Question : COLLAPSE OF GANDHI SETU BRIDGE

(a) the name of the company awarded contract for constructing the Gandhi Setu bridge on the river Ganga in Patna alongwith the date of construction and the life span stipulated for it;

(b) whether within the stipulated life span the bridge collapse due to which it is being repaired;

(c) if so, the date on which the repair work was started and the amount spent as on date alongwith the time by which the said repair work is likely to be completed;

(d) whether any action has been taken against the construction company; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a): The work of Mahatma Gandhi Setu was awarded to M/s Gammon India Ltd. on Design and Build basis in 1972. The upstream lane has been constructed between 1972 and 1982 whereas downstream lane has been constructed between 1983 and 1987. No life span of the bridge was stipulated in the contract. However, bridges are normally expected to be in service for 50Years.

(b): No, Sir. The bridge has not collapsed and is in service. However, there are some distress in the bridge due to which it is being repaired and rehabilitated.

(c): The repair work was started in 2001. So far, 14 estimates for an aggregate amount of Rs. 94.01 crore have been sanctioned for repair & rehabilitation of the bridge. Further, an amount of Rs.101.70 crore would be required to complete the balance repair and rehabilitation work. The Government is exploring the possibility of awarding the balance repair and rehabilitation work on BOT (Toll) basis.

(d): No, Sir.

(e): The distress in the bridge is mainly due to loss of pre-stressing forces over time and failure of one component called Central Hinge Bearing. The design conformed to the standards and technology prevailing at that time, which has not proved successful today. Other bridges constructed with same technology have also given problem.