Nashik Municipal Corporation penalises 4 contractors for delay in Kumbh road projects

Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has intensified action against delays in infrastructure projects for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, imposing daily penalties of Rs 10,000 to Rs 95,000 on four contractors for lagging road works.

NMC’s public works department initiated the move after repeated warnings failed to improve progress on the ground. Officials said the action was intended to send a strong message that delays in Kumbh-related works would not be tolerated.

At present, road development is underway at 28 locations across the city as part of Kumbh preparations. The projects, spread over nearly 120km and involving an investment of Rs 1,270 crore, have been awarded to 18 contractors. Inspections, however, revealed that work at several sites has been progressing slower than expected.

The civic officials partly attributed the delays to contractors subcontracting the work and subsequently distancing themselves from execution. “Despite repeated notices and follow-ups, the contractors failed to improve progress, forcing us to initiate penal action,” a senior NMC official said, adding that the fines would neither be waived nor reduced and would be recovered during final payments.

The official also warned that stricter penalties could be imposed if progress does not improve or if quality standards are not met. They clarified that the penalties would neither be waived nor reduced, and would be recovered during final payments. Authorities have also warned that similar action will be taken against any other contractor failing to adhere to timelines.

NMC has intensified monitoring of all ongoing projects and directed contractors to adhere strictly to timelines, given the importance of the works. “Contractors have been instructed to maintain the required pace to ensure timely completion,” another senior official said.