BMC Proposes Stricter Trenching Policy With 5X Penalty For Illegal Digging
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has proposed a comprehensive revision to its trenching policy aimed at enhancing accountability among agencies conducting underground utility works. The Comprehensive Trenching and Reinstatement Policy 2026 will be placed before the Standing Committee for approval.
The proposal introduces a five-fold penalty for unauthorized excavation and mandates digital mapping of all underground utilities. Reinstatement fees for utility works during road construction will be reduced from Rs 6,711 per metre to Rs 2,300 per metre, encouraging agencies to coordinate work with ongoing construction projects and reduce repeated road disruption.
The revised framework also imposes a 10-year liability period for road defects following trenching work. Agencies will be required to use existing utility ducts where available, while trenching outside specified time windows will incur additional charges, requiring municipal commissioner approval.
