PAC slams PWD for shoddy Sion-Panvel highway works

Mumbai: A public accounts committee (PAC) report on construction of the Sion-Panvel highway has slammed the public works department (PWD) over quality, durability and maintenance of road construction and the department’s lack of control over road contractors.

The PAC report read, “Objections have been raised constantly over quality, maintenance and durability of this road. Contractors have neglected these issues after completing construction and government has no control over these contractors.”

PAC chairman Gopaladas Agarwal submitted the report in the state assembly on Wednesday. The report also drew the state’s attention to potholes on the Sion-Panvel highway. “Every monsoon witnesses huge potholes on this road. Contractors charge toll tax but refrain from maintenance of the road and the common commuter suffers,” the report said. The PAC has also recommended setting up of an independent website to allow people submit online complaints about the highway. “These complaints should be taken congisance of and contractors must be made to work on it,” said the report.