NHAI debars contractor, consultant

08 Sep 2020 CW Staff

Photo courtesy: The Hans India

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken strict action against the defaulting firms on the unfortunate accident during launching of girders on February 16, 2020, at the new four-lane bridge over river Ganga at downstream of Farakka Barrage including approaches connecting the Farakka-Raiganj section of NH-34 in West Bengal, leading to two casualties.

One of the under construction spans had collapsed owing to toppling of the launching girders leading to collapse of the erected span. Post incident, NHAI appointed a bridge expert to investigate the causes. It was found that the accident happened due to lack of coordination between the contractor, design consultant and designer of launching girder in design and execution of the superstructure of the bridge. Further, the contractor and consultants responsible for design and launching girder system failed to present any convincing reasons during investigation for the causes leading to the unfortunate incident.

NHAI has accordingly taken action against the parties responsible for the accident as under:

1. Qingdao Construction Engineering Group Co, China, and RKEC Projects, India, have been debarred from participation in future projects jointly as well as severally for three years.

2. VAX Consultants and Nagesh Consultants are debarred from participation in future projects jointly as well as severally for three years.

3. NC Infracon Consultant (New Delhi) has been debarred from participation in future projects jointly as well as severally for three years.

Commenting on the matter, Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Chairman, NHAI, said “If any contractor or consultant deviates from the contractual obligations and compromises public safety, it becomes imperative for NHAI to take stringent action against such defaulters. It is warned that lapses shall not be tolerated and strict action shall be taken against defaulting firms and personnel.”

In another recent news, CW had reported that in its endeavour to maintain high quality standards in highway development, NHAI is taking all steps to ensure adherence to the standards during construction and maintenance of the projects.

Photo courtesy: The Hans IndiaThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken strict action against the defaulting firms on the unfortunate accident during launching of girders on February 16, 2020, at the new four-lane bridge over river Ganga at downstream of Farakka Barrage including approaches connecting the Farakka-Raiganj section of NH-34 in West Bengal, leading to two casualties.One of the under construction spans had collapsed owing to toppling of the launching girders leading to collapse of the erected span. Post incident, NHAI appointed a bridge expert to investigate the causes. It was found that the accident happened due to lack of coordination between the contractor, design consultant and designer of launching girder in design and execution of the superstructure of the bridge. Further, the contractor and consultants responsible for design and launching girder system failed to present any convincing reasons during investigation for the causes leading to the unfortunate incident.NHAI has accordingly taken action against the parties responsible for the accident as under:1. Qingdao Construction Engineering Group Co, China, and RKEC Projects, India, have been debarred from participation in future projects jointly as well as severally for three years.2. VAX Consultants and Nagesh Consultants are debarred from participation in future projects jointly as well as severally for three years.3. NC Infracon Consultant (New Delhi) has been debarred from participation in future projects jointly as well as severally for three years. Commenting on the matter, Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Chairman, NHAI, said “If any contractor or consultant deviates from the contractual obligations and compromises public safety, it becomes imperative for NHAI to take stringent action against such defaulters. It is warned that lapses shall not be tolerated and strict action shall be taken against defaulting firms and personnel.”In another recent news, CW had reported that in its endeavour to maintain high quality standards in highway development, NHAI is taking all steps to ensure adherence to the standards during construction and maintenance of the projects.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..