Sandhurst Road wall collapse played up as landslide to get repair funds

A wall collapse has had to be shown as a landslide so the structure could be allotted funds for reconstruction.

In the last five years, the boundary wall at Sandhurst Road station, next to the tracks on platform one, has collapsed thrice. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority and Central Railway had been squabbling over who would construct it. But finally, on Friday, the state government intervened, with industries minister Subhash Desai, who is also Mumbai's guardian minister, sanctioning Rs 2 crore for its construction.

"It had to be shown as a landslide. The state government has a provision to supply funds for such a calamity. CR and MHADA could not bring themselves to agree on the matter," said a senior Central Railway official.

The very same day, local politicians held a ceremony to "inaugurate the construction" of the 100-foot-long and 20-foot-tall wall, which is partially built with concrete.

But two days later, on Sunday, no work seemed to be going on at the site. Some railway sources said soil testing would begin soon.

A hoarding at the site featuring Minister Desai, MP Arvind Sawant and other politicians mentions Friday's event to mark the 'Meherbaksh Compound Wall'.

When work starts, deep holes would be created to give the wall a solid foundation. The contractor will carry out grouting and pour cement. A unique technique will be used to ensure stability of the nearby building.