Sohna road collapse: Highway authority debars concessionaire

Ten days after a section of an elevated road being constructed as part of the Sohna road project collapsed, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has debarred the concessionaire of that section of the project from participating in its bids.

Officials said a showcause notice was issued to the concessionaire, M/s Rajiv Chowk-Sohna Highway Pvt. Ltd., after the incident, to explain the violations of obligations in the concession agreement. The explanation in response, however, was found to be “unsatisfactory”.

Officials added it was also found the concessionaire had failed to discharge its obligation to construct a safe structure and ensure the safety of users and pedestrians, with lapses being found in the implementation of “safety measures, workmanship, adherence to construction methodologies and procedures”.