J-K CM for probe into 4th Tawi bridge construction

Expressing unhappiness over the slow pace of repairs on an important bridge over the Tawi river in Jammu city, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today ordered an inquiry into the construction of the structure whose portions had collapsed twice during floods.
Mehbooba instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) Commissioner Secretary, Rohit Kansal to order the probe while inspecting the ongoing repair at the washed-out portion of the fourth Tawi bridge here today.
"You should order an inquiry about various aspects of the bridge," the chief minister told the official, flagging collapse of a portion of the structure due to poor construction work and design.

Portions of the 750-meter long bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 147 crore and thrown open for traffic in 2013, were washed away twice in flash floods in 2014 and June 2016.
The bridge was closed for traffic after the second instance of collapse and reopened for one-way traffic in September this year but work to complete the portion is still going on.
The State government had been under attack over frequent traffic snarls in Jammu city due to closure of the important bridge for over 3 months that has drawn protests from various groups.

In November 2014, the State Vigilance Commission had ordered an inquiry into the washing away and collapse of a portion of the bridge.

The complaint alleged use of sub-standard material in the construction of the bridge and also siphoning off of funds meant for it.
"The inquiry has also been ordered into the alleged disproportionate assets possessed by these officers," an SVC handout said then.
The bridge was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on May 17, 2013.
A portion of the approach road of the bridge was washed away after heavy floods in the Tawi during September 2014.
The bridge had remained closed for a 6-month period then.