Panel for safe construction sites

With four major accidents reported at its project sites since 2008, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has appointed a three-member committee to suggest guidelines to avoid any future mishaps.

With four major accidents reported at its project sites since 2008, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has appointed a three-member committee to suggest guidelines to avoid any future mishaps.

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A portion of the under-construction flyover from Byculla to Parel collapsed at Lalbaug on November 2, injuring three persons.

Four vehicles were damaged. The driver of a crane on the flyover lost control and hit two pillars, causing a concrete beam to fall on to a taxi, a motorcycle and two cars waiting at a signal.

"We have appointed a committee which will investigate the reasons for the Lalbaug incident," said metropolitan commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad.

“They will also provide us with guidelines to avoid such incidents."

The committee comprises Sharad Sabnis, chief engineer, special projects public works department; GR Madan, director, Mumbai Rapid Transportation System; and Vishnu Kumar, director, Monorail.

The committee will give its recommendation by November 19.

In the past 30 months, accidents on the MMRDA project sites have claimed two lives. In July 2009, two labourers were injured when iron rods used to raise the pillar of a metro line collapsed.