Click to play videoNew Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has agreed that there were serious flaws in the construction and design of the pillar that collapsed and killed six people in the Zamrudpur mishap.
The DMRC accepted the three-member probe panel's report on the Zamrudpur mishap, took place on July 12. Metro Chief E Sreedharan conceded that the bridge collapsed due to poor design and construction.
The report says cracks in the structure were first noticed on April 2009, which was two and a half months before the accident. The accident was also caused by material deficiencies. Tests have revealed that the concrete used failed to meet the strength criteria.
"The accident was also caused by material deficiencies. Tests have revealed that the concrete used failed to meet the strength criteria," He said.
Delhi Metro has come down heavily on the defaulters. The design company Arch Consultants has been blacklisted for five years and taken off all existing contracts immediately.
Gammon India, contractors who are responsible for the construction of the Central Secretariat- Badarpur line could face a two-year ban. They have been issued a show-cause but have also been allowed to continue their work for now.
"We need Gammon's assistance even now, first of all for restoration and to get a new contractor. There will be a delay of at least six to eight months which we can't suffer. The project has to be completed before the Commonwealth Games," he said.
Sreedharan has not spared even his own men. While a charge sheet has been filed against Chief Engineer for Design for Metro, Rajan Kataria, two Deputy Chief Engineers have been suspended. DMRC has also replaced its expatriate consultant who was directly responsible for ensuring quality of work.
"Phase two has to be examined minutely. An independent agency will check the design. And two levels of checks will be carried out before the designs will be cleared," said Sreedharan.
With new cracks being detected on 18 structures under construction, the Delhi Metro is clearly taking no chances. The faith of millions of commuters had come crashing down with this girder, but with this report, Sreedharan assured Delhiites that not only will the project be completed before Commonwealth Games; it will also stand the test of time.
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