The frequent dose of theft from Mumbai coastal road has proven heavy on Bombay Municipal Corporation's pocket and subsequently led to the authority in deciding to go for aluminium cables. Reason? They are affordable and are less likely to be picked by thieves. The prior installation of copper cables for streetlights and other electrical installations has been a common target for robbers due to their higher value.
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The designated contractor has, in the meantime, initiated the replacement of the cables at crucial spots that are most at risk of theft. Although aluminium is cheaper, civic officials will keep monitoring their performance and security in the future.
According to an official's statement, "We have instructed the contractor to install aluminium cables wherever copper has been stolen. The work is being carried out by the same company that is constructing the coastal road. The expenses for this work will be reimbursed to the company later. While aluminium wire is less durable than copper, it is cheaper in cost and currently the only viable solution for addressing ongoing thefts."
In the past few months, a string of robberies ensued near Haji Ali Junction, Love Grove Bridge, and the main coastal road. Burglars are breaking concrete underneath poles late at night to loot copper wires, which are in high demand on the black market. These rip-offs have provoked malfunctions in streetlights, affecting public safety.
The central accessibility of these avenues lets the anti-socials flee with petite resistance. Though there are frequent patrols by the Mumbai Traffic Police and local civic teams, the thefts have not been obscured. Six complaints have been filed against unidentified individuals regarding these thefts.
As per industry sources, in the scrap market, copper wire scrap typically fetches around INR 700-865 per kilogram, depending on the grade and type of copper wire. On the other hand, aluminium wire scrap generally ranges from INR 120 to Rs 250 per kilogram.
The BMC has allocated INR 8 crores for the installation of refined cameras to monitor speeding motors along the route. Furthermore, the civic body has pinpointed three pivotal locations for police and traffic chowkies (booths): Love Grove Flyover, near Tata Garden, and the Worli car parking area.
Information source: The Free Press Journal
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