Bomikhal Flyover CollapsePRESS MEET BY FREQUENT BRIDGE COLLAPSE IN ODISHA PAKHYA RU PRAGATISHILA NAGARIKA PARISAD
The Bomikhal Flyover collapse in which one person died and 11 persons were seriously injured is a man-
made disaster. In spite of the recent collapse of Rusikulya, Jatamundia, Buguda and Gurupriya bridges
the Government did not bother to take a lesson. No steps were taken to prevent such disasters implying
that Government is callous about loss of lives and property. Human beings are treated like boiler
chicken.
The order for the said bridge was awarded in the year 2012 at a cost of 22 crores without land
acquisition. There were several cases in the High Court with regard to the flyover. The Government
instead of cancelling the order preferred to prolong the construction process since it would lead to cost
escalation.
Centering of the bridge was done before 4 months. The concerned Executive Engineer is supposed to
approve the centering design and make quality control of the fabrication work which uses 600mm RCC
slab weighing 200 tons placed at a height of 30 feet. The slab is supposed to be casted in the presence
of the Executive Engineer. We have doubts if these steps were taken.
The centering was left open for 4 months in the rainy season, which added to rusting of the steel rods.
Why did the authorities allow such delayed casting? The Chief Secretary and other officials are
monitoring the projects of the Smart City on a daily basis. Did these officials take note of the delay?
Besides the centering had no adequate bracing to maintain the heavy weight.
It is understood that the soil under the bridge was washed away due to a sewer line nearby with the
monsoon rain. Did the officials and contractor take note of it? There is an absolute negligence by
officials.
Indian Road Congress norms in Code 55 prescribes for Work Zone Safety for bridges and flyovers like
barricading, clear danger signals, traffic controls, etc. Fall of a 50mm stone from such heights can kill a
person. But in this case no such safety measure was taken.
The contractors have become very powerful due to their 3 rd floor connections and are capable enough to
push engineers to the brink. The contractor Panda Infrastructure has similar failure in Jatni flyover but
could manipulate the people in power corridors to get more orders and delay any projects.
A lot of black money earned by engineers, bureaucrats and politicians is invested with the infra firms.
The money trails needs to be investigated by an independent agency and the facts must be made public.
made disaster. In spite of the recent collapse of Rusikulya, Jatamundia, Buguda and Gurupriya bridges
the Government did not bother to take a lesson. No steps were taken to prevent such disasters implying
that Government is callous about loss of lives and property. Human beings are treated like boiler
chicken.
The order for the said bridge was awarded in the year 2012 at a cost of 22 crores without land
acquisition. There were several cases in the High Court with regard to the flyover. The Government
instead of cancelling the order preferred to prolong the construction process since it would lead to cost
escalation.
Centering of the bridge was done before 4 months. The concerned Executive Engineer is supposed to
approve the centering design and make quality control of the fabrication work which uses 600mm RCC
slab weighing 200 tons placed at a height of 30 feet. The slab is supposed to be casted in the presence
of the Executive Engineer. We have doubts if these steps were taken.
The centering was left open for 4 months in the rainy season, which added to rusting of the steel rods.
Why did the authorities allow such delayed casting? The Chief Secretary and other officials are
Besides the centering had no adequate bracing to maintain the heavy weight.
It is understood that the soil under the bridge was washed away due to a sewer line nearby with the
monsoon rain. Did the officials and contractor take note of it? There is an absolute negligence by
officials.
Indian Road Congress norms in Code 55 prescribes for Work Zone Safety for bridges and flyovers like
barricading, clear danger signals, traffic controls, etc. Fall of a 50mm stone from such heights can kill a
person. But in this case no such safety measure was taken.
The contractors have become very powerful due to their 3 rd floor connections and are capable enough to
push engineers to the brink. The contractor Panda Infrastructure has similar failure in Jatni flyover but
could manipulate the people in power corridors to get more orders and delay any projects.
A lot of black money earned by engineers, bureaucrats and politicians is invested with the infra firms.
The money trails needs to be investigated by an independent agency and the facts must be made public.
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