In a serious case of negligence, a borewell drilling operation in South Mumbai’s busy Metro Cinema area has reportedly damaged an underground metro tunnel. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident has raised significant concerns over the safety of critical infrastructure.
According to police officials, the drilling work was underway near a well close to Metro Cinema and was being carried out by Shri Chandrama Water Supply Company. During the operation, the drilling machine reportedly exceeded the permissible depth and punctured the underground tunnel of the Aqua Line. As soon as the breach was detected, panic broke out at the site, prompting workers to immediately halt operations and inform the metro authorities.
A technical team from the metro administration reached the spot soon after and conducted a detailed inspection. Preliminary findings suggest that the outer structure of the tunnel has been damaged. However, officials confirmed that metro services have not been immediately affected. The incident has been described as a high-risk lapse, following which a formal complaint was lodged with the police.
A team from Azad Maidan Police Station arrived at the scene, carried out a panchnama, and began a preliminary investigation. During the probe, it was found that essential technical standards, safety protocols, and permission procedures were not properly followed. Investigators also suspect that underground structures were not accurately mapped prior to the drilling work, required safety clearances were ignored, and there was a lack of coordination among the concerned agencies.
Based on the initial findings, the Azad Maidan Police have registered an FIR against Shri Chandrama Water Supply Company under Sections 125, 324, and 326 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 78 of the Metro Railway Act. Further investigation is underway to determine the level at which permissions were granted, identify those responsible for site supervision, and ascertain whether the negligence was individual or systemic.
Meanwhile, metro authorities are carrying out a detailed technical assessment to evaluate the extent of the damage caused to the tunnel. Experts are examining how the breach may have impacted the structural integrity and are also estimating the time and cost required for repairs.
Excavation or drilling work near sensitive infrastructure such as metro tunnels is governed by strict regulations, which require detailed surveys, digital mapping, and prior approvals from multiple departments. The occurrence of such an incident despite these safeguards has exposed serious lapses in implementation and oversight.