Metro slab collapse: MMRDA announces aid to victims, writes to police for action

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority MMRDA on Sunday announced financial aid and wrote to the Mumbai Police for strict action in connection with the Mumbai Metro Line 4 slab collapse incident on SaturdayOn Saturday a section of a cement metro slab collapsed during construction and fell on an autorickshaw near the Johnson and Johnson Company in Mulund at 1220 pm killing one and injuring at least three peopleThe deceased was been identified as Ramdhan YadavIn an official statement the MMRDA said that it expresses deep regret and extends condolences to the family of the deceasedThe authority emphasised that public safety and citizen welfare remain its top priorityMMRDA announced a comprehensive financial assistance framework in line with government norms approved provisions and contractual obligationsImmediate financial assistance will be provided to the family of the deceased with anexgratia assistance from the Government of Maharashtra of Rs 5 lakh as per official normsFinancial assistance of Rs 15 lakh will also be provided by the MMRDA in accordance with approved provisions the official statement saidAn insurance compensation of approximately Rs 1520 lakh subject to assessment and disbursement under policy terms and statutory provisions will also be proved it saidFor those injured in the incident MMRDA will cover the full cost of medical treatment including hospitalisation procedures medicines rehabilitation and followup care Additional compensation will be provided according to contractual provisions and applicable insurance policies governing the Metro projectTransparent processAn MMRDA official saidldquoMMRDA deeply regrets this tragic incident and stands firmly with the affected family and injured citizens We are committed to extending all admissible financial assistance in accordance with Government norms and contractual provisions The Authority will ensure that every eligible amount is processed expeditiously with full institutional responsibility and transparencyrdquoIt said that coordination with government departments contractors insurance agencies and other stakeholders is being undertaken to avoid any procedural delaysMMRDA reiterated its ongoing commitment to public safety contractual compliance and responsible infrastructure governanceStrict action against those responsibleIn a letter addressed to the Mumbai Polices DCP Zone7 an Assistant Engineer of Metro Line4 stated that preliminary assessments suggest the accident may have occurred due to negligence by the contractor or subcontractor and inadequate supervision by the General Consultant of Metro Line4MMRDA has confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause and assign responsibility The authority has pledged stringent action against the contractor and the General Consultant in accordance with contractual and statutory provisionsThe Assistant Engineer requested the police to take cognisance of the matter and initiate strict action under relevant laws including registering an FIR to ensure proper legal accountabilityFinancial and medical supportFollowing the incident the MMRDA announced that full medical treatment costs for the injured will be borne by the authority The families of any affected persons will also receive compensation under government norms contractual provisions and insurance policiesMMRDA reiterated its commitment to public safety contractual compliance and responsible infrastructure governance the statement said