Nagpur’s ambitious ₹214.94 crore redevelopment of Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Devasthan in Koradi suffered a major jolt late Saturday night when the under-construction Rajgad Maha Dwar (VIP gate) collapsed, injuring 16 workers.
Within hours, the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) swung into action—forming a technical inspection committee under superintendent engineer Abdul Javed to probe the mishap. The panel, including expert engineers, will submit its findings within a week.
To ensure quick relief, NMRDA recovered ₹19 lakh from contractor BBG Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. for victim compensation. On Monday, the authority approved ₹1 lakh each for 13 workers with minor injuries and ₹2 lakh each for three seriously hurt. Payments begin Tuesday.
Show-cause notices have been served to four supervising NMRDA officials, BBG Infrastructure, and Project Management Consultant Creative Consultant Services—demanding explanations and warning of possible contract termination.
The VIP gate, part of Phases III and IV, was solely handled by BBG and designed to feature statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maa Tulja Bhavani, along with 52 murals depicting Shakti Peeths. Tendered at ₹3.44 crore, it was a key highlight of the larger project, which also includes an amusement park and devotional theme attractions.
Preliminary checks point to failed cuplock scaffolding as the likely cause. Work at the gate site is halted, but other redevelopment activities continue. NMRDA has vowed a full safety audit—determined to avoid further lapses in one of Maharashtra’s most high-profile religious tourism projects.
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