offices by September-end. But after Chavan demanded wider windows overlooking Madam Cama Road, the contractor of the Mantralaya makeover project had to revise his order for bullet-proof glass from a German firm. The glass costs Rs1.5 crore and will take about 45 days to be delivered.

“If the security mechanism permits, the CM and the DCM may shift to their offices. The bulletproof glass can be fitted at later stages,” said Kishor Avarsekar, chairman and managing director contractor of the project.

Meanwhile, the public works department was forced to make slight changes after BEST demanded exclusive space for installation of their transform ers because of increased usage of electricity. According to the officer, the transformers would be installed near Garden gate while the security centre would be shifted northward.

After objections raised by the traffic police, the department also has shifted the exit gate meant for the vehicles of secretaries to the area opposite the new adminis