Delhi L-G nod to acquiring land for Barapullah Phase 3, flags 6-yr delay, uptick in cost
L-G VK Saxena has given his nod for acquisition of the land — measuring 1,169.093 sqm and 709.901 sqm located in Southeast Delhi’s Nangli Razapur village — which delayed completion of the project for over six years and pushed up its cost by more than Rs 362 crore,
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The elevated road project is aimed at connecting East and Central Delhi. Archive After a delay of over six years, two parcels of land that were holding up construction of Phase III of the Barapullah elevated road project, aimed at connecting East and Central Delhi, are finally set to be acquired.
L-G VK Saxena has given his nod for acquisition of the land — measuring 1,169.093 sqm and 709.901 sqm located in Southeast Delhi’s Nangli Razapur village — which delayed completion of the project for over six years and pushed up its cost by more than Rs 362 crore, according to L-G House officials.
Saxena has, however, also asked Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to inquire into the “erred planning” and “assessment of land requirement” that essentially led to delaying the project for over half a decade and escalated its cost. He demanded action against the engineers in-charge of the project within 15 days.
“The L-G noted that contrary to claims made by even the Chief Minister, the government will end up paying Rs 1,326.37 core for the Barapullah project against the tender amount of Rs 964 crore. This amounts to an additional Rs 362.37 crore being paid to the contractor out of the government exchequer, while also delaying the project by over six years,” an official said quoting Saxena’s observations in the matter.
In response, government sources termed it “deeply unfortunate” that the L-G was making imputations against the AAP-Delhi government “despite having all requisite information concerning the matter”.
This, sources said, included that the project design, approval and land requirements were all finalised in 2013 under the then Sheila Dikshit government.
“Sanction for the project was given in December 2014 during President’s Rule by the L-G of that time. The Arvind Kejriwal government has always used public exchequer money for the betterment of Delhiites, and is solemnly resolved to do so in future,” sources said.
The project, part of the earlier Barapullah Phases I and II projects which were completed more than a decade back, Saxena noted, aimed at connecting East Delhi to Central Delhi, decrease travel time and traffic congestion, and mitigate air pollution.
“… engineers in-charge of the project, right from the time of start of construction work, may be placed under suspension if yet serving and suitable action be initiated against those who have retired, pending an inquiry into their role and responsibility…,” the L-G stated.
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