After cracks, scaling, now potholes on concretized inner ring road

Nagpur: After cracks and scaling of surface layer, now potholes have started to crop up on newly concretized stretches of inner ring road (IRR). The central government’s technical expert — Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) — has also confirmed the problems, and said works are not up to the mark on one of the concretized stretches — Dighori Square to Kharbi Square.
TOI had highlighted shoddy quality of works by Mumbai-based RPS Infraprojects on newly concretized stretches between Hingna T-point and Chhatrapati Square in South-West Nagpur. The Rs205 crore project was sanctioned by union minister for road transport, highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari for widening and concretization of 45km long IRR. The state’s Public Works Department (PWD) has failed to ensure quality works, or take action against the contractor.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had blacklisted RPS for bad quality works in Mumbai.

TOI recently visited the newly concretized stretches between Chhatrapati Square and Wathoda. The condition of road is worse than the stretch between Hingna T-point and Chhatrapati Square. Big potholes have appeared on the cement concrete surface, especially between Uday Nagar Square and Sanjay Gandhi Square in South Nagpur. Cracks and scaling of surface layer is common on this stretch.

The road between Dighori Square and Kharbi Square in East Nagpur is marred by inferior quality works. There are cracks and surface layer has peeled off on the entire stretch. Work is still underway on this stretch at a few places.

Information obtained under RTI Act by activist Suraj Lolage, who has filed a criminal petition in Nagpur bench of Bombay high court, revealed the PWD has requested CRRI to inspect the concretized stretches and report causes of cracks and scaling, and also give solutions to rectify the defects.

However, CRRI team inspected only the stretch between Dighori Square and Kharbi Square. The inspection of other stretches and collection of samples for testing could not happen due to absence of employees of Q-max, which is the quality assurance unit of the project appointed by PWD. However, CRRI has made suggestions on the basis of its inspection of one stretch and information submitted by Q-max.

South Nagpur MLA and BJP city president Sudhakar Kohle too said quality of works was very poor on IRR. “We will not compromise. I have written a letter to PWD demanding an inquiry and also action against the contractor. I have also asked whether BMC’s decision to blacklist RPS could be automatically applied here,” he said.

PWD executive engineer AP Mukte said RPS will be forced to undertake repairs after receiving suggestions from CRRI. “The CRRI team will again visit IRR next month. As per contract, RPS is responsible to maintain the road for five years, so there is ample time to rectify the defects,” he said.

However, Mukte did not comment on any action taken against RPS for shoddy quality works, or inordinate delay in completing the project. Less than 60% works have been done even though the project was to end in September last year. PWD has given RPS extension up to March 30 next year.