Ahmedabad, Oct 18 (PTI) A case has been registered against a construction firm over alleged substandard work on a bridge across the Karjan river in Gujarat’s Narmada district after inspections found the structure unsafe for vehicular traffic, officials said on Sunday.
The Roads and Buildings Department filed the complaint against Surat-based Royal Infra Engineering Pvt Ltd at Rajpipla police station following directions from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a government release said.
The bridge, located on the Rajpipla-Ramgadh (Navagam) road, was constructed at a cost of Rs 10.71 crore. The department awarded the contract to the firm in 2018-19. Work began on September 15, 2018, and was completed on August 14, 2020.
During an inspection, the department found that one bridge foundation had “settled” (sunk into the riverbed).
The Quality Control Division was subsequently directed to conduct a comprehensive inspection and testing of the entire bridge, which revealed defects in other parts of the structure as well, the release said.
The bridge was subsequently deemed unsafe and unsuitable for vehicular traffic, necessitating its closure.
Taking serious note of the defects, CM Patel directed the department to initiate criminal proceedings against the contractor and its representatives under applicable legal provisions, the release said.
He also ordered disciplinary proceedings against officials and staff members responsible for the substandard construction and alleged negligence.
The government said the action underscored its stance that lapses in construction quality and public infrastructure safety would not be tolerated.
Patel has repeatedly called for strict action against poor-quality construction and negligence in the discharge of official duties, the release added. PTI PJT NR
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