- Road collapses near Sukhi Sewania ROB on Monday
Bhopal: In response to the sudden road collapse near the Sukhi Sewania Railway over Bridge (ROB) on the Bhopal East Bypass, the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) has formed a three-member technical committee to investigate the incident. The committee has been instructed to submit a detailed report within seven days. Meanwhile, repair work on the damaged section has commenced, with a target completion timeline of 10 days.
The road collapse occurred on October 13. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Authorities acted swiftly to barricade the affected area and diverted traffic to an alternate lane, ensuring continued vehicle movement with minimal disruption.
Constructed under the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model by M/s Transtroy Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, the four-lane bypass project was completed in 2012-13. However, the contract was terminated in 2020 due to multiple violations, and the firm was subsequently blacklisted.
Substandard construction practices revealed
Preliminary inspection revealed substandard construction practices. Key issues included the improper construction of the RE wall, use of poor-quality soil, and failure to implement essential stone pitching, which allowed rainwater infiltration. Additionally, unregulated digging by local farmers near the wall hampered drainage, contributing to waterlogging and eventual collapse.
Soil samples have been sent to the Central Laboratory of the Public Works Department. The findings, along with the investigation report, will help establish accountability among the investor, consultants, and officials involved.
MPRDC emphasized ongoing monitoring of the bypass and affirmed that renovation and inspections are conducted regularly.
