Mumbai: After the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) took cognisance of a viral video showcasing patchwork on the Coastal Road, the BMC on Friday issued a clarification. It said that the additional mastic layer on the Haji Ali stretch, seen in the visuals, does not indicate construction defects.

“The viral visuals have led to allegations that the project has construction flaws. However, these claims are baseless, the project is safe, with no cracks or potholes,” said the BMC.

The patches visible in the videos and photos are not signs of damage rather a preventive measure, it added. “The mastic layer has been applied to strengthen the surface and prevent potholes. The BMC assures that the road’s surface will be restored to its original appearance within 15 to 20 days,” read the clarification.

The civic authorities also replied to the charges of shoddy work on the northbound section (Chowpatty to Worli), which opened for traffic in July 2024. “Over time, minor expansion of joints was observed in some areas. To prevent further widening and to ensure the durability of the asphalt, an additional mastic layer was applied,” said the BMC. The precautionary measure aims to protect the road from damage during the monsoon. A fresh layer of asphalt, meeting all technical standards, will be applied soon, it added.

Urging all to avoid misleading information regarding the Coastal Road, the civic body reassured the public about the engineering quality, construction standards and overall safety of the project.

However, the controversy is far from dying down, with Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP leaders raising concerns over the quality of the work. Taking to X, Aaditya Thackeray said, “The patchwork is a glaring example of mismanagement. Had our government been in power, the Coastal Road would have been completed with top-notch quality by 2023.”

Ravi Raja, former Opposition leader of the BMC and now a BJP leader, said that issue is deeply concerning, given the project's whopping cost, Rs14,000 crore “I urge the Chief Minister to conduct a thorough audit of the work and form a special committee to identify the responsible individuals and take strict action against them.”

Meanwhile, considering the demands from residents of Breach Candy, the BMC is set to conduct a traffic feasibility study at the Nepean Sea Road, Malabar Hill, for constructing a new vehicular arm for the Coastal Road. “The new design will need to be presented to the Supreme Court for approval,” said the civic officials.