Strict Measures Following Construction Negligence
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, has mandated stringent actions in response to significant negligence observed during the construction of the Aishbagh Railway Overbridge (ROB) in Bhopal.
In light of his directives, eight engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) have been held accountable as per the investigation's findings. CM Yadav shared on social media, "I have taken note of the serious negligence in the construction of the Aishbagh ROB and have ordered an inquiry. Based on the investigation report, actions have been initiated against eight PWD engineers."
The measures taken include the immediate suspension of seven engineers, which encompasses two Chief Engineers (CEs). Furthermore, a departmental inquiry has been initiated against a retired Superintending Engineer (SE).
The government has also blacklisted the construction firm and the design consultant responsible for the project, as they were found culpable for providing a flawed design of the ROB, raising safety concerns.
To tackle the structural problems, the Chief Minister has announced the establishment of a special committee tasked with implementing necessary enhancements to the ROB. He emphasized that the bridge will remain closed to the public until all required corrections are made.
"The ROB will only be inaugurated after the necessary improvements are completed," CM Yadav stated in his post.
Earlier, on Thursday, Yadav instructed officials and the state minister to address concerns regarding a Railway Over Bridge (ROB) that features sharp 90-degree turns in Bhopal and to take action against those responsible for the design flaws.
"It was recently brought to my attention that a bridge (ROB) is being constructed with an almost 90-degree sharp turn. I noted that construction began in 2022 and it has yet to be inaugurated. The bridge is still under construction. Therefore, I have directed officials and the minister to consider the raised objections, rectify the curve to prevent accidents, and take action against those at fault," CM Yadav informed reporters.
He further remarked, "We aim to be more vigilant regarding construction matters and ensure greater attention to such projects and arrangements in the state."
The Aishbagh Railway Overbridge, which has been in development for nearly a decade, has attracted public scrutiny due to its design featuring a sharp 90-degree turn. The bridge spans 648 meters in length and 8 meters in width, with a construction cost of Rs 18 crore. Previously, the State PWD Minister, Rakesh Singh, mentioned that the project is five years old and its design had already been finalized. He added that the bridge was inspected by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and further actions would be based on the inspection report.
