Contractor fined Rs 10 lakh for delaying bridge construction

The Public Works Department (PWD) has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on a contractor for delaying the construction of a bridge in the Salooni block. The contractor has been instructed to complete the remaining work within three months.

Risking residents’ lives

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• In the absence of a bridge, residents of Snuuh, Bhandal, Dand and Kihar gram panchayats have to risk their safety and cross the dangerous Siul river
• A few months ago, a woman drowned while crossing the river, when the water level rose unexpectedly - Following the incident, the department has become more vigilant and is pushing for the swift completion of the bridge

If the contractor fails to finish the construction within this period, the PWD would contemplate strict action, which may include cancelling the contract and blacklisting the contractor.

The bridge, which connects three panchayats in the Salooni block, has been under construction for seven years, with the work still incomplete. In 2017, the contractor was tasked with completing the bridge in one year, and at a cost of Rs 1 crore.

In the absence of a bridge, residents of Snuuh, Bhandal, Dand and Kihar gram panchayats have to risk their safety and cross the dangerous Siul river.

A few months ago, a woman tragically drowned while crossing the river, when the water level rose unexpectedly. Following the incident, the department has become more vigilant and is pushing for the swift completion of the bridge. PWD Executive Engineer Kumud Upadhyay said the contractor had been penalised for the delay. If the work on the bridge was not completed within the specified time, the contractor would be blacklisted, he added.