Thiruvananthapuram: PWD minister G Sudhakaran on Tuesday informed the Assembly that the government would conduct a detailed investigation to find out the people responsible for Palarivattom flyover damage.
During the question hour, the minister said the decision to order an in-depth probe into the grave lapses in construction of flyover was being done on the basis of the recommendations of Vigilance and Anti- Corruption Bureau. He lashed out at KITCO which had secured the consultancy contract and accused the agency of doing just nothing.
The minister said there were grave lapses in design, construction and monitoring of the flyover project. Besides, there was major failure on the part of the administration.
Mr Sudhakran said the government would order probe into other bridges constructed during the previous UDF Government's tenure if anyone comes up with specific complaint. At the moment vigilance is investigating specific allegations related to Palarivattom flyover. In case if preliminary examination reveals serious irregularities during the tenure of previous regime, the government has no problem in handing over such matters to vigilance, he added.
The minister said that the government would not take up works related to construction of bridges along the national highway. It is not proper for the state to take up works which are to be carried out by the central government.
Mr Sudhakaran said various steps had been taken by LDF government to improve the quality of work in the public works department. In order to ensure good design and expedite design work, two regional offices were established in Ernakulam and Kozhikode besides Thiruvananthapuram. More than 400 bridges have been designed during the past three years.
He said steps for strengthening Highway Research Institute were progressing. New technologies were being employed for construction roads and bridges. The Bangalore model of white topping surface technology was being used in select places.
