BMC spends Rs 7 crore more to make Mumbai's Gandhi Market flood free

Waterlogged Gandhi Market, Kings circle, due to heavy rain during monsoon last year

After an unsuccessful attempt to solve the flood issue at Gandhi Market, the BMC has now spent another Rs 7 crore to increase the capacity of the water drainage system. Last year, before the monsoon, a contract of Rs 14 crores was given to install water drains and a pumping system.

As per the earlier proposal, a 900 mm drainage line was to be installed underground, however, the administration realised that it was not feasible due to the constant flow of vehicles. The area was waterlogged last monsoon despite the new pumping station which has a capacity to pump out 2.33 lakh litre of floodwater per minute.

Later, the administration had come up with a new plan which included an RCC open drain with grating on both sides of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and connecting the drainage line at the King's Circle railway station to Gandhi Market pumping station. "The additional work attracted Rs 7.25 crore to the original cost of Rs 14.53 crore. The overall cost of the project is Rs 21.78 crore," said an official from the stormwater drainage department.