Jaleswar: Following allegations of irregularities in the construction of a railway bridge at Batagram level crossing here in Balasore district, the authorities concerned started a probe Sunday.
Reports said the project is being executed at a cost of Rs 39.89 crore. The cost is being shared by the state and Central governments. Panikoil-based Ashirbad Construction was awarded the contract.
Locals have strongly objected to the way the bridge is being built. They alleged that its work is not being done as per plan and messed up for making money
“Besides, its construction work is being carried out at night instead of day time. We all are surprised. We doubt if the bridge will be durable. Substandard construction may lead to mishaps in future. Quality of work is not being monitored,” said social activists Kumarkrushna Kar and Madanmohan Kar.
Taking a serious note of the alleged irregularities, superintending engineer (SE) of the road and building department Sanjib Kumar Mohanty, assistant executive engineer Manas Ranjan Sethi and junior engineer Niharkanti Mohanty started an on-the-spot investigation.
During the probe, hundreds of locals, former people’s representatives and retired officials surrounded the SE and demanded a thorough probe into the construction. They also
demanded legal action against the construction company and wanted it blacklisted. The locals insisted on suspending the building company and halting the work.
The locals also complained about narrow diversion road and lack of drainage facility. As per the agreement, the construction work had started September 11 last year and it is scheduled to be completed by September 10, 2020.
When asked about the irregularities, the SE said the department will carry out the probe and action will be taken. He added that the department will give priority to transparency in its work and safety of people’s lives.
PNN