Action will be taken against defaulters: Raj Kumar Chauhan

NEW DELHI - Strict action will be taken against the defaulters in the collapse of an under-construction foot overbridge near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue of the Commonwealth Games, injuring 27 labourers, Delhi Public Works Department Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said Tuesday.

The Delhi government has called a high level meeting to fix responsibility for the collapse and decide the future course of action.

“We have called a high level meeting to know what led to the incident and fix responsibility of the defaulters. Those guilty will be punished,” Chauhan told IANS.

He said a decision will also be taken about the future course of action.

“We have to look at the probabilities whether we can complete the bridge before the Commonwealth Games (Oct 3-14),” he said.

Chauhan said: “The bridge was constructed by Hyderabad-based PNR Infra at a cost of Rs.5 crore (Rs.50 million/$1 million). Construction was to be completed in two-three days.”

Explaining how the incident happened, Chauhan said: “A rod was being rested on a grid but a clip slipped…resulting in the bridge collapsing.”

The incident has come as a major blow to the preparations for the mega-sporting event, expected to be attended by about 7,000 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Oct 3-14 Games, the biggest sporting event being hosted by India since the 1982 Asian Games, will be held at the Nehru stadium, which will also host the athletics events and the wrestling event in a newly-constructed hall in the complex.