Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Initiates Investigation into Defective Nand Nagri Bridges
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New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Delhi, Atishi, has instructed the Chief Secretary (CS) to launch an investigation into the inadequate execution and maintenance of the Nand Nagri Railway Over Bridge and Railway Underbridge, which were constructed between 2011 and 2015.
Atishi has voiced her profound dissatisfaction regarding the revelations that these bridges, originally designed for a lifespan of 70 years, exhibited significant cracks shortly after their completion.
"I cannot comprehend how such substantial discrepancies, as highlighted in the report, went unaddressed by the contractor and negligent officials. It is alarming that while the standard lifespan of a flyover exceeds 70 years, these bridges began to show signs of distress merely 2-3 months post-completion. This clearly points to rampant corruption in the project's execution," Atishi stated in her remarks.
She has mandated the Chief Secretary to investigate all personnel involved in the tender process, the awarding of the contract, and the oversight of the project's execution during 2011-15.
Additionally, Atishi has called for an inquiry into the third-party agency responsible for the quality control assessments conducted after the project's completion.
Atishi urged the CS to enforce the strictest actions against all officers and contractors accountable for the gross negligence in the execution and upkeep of the project.
In the meantime, a report submitted to CM Atishi has uncovered major structural concerns soon after the project's completion.
The report indicated that a critical section of the carriageway linking Nand Nagri to Durgapuri exhibited distress signs during the initial construction phase.
In 2019, a consultancy firm engaged to investigate the situation advised ceasing heavy vehicle traffic on the bridge and completely replacing the deck slab due to construction defects, as mentioned in the statement.
CM Atishi noted that the bridges, which incurred costs nearing Rs 100 crore, not only represented a significant loss to the public treasury but also posed a threat to public safety.
