Newly built road collapses under minister’s step:Pratima Bagri fumes, ‘substandard work, negligence won’t be tolerated’; road contract revoked

During a visit to Raigaon assembly constituency in Satna district, Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Pratima Bagri expressed strong displeasure over the poor quality of a recently renovated road. On Sunday evening, she ordered the immediate cancellation of the contractor’s work and directed strict action against the construction agency. The incident occurred on the Podi-Mankhari road in Kothi tehsil. During her inspection, a section of the road gave way under the Minister’s step, exposing serious flaws in the construction. Road found damaged at several places The recently renovated Podi-Mankhari road in Kothi tehsil, Satna, appeared damaged at multiple spots, raising concerns about the quality of construction. Reports said that work on the approximately three-kilometre road was largely limited to formalities, with the tar layer neither meeting the prescribed thickness nor quality standards. The visible damages suggested the use of substandard materials. During the inspection, Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Pratima Bagri questioned Executive Engineer B.R. Singh, who tried to downplay the issue, claiming that “some portions were rejected.” However, the condition on site showed that the entire road had been constructed contrary to norms. The minister termed it serious negligence. Officers reprimanded, no compromise tolerated Pratima Bagri immediately ordered the contractor’s contract to be cancelled and severely reprimanded the Executive Engineer. She emphasised that no compromise on quality would be tolerated in government construction works and indicated strict action against all responsible officers and the contractor after a detailed investigation.