Bailey bridge caves in for alleged low quality work

Keonjhar: Days before the inauguration, the bailey bridge over a tributary of river Rembhala at Kholagadia near Harichandanpur in the district, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 2.30 cr, caved in today due to alleged poor quality of work.

Locals alleged low quality work led to the collapse and demanded high level inquiry in to the matter. "We had been complaining against the monopoly of the company for last few months. But, it paid no heed to our allegation and went ahead with work. A high level inquiry should be carried out; so that the fact would come out", said Udaynath Patra , a local resident.

However, the Rural development department has given a clean chit to the construction company. Executive engineer of Anandpur Rural development department Alok Mohanty said the incident occurred not due to low quality work. "The bridge collapsed due to the carelessness of the company staff. There was no technical snag in it. They will repair it again", he asserted.

'Bridge and Roof Company', which is a Public Sector Enterprises (PSE) of Government of India, was entrusted with the task of construction. It was constructed at a cost of Rs 2.30 cr funded by Centre. Notably, the Kolkata based construction company has signed pact to do 14 such bridges under Anandpur Rural Development department in Keonjhar district.