Delhi government has approved structural audit of 44 flyovers older than 15 years. The safety and repair status will be checked at a cost of Rs 11 crore.
New Delhi. The Delhi government has taken an important step towards making the urban infrastructure of the capital more secure. The government has approved conducting structural audit of 44 flyovers and grade separators that are more than 15 years old. Administrative and financial approval of Rs 11 crore has been given to the Public Works Department (PWD) for appointing a consultant for this work.
This decision shows that the government is already giving priority to maintenance and safety measures instead of waiting for a possible accident. These flyovers of Delhi are the main basis for the movement of millions of passengers and vehicles every day. Many of these structures were built between 1982 and 2010 and due to ever-increasing traffic pressure, their detailed technical scrutiny has now become necessary.
Flyover Safety Audit: Government serious about the safety of passengers
PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said that the main objective of this initiative is to ensure the safety of citizens and keep public properties safe. He said that Delhi is developing rapidly and hence the strength and security of the city’s infrastructure has become more important than ever. Many flyovers have been in continuous service for more than one and a half decades and are used by millions of people every day. In such a situation, the actual condition of 44 flyovers will be scientifically audited and assessed so that any possible danger can be identified in time.
The minister said that this is not just a technical investigation but an investment towards strengthening the security, convenience and confidence of the people of Delhi. The government aims not only to create new infrastructure but also to keep the existing structures safe and strong.
PWD Project: Consultant company will do detailed technical assessment
As per the approved proposal, an expert consultant agency will be appointed, which will conduct a detailed study of the structural condition of all the selected flyovers. This agency will check whether there is any technical weakness or damage in any flyover and if repairs are required, what steps should be taken for the same. The selection of the consultant will be done with complete transparency under the General Financial Rules (GFR-2017) of the Central Government and the guidelines of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
Delhi Flyover List: Which flyovers will be audited
This audit will be completed in several phases. Major flyovers and grade separators that have been included in this list include IP Estate Ring Road Intersection (1982), Nangia Park-Shakti Nagar RUB (1990), Naraina Flyover (2010), Mangolpuri Flyover (2008), Lajpat Nagar-Srinivaspuri Flyover (2006), Sarai Kale Khan Flyover (2003), Safdarjung (AIIMS) flyover (2003), DND flyover (2008), Africa Avenue-Aruna Asaf Ali Marg flyover (2009), Azadpur grade separator (2010) and Ghazipur flyover (2010).
Infrastructure Maintenance: Some flyovers included after complaints
According to sources, some flyovers have been added to this list on the basis of complaints related to their current condition and maintenance. Complaints had earlier surfaced regarding Narayana Flyover, Mangolpuri Flyover and Lajpat Nagar-Srinivaspuri Flyover. Apart from this, keeping in mind the safety of passengers, Andrews Ganj flyover has also been included in this audit list later.
Structural Audit Report: Report will decide repair and future plans
The responsibility of the consultant agency will not be limited to inspection only. He will also have to do structural investigation, technical survey, prepare detailed report, estimate cost of repairs and give technical suggestions for necessary improvement works in future. Payments have been linked to various stages to ensure transparency and accountability in the project. That means payment will be made only on the basis of progress of work.
This comprehensive structural audit will prepare a detailed ‘health report’ of Delhi’s old flyover network. On the basis of this, the government will be able to decide which places require immediate repair and where improvement work should be done in future. Amidst the increasing urban expansion and ever-increasing traffic, this initiative is being considered an important step towards creating safe, strong and sustainable urban infrastructure.