DM cracks down on slow Betwa bridge project, orders penalty on contractor

District Magistrate Abhishek Goyal has cracked down on the slow pace of construction of a 302 crore rupee bridge over the Betwa river in Hamirpur, reprimanding both the Bridge Corporation's executive engineer and the contractor during a surprise inspection. The DM expressed strong displeasure after finding inadequate resources deployed at the site, with only a single launcher being used for the critical infrastructure project.

During the unannounced visit, Goyal found the construction work proceeding at a sluggish pace and immediately demanded an explanation from Dilip Kumar, the executive engineer of the Bridge Corporation, regarding the delays. He issued strict instructions to impose penalties on the contractor as per regulations and ordered deductions from payments due to the contractor's negligence. The DM directed that adequate resources including cranes and launchers be deployed immediately to accelerate the construction work.

The inspection also revealed debris, boulders, and construction material scattered along the approach road to the bridge, which further angered the District Magistrate. He ordered the complete removal of all debris and construction material from the approach road within one week and instructed the Public Works Department to begin road construction and repair work as soon as the route is cleared.

Goyal also inspected safety arrangements for workers at the construction site and made it mandatory for all workers to use safety equipment including helmets, safety belts, and jackets. Emphasizing zero tolerance for lapses, the DM warned that any repeat of negligence would invite strict action. He stated that there can be no compromise on quality, safety, and timely completion of projects meant for public welfare. The bridge is being constructed over the Betwa and Yamuna rivers at an estimated cost of approximately 302 crore rupees.