MMRDA fines Rs 12.5 crore after granite stones hit vehicle at Metro 9 site

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has imposed a total penalty of Rs 12.5 crore on the contractor and two agencies after granite stones fell from the under-construction Medetiya Nagar Metro station on Mumbai Metro Line 9 on Monday, causing a tyre puncture on a passing vehicle. The Times of India reports that no injuries occurred and no students were in the vehicle.

According to the MMRDA, the incident happened around 11.50 am when a crane basket being used for debris removal accidentally hit granite stones stacked near a foot overbridge, causing some to fall into the barricaded work area. Smaller pieces scattered and were run over by a school van, puncturing its tyre. Times Now clarifies that no slab collapsed and no stone directly hit the van.

The MMRDA fined the project contractor J. Kumar Infraprojects Limited Rs 10 crore, architectural finishing contractor N. A. Gajanan Rs 1.5 crore, and general consultant Systra-CEG Rs 1 crore. The Times of India notes this is the largest penalty imposed on J Kumar, which has faced multiple fines totalling Rs 15.15 crore since March 2024 for delays, poor workmanship, and safety lapses on various MMRDA projects. The MMRDA has directed all agencies to follow safety protocols and implement corrective measures.