Why delay in construction of Jangpura bridge: HC

The Delhi High Court has sought an explanation from the transport commissioner and secretary of the public works department on a PIL questioning the delay in constructing a foot-over-bridge (FOB) near Jangpura Metro station even after repeated court directions.

The Delhi High Court has sought an explanation from the transport commissioner and secretary of the public works department on a PIL questioning the delay in constructing a foot-over-bridge (FOB) near Jangpura Metro station even after repeated court directions.

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“The Delhi transport commissioner and PWD secretary are hereby directed to file their responses,” said a bench headed by acting chief justice AK Sikri.

The authorities are to file their replies by April 25.

The court direction came after RK Saini, counsel for Jangpura Residents Welfare Association (JRWA) representing Jangpura RWA president Monu Chadha, said, “There is no instruction so far from the authorities concerned. I don’t know when this foot-over-bridge will be built.”

The PIL filed by JRWA sought a direction to the government and others to construct an over-bridge for pedestrians to cross Lala Lajpat Rai Marg near the Jangpura Metro station, as residents of nearby colonies face the risk of being run over by speeding vehicles on the busy road.

Seeking immediate building of the FOB, Chadha in his petition said, “Lala Lajpat Rai Marg is a very busy and wide road with high-speed traffic throughout the day. The delay is a negligent, callous and abdication of public duty/responsibility.”

The PIL said that the government agencies, which were being approached by JRWA, did not do anything despite assuring the association on February 2, 2007, that the estimates for the bridge had already been prepared for administrative approval.