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The Gujarat government has initiated strict legal action against a contractor over serious quality deficiencies detected in the major bridge over the Karjan River on the RajpiplaRamgadh (Navagam) road in Narmada district.
Following the directions of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Roads and Buildings Department has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against M/s Royal Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Surat, the company responsible for constructing the bridge. The FIR has been registered at Rajpipla Police Station, an official release stated. The bridge, which is crucial for connectivity in and around Rajpipla and Ramgadh, was found to have serious construction-related defects, raising concerns about its safety for public use. The Roads and Buildings Department had awarded the bridge construction contract to M/s Royal Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd. during 201819, at a tender cost of 10.71 crore. The work commenced on September 15, 2018, and was physically completed on August 14, 2020. During an inspection, officials noticed settlement in one of the bridges foundations. Following this discovery, the Quality Control Division was directed to conduct a comprehensive inspection and assessment of the entire structure. The subsequent investigation revealed additional defects in other parts of the bridge. As the structure was found unsuitable and unsafe for vehicular traffic, authorities were compelled to suspend traffic movement over the bridge. Taking serious note of the deficiencies, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directed the department to initiate criminal proceedings against the contractor and its representatives under the applicable legal provisions. The Chief Minister also ordered strict departmental action against the officials and employees found responsible for poor-quality construction and negligence in the discharge of their duties. Such action will be initiated under the Gujarat State Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1971. Through this action, the Chief Minister has reiterated the state governments position that no compromise will be tolerated on the quality and safety of public infrastructure projects. Patel has repeatedly maintained that serious construction defects and negligence in accountability will invite strict action in accordance with the law and applicable rules. The action against the contractor and the direction to initiate proceedings against responsible officials underscore the governments commitment to accountability and construction quality. It also reflects the work ethic associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modis principle of Je kevu te Karvu, a commitment that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has sought to demonstrate through decisive action. (ANI)
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