New Delhi: LG VK Saxena has ordered a detailed investigation by the ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) into the delay in the construction of the Barapulla flyover extension. A statement by the LG office said that the delay of around a decade has caused loss of hundreds of crores to the government exchequer. The ACB probe was ordered to probe “delay, cost overruns and arbitration payment” allegedly made to private contractor L&T (Larsen & Toubro) in the Barapullah extension project.
In additon to this, the role of previous ministers, some Public Works Department (PWD) officers, and Revenue and Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) will also be investigated. The LG issued the order on the recommendations of Delhi CM Rekha Gupta.
Delhi LG’s order
“The LG has ordered an ACB probe into the more than a decade delay in the construction of the Barapulla flyover. This delay caused a loss of hundreds of crores to the Delhi government exchequer by way of cost overruns and payment of arbitration penalty to the private contractor,” said an official of the LG Office.
As per officials, the Directorate of Vigilance recommended a probe based on a decision made by the Expenditure Finance Committee, chaired by the Delhi CM. The LG gave his consent to the proposal and reportedly mentioned that the “unusual delay” in the project has raised “key policy concerns” that need attention.
Barapulla extension project: Key details
The Barapulla flyover extension project began in 2015 under the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi. However, the project still remains unfinished. Authorities now expect it to be completed by June next year. The Expenditure Finance Committee discussed the matter in a meeting held on July 28 this year.
During the meeting, it was agreed that the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) should carry out a detailed investigation into various aspects — including whether arbitration awards were approved by officers not authorized to do so, reasons behind the prolonged delay in construction, and identification of officials or individuals responsible for lapses, an official explained.
In August, the BJP-led Delhi government instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to draft a new, detailed proposal for cabinet approval to cover the rising costs of the Barapullah Phase-3 project.
The project, sanctioned in 2015 with an initial cost of Rs 1,260.63 crore, has already spent Rs 1,238.68 crore and is now expected to exceed the original estimate. Because of this, a revised approval will be needed to include all outstanding dues and additional expenses.
Officials further said that the elevated road, which was supposed to be completed by October 2017, faced repeated delays and was later taken up for arbitration. “The arbitration outcome went in favour of the contractor, granting an award of Rs 120 crore along with interest and GST, bringing the total to around Rs 175 crore,” a Delhi government official said.