In response to the recent fatal accidents occurring during the construction of flyovers and cement roads, Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal has taken serious note of the situation. He has issued strict directives to contractors, construction company owners, and government officials, demanding that they implement immediate corrective measures or face an FIR.
Dr. Singal has warned that failure to improve the situation could lead to charges of culpable homicide. He has directed all station officers to conduct audits of ongoing construction projects in their jurisdictions and submit detailed reports on their findings.
Construction of flyovers and cement roads is currently underway in various parts of the city, but multiple agencies, including private contractors, are working on the same projects without any coordination. Many construction activities are being initiated without the necessary permissions, leading to significant disruptions in public movement.
There are no designated alternative routes for drivers or pedestrians, and where alternatives do exist, they are often in poor condition, filled with potholes due to recent rains. This lack of planning has resulted in frequent road accidents, some of which have been fatal. In a recent meeting, traffic branch officers, Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), and Police Inspectors (PIs) from all units gathered to address these pressing issues.
Police officials have reported that many contractors are working without the necessary permissions and failing to provide alternative routes before starting construction. This has led to sudden road closures and insufficient marshals to manage traffic, causing increased complaints from citizens due to potholes.
ACP Jayesh Bhandarkar stated that it is the contractor’s responsibility to arrange alternative routes, noting the lack of barricades and the deployment of older marshals. ACP Sudhir Nandanwar highlighted the dangers of flyover construction between KDK College and Ashok Chowk, particularly on the road from Bhim Chowk to Hasanbagh in Hiwari Nagar, has become deadly. Even after a woman’s death, conditions have not improved. Passing through this area at night is extremely risky.
When the commissioner asked the contractors and company officials about the delays in construction, they cited rain and other technical reasons for delay in construction. Dr. Singal said that not paying attention to safety and not supervising the work properly will not be tolerated. No work will proceed without permissions. Before starting any work, they must make alternative routes for people to use. They should use barricades, blinking lights, traffic controllers, and reflectors on the road. Warning signs will be placed 100 feet before the construction site to let people know about it in advance.
The contractor is responsible for ensuring proper lighting at the construction site. No road will be closed without police permission, and the site must display the company’s name along with the mobile number of the responsible officer. The police commissioner emphasized that citizens’ difficulties will not be ignored. The police commissioner warned that the police will not just go through the motions after someone dies; they will hold the contractor, company officials, and the owner accountable.