Further to the collapse of a span of under-construction elevated corridor on the six-lane National Highway (NH)-248-A from Rajiv Chowk to Sohna on August 22, NHAI has taken strict action against the concessionaire M/s Rajiv Chowk-Sohna Highway Pvt. Ltd. and its promoters M/s Oriental Structural Engineers Pvt. Ltd, an NHAI release has said.
Following the collapse of the span on the project, the concessionaire was issued notice to explain the violation of the obligations under the concession agreement. The explanation furnished by the concessionaire was found to be unsatisfactory.
Moreover, lapses were found in the implementation of the safety measures, workmanship, adherence to construction methodologies and procedures, which were highlighted time and again to the contractor before the said incident. Therefore, it was established that the concessionaire failed to discharge its obligation to construct a safe structure and to ensure the safety of the user and pedestrians on the previous occasions and at the time of the accident.
The concessionaire has been debarred from participating in any NHAI bids directly or in association or a JV involving major structural works until they demonstrate reliable construction methodologies or designs and adequate safety measures at sight, and demonstrate that such type of accident won’t occur in other parts of their works.
NHAI has taken the lapses in construction very seriously and has warned the contractors, concessionaires and consultants to maintain the standards as per the contractual obligations. Failing which, strict action including blacklisting shall be taken.