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.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..