Gujarat Bridge Contractor Faces Criminal Case Over Defects

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has initiated criminal action against a Gujarat bridge contractor over serious quality deficiencies detected in a major bridge over the Karjan river on the Rajpipla–Ramgadh (Navagam) road in Narmada district.

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Roads and Buildings Department has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against M/s Royal Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Surat, the company responsible for building the bridge. The FIR has been registered at Rajpipla Police Station, an official release said.

The bridge is a crucial link for connectivity in and around Rajpipla and Ramgadh, but it was found to have serious construction-related defects that raised concerns about its safety for public use. The Gujarat bridge contractor had been awarded the project during 2018–19 at a tender cost of ₹10.71 crore.

The work commenced on September 15, 2018, and was physically completed on August 14, 2020. During a subsequent inspection, officials noticed settlement in one of the bridge's foundations — a discovery that prompted the department to order a comprehensive structural assessment by its Quality Control Division.

The ₹10.71 crore contract was among the public works awarded by the Roads and Buildings Department in 2018–19. The department's Quality Control Division is tasked with certifying such structures, and its adverse report in this case formed the basis for the criminal complaint now registered with the police.

The structure was a key link for connectivity in and around Rajpipla and Ramgadh, and its closure has disrupted movement across the Karjan for local residents. Officials said the Quality Control Division's report documented the extent of the damage in detail, after which the department decided to keep the bridge shut to all traffic.

Gujarat bridge contractor faces criminal proceedings

The division's inspection revealed additional defects in other parts of the structure built by the Gujarat bridge contractor. The bridge was found unsuitable and unsafe for vehicular traffic, forcing the authorities to suspend all movement over it. The Roads and Buildings Department then moved against the contractor on the Chief Minister's directions.

Taking serious note of the deficiencies, the Chief Minister directed the department to initiate criminal proceedings against the contractor and its representatives under the applicable legal provisions.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also ordered strict departmental action against the officials and employees found responsible for poor-quality construction and negligence in the discharge of their duties. The action will be initiated under the Gujarat State Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1971.

Gujarat bridge contractor's Karjan river bridge declared unsafe

Through this action, the Chief Minister has reiterated the state government's position that no compromise will be tolerated on the quality and safety of public infrastructure projects. The Karjan river bridge case, involving a Royal Infra Engineering contract awarded eight years ago, has now become a test of that resolve.

Gujarat bridge contractor case sends a wider message

Patel has repeatedly maintained that serious construction defects and negligence in accountability will invite strict action in accordance with the law. The action against the Gujarat bridge contractor reflects the work ethic associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principle of "Je kevu te Karvu", which Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has sought to demonstrate through decisive action.

Officials said the FIR marks a rare instance of a Gujarat bridge contractor facing criminal proceedings over construction quality, and the outcome of the Rajpipla police investigation will be watched closely across the infrastructure sector.