Alappuzha flyover accident: NHAI blacklists Ashoka Buildcon

Alappuzha: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has temporarily blacklisted Maharashtra-based Ashoka Buildcon, the company contracted to construct the Thuravoor–Aroor elevated highway project on NH 66. The action follows the death of a man in a girder collapse at the construction site.

Ashoka Buildcon said that NHAI has barred it from participating in any ongoing or future bids for one month or until an expert committee completes its investigation. The company, however, denied allegations of endangering public safety.

Rajesh, a pickup van driver from Haripad, was killed after a girder of the under-construction flyover fell on his vehicle while crossing the work site at Eramalloor on November 13. According to police, the accident occurred around 2.30 am when a heavy girder was being placed on the piers. After positioning it, workers operating a heavy crane were adjusting it when it collapsed and fell onto a pickup van passing below. Rajesh, who was driving the vehicle carrying eggs from Tamil Nadu to Haripad, was trapped inside the cabin as the vehicle was crushed in the impact.

Following Rajesh’s death, NHAI issued a show-cause notice to the company. Police have also booked the firm, stating that no safety arrangements were in place at the site during the girder installation.

A day after the mishap, an expert panel appointed by NHAI inspected the Eramalloor site and found serious safety lapses. The panel’s report noted that the work was carried out in violation of Indian Roads Congress (IRC) safety norms.