Gujarat CM Orders Criminal Action Over Poor Bridge Quality
CM Bhupendra Patel orders criminal action against Royal Infra Engineering after serious defects found in Karjan River bridge.
In a decisive move to ensure public safety and accountability, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered strict criminal proceedings against a contractor following the discovery of severe quality deficiencies in a major bridge construction project. The Gujarat bridge construction quality failure has led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the firm responsible for the project.
FIR Lodged Against Royal Infra Engineering
The Roads and Buildings Department has registered an FIR at the Rajpipla Police Station against M/s Royal Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd., based in Surat. The company was tasked with the construction of a critical bridge over the Karjan River, located on the Rajpipla–Ramgadh (Navagam) road in the Narmada district.
The bridge serves as a vital link for connectivity between Rajpipla and Ramgadh, making the discovery of structural flaws a matter of grave concern for the state administration.
A Timeline of Negligence
The project's history reveals a significant investment that failed to meet safety standards:
- Contract Awarded: The contract was granted during 2018–19.
- Tender Cost: The project was valued at ₹10.71 crore.
- Construction Period: Work began on September 15, 2018, and was declared physically complete on August 14, 2020.
How the Defects Were Discovered
The alarm was raised during a routine inspection when officials noticed a settlement in one of the bridge’s foundations. Recognizing the danger, the authorities immediately tasked the Quality Control Division with a comprehensive assessment of the entire structure.
The subsequent investigation painted a grim picture, revealing additional defects across various parts of the bridge. Because the structure was deemed unsuitable and unsafe for vehicular traffic, authorities were forced to suspend all movement over the bridge to prevent potential disasters.
Zero Tolerance for Poor Infrastructure
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, taking a stern view of the negligence, directed that criminal proceedings be initiated not only against the contractor but also its representatives under the applicable legal provisions.
Action Against Government Officials
The crackdown is not limited to the private contractor. The Chief Minister has also ordered strict departmental action against the government officials and employees who oversaw the project. Those found guilty of negligence in their duties will face proceedings under the Gujarat State Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1971.
The Chief Minister has reiterated that no compromise will be tolerated regarding the quality and safety of public infrastructure projects.
This decisive action is being viewed as a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s principle of “Je kevu te Karvu” (doing what is said), emphasizing a commitment to accountability and the highest standards of construction in the state.