Kochi: The Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) has ordered a probe into the cause of the collapse of two girders of the under-construction Moolampilly-Pizhala bridge even as experts point to “human error” behind the accident. “A study has been ordered to find the cause. A technical committee will be formed in the next few days and a report prepared on a war-footing. Action will be taken on the basis of the report,” said Pramod Kumar, Project Director, GIDA.
The project was being executed by the Kerala State Constructions Corporation Ltd using GIDA funds and that particular section was subleased to a private contractor, Cherian Varkey Construction (P) Ltd. The district collector too ordered a probe to find out whether the collapse occurred due to unscientific construction. “A team comprising engineers will be deputed to find the real reason. Based on the report of the expert team, action will be initiated,” Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla said. However, experts have pin-pointed “human error” as being behind the collapse.
“The actual cause can be detected only through a scientific probe. Prima facie it appears like a human error as a major part of the bridge, was constructed using the same design. The contractor too is an experienced one. I don’t want to comment more as the technical study into the incident is on,” said DMRC’s Chief Engineer Kesava Chandran, who was earlier associated with the construction of Indian Railway’s longest rail bridge (4.62 km) over the Kochi backwaters at Vallarpadam during his tenure with the Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd.
The development comes even as local residents have been accusing GIDA of failing to supervise the construction activities. “The authorities never visited the construction site and unskilled workers brought from outside were engaged in the construction. The frame was removed before the stipulated period,” said Francis Kalathungal, General Convener, Moolampilly Co-ordination Committee. The Moolampilly-Pizhala bridge, measuring 180 meters, has 21 pillars. It was due for completion in June. The total estimate of the bridge was Rs 86 crore initially and was raised to Rs 120 crore later. The estimate for the three-bridge cluster is Rs 336 crore.
