Baner River Bridge Delay Causes Hardship, PWD Faces Criticism

24 Jan 2025 CW Team

As reported by Himachal Tribune on January 21, 2025, a bridge on the Baner river, located on the Daulatpur-Kharati road and meant to connect 15 panchayats, has remained incomplete for eight years, causing ongoing hardships for residents of over a dozen villages. The bridge’s construction began in 2017 after the foundation was laid by the late Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, but despite this, the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has failed to make it operational.

Two years ago, the bridge collapsed due to poor construction quality, and work has yet to resume. In September 2023, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh visited the site and instructed that the bridge be completed within a year, yet the project remains half-finished. Official sources say fresh bids for the construction have been invited and sent to the head office for approval, due to the failure of the initial tender process.

Kangra MLA Pawan Kajal has been vocal in his criticism of the PWD, highlighting repeated delays and the extensions granted to the contractor despite their failure to complete the work. Kajal, who secured a Rs 3.3 crore budget from NABARD for the project in 2017, has alleged that substandard construction led to the collapse and is now calling for strict action against the responsible engineers. He also urged the Vigilance Department to investigate the matter.

In response to the collapse, a four-member fact-finding team from the PWD was formed to investigate the incident. The team conducted an inspection, collected evidence, and recorded statements, but no action has yet been taken against those responsible.

Meanwhile, residents of the affected villages continue to face significant challenges, and public outrage is growing. Kajal has reiterated the urgency of completing the project and ensuring that such lapses do not occur again.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..