AHMEDABAD, Oct 18: A construction firm has been booked for alleged poor quality work on a bridge over the Karjan river in Gujarat’s Narmada district after an inspection found the structure unsafe for vehicular movement, officials said on Sunday.
According to a government release, the Roads and Buildings Department lodged a complaint against Surat-based Royal Infra Engineering Pvt Ltd at Rajpipla police station following directions from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The bridge, situated on the Rajpipla-Ramgadh (Navagam) road, was built at a cost of ₹10.71 crore. The contract was awarded to the company during the 2018-19 financial year, with construction beginning on September 15, 2018, and concluding on August 14, 2020.
During an inspection, department officials discovered that one of the bridge’s foundations had settled into the riverbed, raising concerns about the structure’s stability.
Following the initial findings, the department directed its Quality Control Division to carry out a detailed assessment and conduct tests on the entire bridge. The subsequent examination revealed defects in other sections of the structure, according to the release.
Based on the inspection findings, the bridge was declared unsafe for vehicular traffic and subsequently closed to prevent potential risks to commuters.
Taking note of the construction deficiencies, Patel instructed the department to initiate criminal proceedings against the contractor and its representatives under the relevant legal provisions.
The chief minister also ordered disciplinary action against officials and employees allegedly responsible for the poor construction quality and negligence in supervising the project.
The state government said the action reflected its commitment to maintaining construction standards and ensuring the safety of public infrastructure. It reiterated that negligence and shortcomings in government funded projects would invite strict action.
Patel has previously emphasised the need for accountability in public works and directed officials to take firm measures against contractors and government personnel found responsible for substandard construction.
The case is expected to bring scrutiny to the implementation, supervision and quality-control procedures followed during the bridge’s construction.