Rapid Metro throws caution to wind, no safety measures at work sites

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was applauded for giving due attention to safety issues at its construction sites. But the promoters of the private initiative Gurgaon Rapid Metro, which is under construction, have been throwing all public safety concerns to the wind.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was applauded for giving due attention to safety issues at its construction sites. But the promoters of the private initiative Gurgaon Rapid Metro, which is under construction, have been throwing all public safety concerns to the wind.

HT Image

The death of a 21-year-old youth on Saturday — after a 15-foot-long girder fell on him —shows how callously the contractors have been carrying out the construction work.

Barricades have not been erected at many construction sites. One can see big concrete slabs eating into the road space all along the central verges where Rapid Metro pillars are being constructed. The signages put up do not have reflectors. Moreover, even workers’ safety is not being taken care of by the firm, as one can see many labourers undertaking dangerous tasks without safety gears.

“We are in the last leg of our construction as 95 per cent of the work has been completed. If there are lapses as being pointed out, we will tighten the noose around the contractor and try to take care of such concerns as best as possible,” said an RMGL spokesperson.

The DMRC put up barricades and illuminated important stretches and deployed marshals to regulate traffic. “It’s an overall management failure. I am scared to drive through the stretch where construction is going on,” said Sunil Chaturvedi, who works at DLF Cyber City. On October 8, nearly10 labourers had a miraculous escape when the floor of a building peeled off.